Procedure descriptions
Applying for planning permission for the construction of buildings (permit for works under nature conservation legislation)
If, for example, you wish to erect or alter structures or buildings in the countryside (outlying areas), seal or pave surfaces, or erect or alter fences, planning permission is often required. The term ‘outdoor area’ refers to plots of land and areas that lie outside contiguous built-up areas and are not covered by approved local development plans.
If the project in question does not require planning permission – that is, if it is a project exempt from the planning permission process under Section 50 of the State Building Regulations – a nature conservation permit may still be required. Whether a permit is required depends on the location, nature and scale of the project. You can apply for a nature conservation permit here.
Forms/Online Services
Responsible authority
The lower administrative authorities are responsible.
The local administrative authority is,
- if you live in an urban district: the city council
- if you live in a rural district: the district administration
Details
Prerequisite
A permit under nature conservation law may, for example, be required for the following projects in rural areas:
- Drive-in silo
- Fence, enclosure
- Buildings excluding communal areas, toilets or fireplaces with an enclosed volume of no more than 20 m³
- Agricultural and forestry buildings with a floor area of less than 100m²
- Antenna
- Temporary structure
- Unpaved agricultural or forestry storage or storage areas with a usable area of up to 500m²
- Wind turbines up to 10 metres in height
- Soil sealing/paving
Procedure
If you are planning to construct any buildings or structures, you should contact the relevant authority in advance and, where necessary, apply for planning permission. Once you have submitted the required details via the service portal, they will be automatically forwarded to the relevant authorities.
Deadlines
It is advisable to contact the relevant authority as early as possible. It is possible that your application may give rise to queries or requests for further information, which will take additional time. You should contact your relevant authority no later than one month before the start of the project.
Required documents
The required documents and information are requested via the service portal. The specific documents and information required vary from case to case.
You should submit a simple application accompanied by a map extract showing the location and a simple sketch plan. The lower nature conservation authority at the district office or the local council will assess whether a nature conservation permit is required for the project and whether any further documents are needed.
Costs
The costs depend on the application: What are you applying for? How much work is involved for the authorities? They may vary from one authority to another.
Processing time
depending on the application
Miscellaneous
none
Detailed information
If the project is situated within a Natura 2000 site, a Natura 2000 preliminary assessment may be required, depending on the scale of the proposed project.
Legal basis
Bundesnaturschutzgesetz (BNatSchG):
- § 14 Abs. 1 Eingriffe in Natur und Landschaft
- § 17 Abs. 3 Verfahren; Ermächtigung zum Erlass von Rechtsverordnungen
Landesbauordnung für Baden-Württemberg (LBO):
- § 50 Verfahrensfreie Vorhaben
Release note
Machine generated, based on the German release by: Umweltministerium Baden-Württemberg, 30.10.2026