Hello everyone,
We have encountered a problem that is causing us some concern. Since 2013, we have lived in a semi-detached house built by a well-known developer in North Rhine-Westphalia. On our property, right next to the house wall, there is a 9m (30 ft) garage. In front of this garage, there is an approximately 5-6m (16-20 ft) long area providing access to both the house entrance and the garage (a driveway belonging to our property). Our driveway borders a municipal property at its front end. Next to our driveway, the former developer still owns a small plot of land, and adjacent to that is a neighboring property on which a multi-family building with a garden area has been constructed. When we leave the house, we currently face the garden of that multi-family building and the small vacant plot of land.
Now, the former developer has contacted us to ask if we would be interested in renting a garage he plans to build on that small vacant plot. This garage is causing us concern.
First, it probably won’t look very attractive to have a garage there – we would open the door and face a wall bordering our driveway. What worries us much more are the actual consequences for us. The garage would run along the entire length of our driveway and its rear right corner would touch the front left corner of our existing garage. Our driveway would become a "hidden area," which would naturally be very attractive to burglars. They could only be observed if someone walks into the driveway or leaves the house.
Our question is: Does the developer need a building permit / planning permission for this garage? Is there anything we can do to prevent it? Are there minimum distances that must be maintained? Or are there any other reasons that could obstruct the construction of this garage?
If you need more detailed information, please let me know. I hope I have explained everything clearly and look forward to any helpful feedback!
Thanks in advance!
Best regards
We have encountered a problem that is causing us some concern. Since 2013, we have lived in a semi-detached house built by a well-known developer in North Rhine-Westphalia. On our property, right next to the house wall, there is a 9m (30 ft) garage. In front of this garage, there is an approximately 5-6m (16-20 ft) long area providing access to both the house entrance and the garage (a driveway belonging to our property). Our driveway borders a municipal property at its front end. Next to our driveway, the former developer still owns a small plot of land, and adjacent to that is a neighboring property on which a multi-family building with a garden area has been constructed. When we leave the house, we currently face the garden of that multi-family building and the small vacant plot of land.
Now, the former developer has contacted us to ask if we would be interested in renting a garage he plans to build on that small vacant plot. This garage is causing us concern.
First, it probably won’t look very attractive to have a garage there – we would open the door and face a wall bordering our driveway. What worries us much more are the actual consequences for us. The garage would run along the entire length of our driveway and its rear right corner would touch the front left corner of our existing garage. Our driveway would become a "hidden area," which would naturally be very attractive to burglars. They could only be observed if someone walks into the driveway or leaves the house.
Our question is: Does the developer need a building permit / planning permission for this garage? Is there anything we can do to prevent it? Are there minimum distances that must be maintained? Or are there any other reasons that could obstruct the construction of this garage?
If you need more detailed information, please let me know. I hope I have explained everything clearly and look forward to any helpful feedback!
Thanks in advance!
Best regards
F
Fairplay-Haus8 May 2019 22:37Well, there could be several. Setback from the street, approval in a residential area on such a small plot would hardly be granted. Through road or dead-end street.
Ena1609 schrieb:
Yes, there is a development plan. So, do you want to share it with the forum? Otherwise, we can continue forming if... then sentences and expand the list of questions.
Ena1609 schrieb:
However, there is no garage planned on the property. What does that mean? Is there no area specifically designated for parking spaces? Is there a building boundary or building line? Is the plot outside the developable area? Are garages and parking spaces excluded in the development plan if they are outside the developable zones?
Ena1609 schrieb:
I am not aware of a parking space regulation. Yes, that’s funny. Apparently, Gelsenkirchen is waiting for the statewide regulation from the ministry but has already introduced a parking space buyout ordinance. So, you don’t know how many parking spaces you have to create, but you do know what it costs if you don’t.
Well, that’s not really helpful for you.
Ena1609 schrieb:
It is supposed to be a standard prefabricated garage. So, 3m by 6m = 18m² (193.75 ft²) which is less than 30m² (323 ft²) — permit not required.
Ena1609 schrieb:
Each 3m wide and high. Average wall height not exceeding 3m (9.8 ft) — no setback requirements.
That means your rights as a neighbor to oppose are exhausted. Even if there are other building law reasons against erecting the garage, you can only hope that the permitting authority takes up your objections. Unlikely if it’s a successful and influential developer.
I’m afraid it is allowed. Why does the construction company do this? I suspect it’s to create a threat scenario for the original poster and make that small piece of land extremely expensive. A prefabricated garage with a metal door costs a maximum of around 5,000. You can easily find a tenant for about 50 per month. A decent return, but basically peanuts for such a landlord...
N
NatureSys10 May 2019 03:07If you were offered to rent the garage to be built, it might be possible for you to lease the land instead. This way, the landowner can monetize the property without you having to deal with any issues related to the garage.
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