ᐅ Restrictive building regulations, single-story construction

Created on: 20 Oct 2014 14:10
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Xinette
Xinette20 Oct 2014 14:10
We have reserved a building plot. However, the building regulations are so restrictive that we simply can’t find a suitable house.

The most problematic is this:

Single-story construction:

In the residential zones WA and MDe, the eaves height of gable roofs may be a maximum of 3.75 meters (12 feet 4 inches), and the ridge height a maximum of 9.00 meters (29 feet 6 inches) above the standard ground level.

The eaves height of shed roofs (lower horizontal roof edge) may be a maximum of 5.00 meters (16 feet 5 inches), and the ridge height (higher horizontal edge) a maximum of 7.00 meters (23 feet) above the standard ground level.

For shed roofs with a staggered upper floor, the height of the horizontal roof surface (roof terrace) may be a maximum of 3.25 meters (10 feet 8 inches) above the standard ground level. Solid parapets as a boundary above this height are not allowed.

The roof tiles may only be matte, red clay tiles.

Do you have similar regulations, or is this really a special case here?
We also need space for 3 children.
Best regards, Sandra
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ypg
20 Oct 2014 14:27
Are hipped roofs or pyramid roofs not permitted?

Quick reply on the go 🙂
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Doc.Schnaggls
20 Oct 2014 14:32
Hello Sandra,

It’s really frustrating when you find a plot of land but can’t build on it the way you envision.

However, such zoning plans are not uncommon. Personally, I also believe that my house should please me, not the city or municipality. Therefore, I think you might not have much choice but to look for another plot where your ideas can be realized.

One alternative, of course, would be to check with the local building authority about the chances of obtaining a special permit or variance.

Have you considered looking for building gaps in older neighborhoods? We are currently building on a street where all the houses were built between 1950 and 1955. Here, the zoning plan is not as strict—we only had to conform to the surrounding buildings (§34)...

Best regards,

Dirk
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ypg
20 Oct 2014 15:13
No tent roofs... only half-hip roofs now 🙁

I searched myself using your information and found the development plan.

Is this the plot near the horse paddocks?

As I understand it, this plot is not an option for that exact reason, even though you could build a staggered shed roof...

It’s really frustrating! Affordable plots are not exactly easy to find these days—you have to make so many compromises when building. You might accept that to some extent, but you still want to like your house and surroundings 😉

In your preferred town, there are other residential areas. The development plan does not seem to be as strict there.
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Bauexperte
20 Oct 2014 17:55
Hello Xinette,

the requirements aren’t that bad; even if you have to accommodate three children.

Best regards, Bauexperte
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DG
20 Oct 2014 22:56
The height alone is not the limiting factor; it can only lead to the (subjective) limitation that space is insufficient when combined with a narrow building plot. If that is truly the case, you should still have funds available for additional living space and a larger lot!?

Other alternatives, as already mentioned, are infill plots or properties suitable for renovation within existing buildings, especially for tinkerers in areas without a building permit / planning permission. In that case, I would recommend building with an architect, because you can often achieve a lot more with individual ideas. However, there are also constraints in these situations.

By the way, I don’t find the regulations that dramatic, and if there were no regulations, everyone would build however they pleased. I’ll leave it to your imagination what that would look like...

Best regards
Dirk Grafe