Many builders want to be able to build their garage without planning permission if possible. In Rhineland-Palatinate, this is actually possible under certain conditions.
In many cases, a garage can be built without a building permit if certain criteria are met. These usually include a maximum floor area of 50 m² for the garage. In addition, the wall height of the garage must not exceed approximately 3.20 m and the ridge height is usually a maximum of around 4 m. Furthermore, the garage must be located within a built-up area and the prescribed clearance areas must be observed.
If these requirements are met, a garage can in many cases be built without a separate building permit. However, exemption from planning permission does not automatically mean that no regulations apply. Builders must still comply with all building regulations. For example, a garage that does not require planning permission must not violate the development plan of the municipality in Rhineland-Palatinate.
On the other hand, a permit is required if, among other things, the garage is larger than 50 m², the permissible height is exceeded, the garage is located in an outdoor area or the local development plan stipulates stricter regulations. In such cases, a corresponding building permit is required before construction can begin.
3. Maximum size and height of garages
The size and height of a garage are important criteria. The floor space of the garage also plays a role.
These values often determine whether a permit is required.
Typical size requirements
| Garage type | Typical width | Typical length | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single garage | approx. 3 to 4 m | approx. 6 to 7 m | 1 vehicle |
| Double garage | approx. 6 to 7 m | approx. 6 to 7 m | 2 vehicles |
| Large garage | from approx. 7 m | variable | several vehicles |
The larger a garage is, the more likely it is that a garage permit will be required.
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4. Clearance areas & boundary construction
A key point in garage construction is clearance areas.
They determine the required distance to the neighbour and regulate how close a boundary may be built.
Minimum distances
If a garage is not located directly on the property boundary, a minimum distance of approximately 3 m must usually be maintained.
This rule ensures that buildings are sufficiently spaced apart.
Boundary construction
Under certain conditions, a garage boundary may be located directly on the property boundary.
Typical conditions are:
- maximum garage height of approximately 3 m
- maximum boundary length of approximately 9 m
- no recreation rooms
- use exclusively as a garage.
These regulations are part of neighbour law for garages.
Builders can find further information on clearance areas and neighbour law for garage construction on the Rhineland-Palatinate state law page.
5. Garage in the development plan
In addition to the state building regulations, the development plan is also important. The Rhineland-Palatinate development plan is drawn up by the respective municipality.
It can specify, for example:
- where a garage may be built
- which building restrictions apply
- which roof shapes are permitted
- how large the garage floor space may be
Builders should therefore always check the development plan before planning their garage.
6. Garages in rural areas
Special building regulations apply to garages in rural areas. Rural areas generally include properties located outside of towns or designated building areas. These include, for example, agricultural land, open countryside or properties that are not located within a development plan or a contiguously built-up district.
In these areas in particular, building law aims to protect the landscape as much as possible and prevent unplanned development. For this reason, building projects in rural areas are subject to significantly stricter regulations than those within towns.
For this reason, garages in rural areas are often not exempt from planning permission. In many cases, they may only be built if they are connected to an existing building, such as a residential house or an agricultural business. A detached garage on an undeveloped plot of land is therefore usually not permitted.
In addition, a building permit is often required for the garage, as the responsible building authority must check whether the building project complies with the provisions of the Building Code and the State Building Regulations. Builders should therefore clarify during the planning phase whether their property is located in an outlying area and what specific regulations apply to the construction of a garage.
7. Use of the garage and conversion
A garage is generally intended for vehicles.
This means that its main function is to park cars or motorcycles.
Conversion can therefore be problematic. For example, if the garage is used permanently as a workshop, storage room or living space.
In such cases, a garage permit may be required.
8. Parking space requirement and access
Many municipalities have a parking space requirement. This means that a certain number of parking spaces must be available for each residential building.
These parking spaces can be: garages, carports or outdoor parking spaces.
Garage access must also meet certain requirements. It must be sufficiently wide and must not obstruct road traffic.
9. Prefabricated garage vs. brick garage
Many builders today opt for a prefabricated garage. The prefabricated concrete garage is particularly popular.
The advantage: the garage is delivered complete. In addition, the construction time is very short.
However, there is no legal difference. This is because a prefabricated garage is subject to the same rules as a brick garage.
A prefabricated garage is only exempt from planning permission if all building regulations are complied with.
10. Special cases: double garages and carports
In addition to single garages, there are other types of structures.
Double garage
A double garage offers space for two vehicles. However, due to the larger garage floor space, a double garage permit may be required.
Carport
A comparison of carports and garages shows that the two types of structures are subject to different regulations in some cases.
A carport is usually more open in design. Nevertheless, rules regarding clearance areas or fire protection may also apply here.
11. Typical mistakes when building a garage
Similar mistakes often occur when building a garage.
Building without a permit
Some builders do not check whether a permit is required. This can result in a garage permit requirement later on.
Possible consequences are:
- Fines
- Construction freeze
- Demolition of the garage
Incorrect use
Repurposing a garage can also cause problems. In most cases, a garage may not be used permanently as a storage room.
