Boundary distance to the neighboring property / neighboring object

Hello everyone,

this is my first post, so please be gentle with me …

We are currently in the planning phase of our own home. The plot is located in an already established residential area with old buildings. In terms of the width of the plot, we are somewhat limited with 14.5m. In NRW, minimum distances of three meters to the neighboring plot apply. Since the plot is located in an established residential area, setback distances of 2m and 2.5m were assumed for the two neighboring buildings. In today's conversation with a prefabricated house builder, we were informed that the minimum distance of 3m does not apply to us. According to them, we have to add 1m and 0.5m respectively to the distances, so that we maintain 6m to both neighboring BUILDINGS. Honestly, I was a bit surprised and amazed. For me, only the distance to the boundary was always relevant, not the distance between buildings. Do we really have to observe such distances? Have you perhaps already had similar experiences?

Many thanks in advance for your support.

I do not know the building regulations in NRW, but could it have to do with the fire protection requirements? Here with us, a minimum distance of 5 m applies for fire protection reasons.

In NRW, minimum distances of three meters to the neighboring property apply. Since the property is located in a developed residential area, boundary distances of 2m and 2.5m were estimated for the two adjacent buildings. In today’s conversation with a prefab house builder, we were informed that the minimum distance of 3m is not relevant for us. According to them, we have to add 1m or 0.5m to the distances, so that we then observe 6m to both neighboring BUILDINGS.

I don’t understand. Make a drawing.

So the existing buildings did not comply with the 3m rule, and you are now supposed to maintain the distance to the buildings and not to the boundary, which would leave you with much less house width. I would first check whether the property has registered encumbrances. Or rather, you should know that if you bought it. Otherwise, you can already look into the building regulations of NRW and you can also inquire at the responsible building authority.