New construction in the external area coupled with agriculture

Hello dear community,

I am about to complete my dual Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. I also have a job secured afterward, at a company in [Hessen]. Therefore, my future (residential) federal state will also be [Hessen].

My girlfriend and I have been planning for some time to build a house, combined with a small farm. We don't have exact numbers yet... so I just throw out there that we want to get 10 dairy cows, 20 chickens, and 2 horses. In addition, a fairly large garden for growing vegetables/fruits, in order to live somewhat self-sufficiently.

We are both interested in living somewhat "secluded" from the large crowds, so a question has come up for us that we cannot answer. My parents own a plot of land in the outer area... It has been tried/asked several times to convert the area into a development area so that we can sell it. At the moment, it is only used as pasture for horses.

Now it is basically not possible to build a new residential house in the outer area. Only buildings for agricultural and forestry purposes may be erected. Now, we intend to start a farm, so my question:

Is it possible, on the condition that we actually work in agriculture, to build a new house there in the outer area (including a barn/stable for the animals)? Or would it still only be allowed to erect a barn for the animals and no residential house for people?

I am about to complete my dual Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. [...] My girlfriend and I have been planning to build a house for some time, combined with a small farm. We don’t have exact numbers yet... so I’ll throw out there that we want to get 10 dairy cows, 20 chickens, and 2 horses.

Judging by these key figures, your girlfriend also has not studied agriculture

Is it possible, on the condition that we actually engage in agriculture, to build a new house in the rural area there (including a barn/stable for the animals)?

It is common for the farmer to live with his livestock. But it is equally questionable whether a building authority will consider someone a farmer who basically only wants to produce his own breakfast egg and keep his sport animal on his own land. I would say, that is not enough for a green license plate.

I seem to remember that here in Bavaria, the respective [Ant für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten] is involved regarding the question of the economic viability of a farm/ whether it is even an agricultural operation. Presumably, for a new installation, [Immissionsschutz] must also have a say if animal husbandry is to be started next to a residential area. This can result in strict requirements concerning setback distances or ventilation of the stable.

With a distant acquaintance of mine, it was rumored that he only got approval for his farm manager's house after he finished his stables.

By the way: each piece of livestock is (proportionally) a large livestock unit (GV). Depending on the number of GVs, a certain plot size usually must be proven. So you would also have to make sure you have enough arable land to feed your animals.

So it’s not all that simple. Ultimately, you will only get clarity if you contact the responsible building authority.