Property, Contaminants, Procedure

Hello everyone, the first step has been taken and we have decided on a plot of land. According to my inquiries at the responsible office, only a preliminary subdivision request has been submitted, which was described as positive. That tells me that the plot is divisible and that the official subdivision will be approved.
A call to the building authority of our district made me realize that the contaminated site ([masonry building measuring 3.5m x 6m; former flower shop]) is recorded in the corridor plans there. A simple demolition is out of the question; instead, I would have to report this to the office. Then the kind lady also mentioned something about proper disposal, soil/building ground surveys, etc., which confused me more in the short time than it helped.
Can you explain to me how I should proceed now? For example: buy the plot, report the demolition, have a soil survey done, and then I can build? What order should I follow?

Soil assessment? Is the area perhaps a suspected contaminated site?!

As far as I know, a soil assessment does not have to be submitted with a building application.. Ask again why an assessment is necessary there and be careful what you are buying. It is best to have the assessment done before the purchase if necessary!

Basically, it is a plot of land that is to be divided. If there should be any "Altlasten" there, the current owner would have to be aware of something. Before I buy the plot, I will request access to the files at the building authority, or have a power of attorney granted to me. Then this suspicion should be able to be dispelled.

Just because he doesn’t know doesn’t mean there is nothing!

Hello,

A simple demolition is out of the question; instead, I would have to report this to the authorities. Then the nice lady also talked something about proper disposal, soil/building ground surveys, etc., which confused me more in the short time than it helped.

All previously logical statements from the caseworker. You cannot simply demolish the flower shop but must report it. Regarding disposal, it must be ensured that – if asbestos mats were used during the previous construction, for example – these are also properly disposed of.

I would always recommend a soil survey so that your planner knows how to lay the foundation for the new house. If the single-family house later settles, that wouldn’t be so great ;) I could also imagine that the caseworker might be aware of a previous use of the property where there might have been soil contamination. But it could also be that the municipality requires a hydrogeological survey and ... and ... and. It is hard to answer if you did not understand what the caseworker gave you as guidance.

Can you explain to me how I can proceed now? For example: buy the property, report the demolition, have a soil survey carried out, and then I can build? What order do I have to follow?

I assume in my answer that you have reliably clarified your budget!

1. Reserve the property for a period "x"
2. Inquire about the exact requirements of the building authority
3. Commission a soil survey
4. Inquire about demolition costs

If the expected costs fit within your budget, set a notary appointment and look for architects/providers for house construction.

Rhenish regards

Wow, thank you, construction expert :). That's exactly how I will proceed. I have already inquired about the reservation costs. They amount to €500 per week. But what is €500 per week compared to a bad plot of land where even higher costs await me.