Removal of the crane on the sidewalk

Yesterday we received a letter from the town hall requesting us to remove the barriers and the crane from the street by 30.11.2023 (apparently our previous permit expired some time ago).

They also mentioned that unfortunately our GÜ is not able to comply with all regulations and orders and does not consider itself responsible for the traffic regulations. For this reason, no new traffic regulations will be approved until further notice.

This strongly suggests that (based on a tip or an observation by a field employee aka parking attendant) 1. violations were identified and 2. were not appropriately and promptly rectified by your construction manager after notification (his duty actually would be: immediately). Appoint a construction manager without delay who is of unquestionable suitability and fulfills his duties. You are the construction owner, and your physical absence does not exempt you from being responsible for your duties. Failures of your agents are legally your failures, with all consequences including questionable or proven inadequate reliability. Do not forget that after a warning shot and a warning shot follows a shot to kill. In case of doubt, the authority can only grant goodwill once, otherwise it risks liability. You should have the expiry of the permit recorded in your deadline book yourself. I interpret the last sentence of the above quote as a rejection of an extension application. Keep in mind that towing a crane can cost four figures, plus storage fees on top, plus presumably points in Flensburg and possibly even a driving ban.

Yes, sure, but I am trying to understand what my duties normally are here or what the expectations of the town hall are. Is it expected that I go there weekly and check if everything is alright? Or do I have to do this daily?
If something is broken, I would ask the GÜ to repair it, right?

You have already partly found the correct answer yourself: "or". Your duties are not a mystery, but are usually stated at the end of the permits (building permit, special use permit for the crane site). It is expected that all conditions are fulfilled. If that includes red steady lights and yellow blinking lights, these must be replaced immediately as soon as a defect is noticed. This must be checked at the start and end of work on every working day, also on days with work interruption. Nobody expects this on Sundays and public holidays. The lights also do not need a direct line to the police so that their theft automatically triggers an alarm.

You have confidence in the dutiful, service-minded Smurfs of your contractor.

Keep in mind that towing a crane can cost four digits, storage fees on top, plus probably points in Flensburg and possibly even a driving ban.

Now you’re exaggerating a little. Points in Flensburg and driving ban? A bit far-fetched.

If the permit expires, then the crane must be removed. It is standing on public ground. Either there is a new permit or it must be relocated. How much longer does it have to stay? Maybe it’s possible to get another 2 weeks and then the construction will be finished. The now expired permit was applied for by the general contractor. Possibly the client can now apply for a permit.

Should I visit the construction site and convince myself that everything is working well day and night?

I am a bit irritated by this and other questions from you.
Yes, you cannot know everything, and yes, there are no stupid questions. But you can't ask us what is going wrong on your end.

Could this actually be the problem for this decision?

what went wrong with the GÜ.

First of all, much is the responsibility of the client, even when you have a GÜ. But it should be even more your personal interest that the construction site and everything around it is functioning. A client who does not show up cannot be seen either.

Are you sure that your delay is not also due to a lack of presence and interest?
I mean: if I have 20 clients, naturally the one who does not get in touch or show up falls behind.

Your duties are not a mystery, but are usually stated at the end of the permits (building permit, special use permit for the crane site).

Thank you for the hint. I found this clearly explained here:
"The construction site safety according to RSA 21 must be maintained before, during, and after the construction work daily."

But you can’t ask us what is going wrong with you.

I don’t see anything like that here. It is a simple question to understand my duties.

But even more, it should be your personal interest that the construction site and everything around it works. A client who does not show up cannot be seen either.

My personal interest was unfortunately limited to the construction progress. I do visit the construction site regularly, but not daily, and I do not check the safety on the site.

Maybe I should increase the frequency to twice a week instead of once a week and try to check the entire construction site and not just the house.

It is especially important to carefully read the parts that one signs as the client and to adopt and monitor deadlines from these documents ;)