What does single-story mean?

Hi,

I’m new here, we wanted to build next year and therefore submitted a preliminary building request to the building authority.

Yesterday, after 4 months, the positive preliminary building permit finally arrived, with the condition that only single-story detached houses can be approved.

What does this mean for us now? Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with building law terms and have been wondering since yesterday whether our dream house can even be approved.
Am I only allowed to build a bungalow on my property now? Or does a single-story structure also include a detached house with a finished attic?

I would be happy if someone could perhaps explain the single-story construction to me

Best regards, Teyla

Single-story construction in Lower Saxony means that the living space in the upper floor, which is over/above 2 meters ceiling height, must not be more than 2/3 larger than on the ground floor. Something like that. Your preferred house has a high knee wall, so more living space above 2 meters is created upstairs than without the knee wall. Nevertheless, I can reassure you: the home builders are aware of the problem, and therefore the standard house types are usually designed for single-story construction. However, you have to be careful with other federal states, where there is also the 3/4 regulation. But the company comes from beautiful Lower Saxony, they have already calculated this accordingly for themselves and their customers.

You probably mean "Vollgeschoss". Its definition varies from state to state. You need to consult your state building code. For initial understanding, you can look up "Vollgeschoss" on Wikipedia, but only your state building code gives certainty - as mentioned.

Hmm.. so maybe it would work if I built the house with a lower knee wall?

We want to build in NDS, so the 2/3 rule would probably apply to us? Then I will ask the construction company if the house is allowed to be built with a changed knee wall.

Just sit down with the construction company, they will be able to support you precisely with the questions.

I can bet that this house is still a single-story building. I did write: a Lower Saxony BU will not offer a questionable model/type house, and two-story houses are built differently. Anyway, says it: the BU supports you in these questions.