What questions should be asked to the building authority?

It is a special plot of land. A garden plot of about 1000 sqm, which was simply developed with a small single-family house in the 60s. However, this house is dilapidated and must be demolished. The surrounding plots were developed similarly, but with larger houses. At least, that is what we assume, because the surrounding houses are bigger but much newer. According to the exposé, there was already a building application for a small single-family house of 130 sqm. Such a house would be too small for us. We have two children and also need a granny flat for my care-dependent parents. In addition, it is a hillside plot; because of my father's wheelchair, we would actually have to build at the lower end, but the original house is at the top. However, the surrounding houses are at the bottom. We have high hopes for this plot because we simply cannot find anything else and we are running out of time. What questions do we need to ask? How can one possibly negotiate with the building authority? Can you help us? We have no idea at all.

Ask whether new construction according to 34 would be possible? This means the new house must blend into the surroundings in type and size. Ridge height, floor height, building line to the street, architectural style must be adapted to the existing buildings. So, if the others have a gable roof, yours should too. If theirs is set back 6 m, so should yours, etc. The whole thing can only be clarified in a conversation. If you are offered permission for something suitable for you, you can buy. Otherwise, leave it if time is a factor. It is helpful to have such a conversation with an architect or an authorized engineer from a construction company; you get to know each other, know which word counts, and talk more on equal footing. Karsten

Thank you. Hmm, unfortunately we do not have an architect or contractor...

You want to build, right? You'll need one or both anyway. No idea who you want to build with?

Yes, of course I need them. But we already have the conversation next week. And since we do not yet know what we are allowed to build and how, we simply do not have an architect yet. We have already been to many providers, but gave up again because without land, it's all just guesswork.

Is there a site plan? New development plan? No? Then print the property with surroundings from Maps and draw your house in the shape of a rectangle, e.g. 10x10 or with a granny flat plus garage. Ask if that is possible and what is allowed and what is not, etc. Also, ask about another apartment, i.e. the granny flat. How many parking spaces where on the property... Just ask what you don't know. It will be fine.

An architect, however, has more influence.