Digital building application in Mainz
The state capital of Mainz is continuing to drive forward the digitalization of its administrative services: in future, the central "building application" process will also be supported digitally.
This is based on amendments to the State Building Code (LBauO) and the Building Documentation Review Ordinance (BauuntPrüfVO), through which the state of Rhineland-Palatinate has established the legal framework for digital building permit procedures.
The City of Mainz has now established the technical infrastructure to receive and process building permit applications digitally. This marks another important step toward a fully digital administration.
Mayor Nino Haase emphasizes: "We are expanding our digital services step by step. The digital building permit application is another important piece of the puzzle in making administrative processes more efficient, transparent, and future-proof. This benefits applicants first, then the administration, and ultimately the entire real estate market. The goal must be to accelerate housing construction through modern procedures as well."
Step-by-step introduction for a complex specialist process
Building permit procedures are complex administrative processes primarily intended for knowledgeable applicants, particularly architects and planning firms. Accordingly, the transition in Mainz is being implemented deliberately in stages.
During a transition phase, digital processes will be introduced step by step. However, to ensure legally compliant procedures, supplementary documents in paper form may still be required. The goal is to gradually establish a fully digital process based on the experience gained.
In the long term, the goal is to achieve end-to-end digitization, ranging from digital application submission through review to the digital delivery of decisions. This will eliminate media breaks and streamline processes.
Ludwig Holle, Head of the Building Department, explains: "With the digital building application, we are modernizing a central process of the building administration. This results in more efficient workflows and simplified communication with the administration, particularly for architects and planning offices. At the same time, we are strengthening our internal processes and laying the foundation for faster procedures."
Stimulus for the economy and planning processes
From a business perspective, too, the digitization of permitting processes is an important step. Karina Szwede, CEO of the Rheinhessen Chamber of Industry and Commerce, emphasizes: “Streamlined processes and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles are at the top of companies’ priority lists. The digital building permit application is another building block toward this goal. It is important not only for the construction industry but for all affected businesses in the region. Especially in a sector where procedures are often complex and time-consuming, consistent digital solutions are needed. A modern, efficient administration is a decisive factor in attracting business to the region. It is now crucial to keep the transition phase as short as possible and to ensure that the simplifications are quickly felt in practice.”
The state capital of Mainz is aiming for the shortest possible transition phase. A detailed timeline for the complete transition will be drawn up based on the experiences gained during the introductory phase. The building administration will keep the relevant professional circles continuously informed about the next steps. (rpo)