Building planning in Germany is governed by a complex set of regulations determined by the 16 state building codes (Landesbauordnungen, LBO). Although the Model Building Code (Musterbauordnung, MBO) serves as a foundation, significant deviations exist between the individual federal states, which are of great importance to planners and builders. These differences particularly concern aspects such as setback areas, fire protection requirements, building usage regulations, as well as the equipment of buildings, such as elevators, ventilation systems, or escape routes, and requirements for habitable rooms. These differences can have a significant impact on the planning and implementation of construction projects. The aim of this study is to systematically analyze the planning-relevant differences between the state building codes and present them in a structured and accessible manner. To achieve this goal, the 16 state building codes are compared based on key criteria. The focus is placed on essential deviations that are particularly relevant for practical building planning. Special attention is given to the regulations on setback areas as well as the technical requirements for building equipment. Notably, the requirements for elevators, escape routes, and habitable rooms show significant differences between the federal states. For example, the obligation and sizing of elevators or the minimum size and equipment of habitable rooms vary considerably, leading to different overall requirements for buildings in practice. Furthermore, accessibility regulations differ, resulting in varying construction requirements for buildings across the states. The findings are summarized in tables to allow for a quick and effective comparison of the regulations. The study reveals that while there are many fundamental parallels in German building regulations, a closer examination of individual provisions uncovers subtle but important differences that must be considered. These deviations not only affect minor regulatory details but can also have significant consequences for construction costs and processes. In some federal states, for example, a playground must be included for residential developments exceeding a certain size, whereas this requirement does not exist in others. Similarly, elevator requirements vary, with some states mandating an elevator at lower building heights, significantly impacting construction costs and space requirements. The definition of habitable rooms and their minimum construction standards also differ depending on the federal state. These variations necessitate that planners familiarize themselves extensively with state-specific regulations to implement projects in compliance with the law and in an economically efficient manner. This is especially critical for cross-state projects, where different building codes must be reconciled. In such cases, a detailed analysis of the respective requirements is essential to avoid additional costs and planning efforts. This study contributes to a better understanding of the federal differences in building regulations and provides planners with valuable guidance for implementing construction projects in different states.     «

Building planning in Germany is governed by a complex set of regulations determined by the 16 state building codes (Landesbauordnungen, LBO). Although the Model Building Code (Musterbauordnung, MBO) serves as a foundation, significant deviations exist between the individual federal states, which are of great importance to planners and builders. These differences particularly concern aspects such as setback areas, fire protection requirements, building usage regulations, as well as the equip...     »