- Senate Endorses the "Swifter Construction Legislation"
The Senate has endorsed a proposal for the "Quick Build Act," designed to boost construction speed in Berlin's housing and other building projects. This plan encompasses numerous strategies such as simplifying and standardizing planning and approval procedures, establishing review and approval timelines, and defining roles between the state and district administrations. The state will assume more control in specific procedures. One of the objectives of these new rules is to equip builders with predictable info on permit approval dates, enabling smoother project planning.
Berlin's Urban Development Senator, Christian Gaebler (SPD), celebrated this development as a significant stride towards faster construction in Berlin. Eco groups earlier voiced fears about the potential impact on biodiversity and natural habitats due to accelerated construction. While the Greens and Left party raised warnings about the legislation, the construction sector gave its approval.
The legislation will now proceed for detailed deliberations in the Parliament and a final decision will be made there. As per Gaebler's estimates, the Act is expected to take effect by December.
The "Quick Build Act" could potentially have a significant impact on Berlin's housing market, as accelerated construction could lead to an increase in available housing units. The new regulations aim to provide builders with clarity on permit approval dates, thereby facilitating smoother project planning in the housing market.
