Even if the internal extension and the insertion of windows (without statically relevant changes) do not require planning permission, the loft conversion generally requires planning permission, as this is generally a change of use that requires planning permission. For example, different fire protection or thermal and sound insulation requirements apply to the use of the attic space for residential purposes than for pure use as a storage room.

Garden sheds up to a size of 75 cubic meters of enclosed space do not require a permit, except in outdoor areas. Whether your property is classified as an outdoor area must be checked on a case-by-case basis. Other building regulations may also have to be observed for garden sheds that do not require planning permission; for example, a development plan may contain regulations in this regard. The distance regulations of  § 6 Para. 8 BauO NRW (opens in a new tab) must also be observed.

Parking spaces up to a size of 100 square meters are not subject to approval if they are not covered. Garages including covered parking spaces with an average wall height of up to three meters and a gross floor area of up to 30 square meters are also exempt from approval, except in outdoor areas.

Please note, however, that construction may be excluded by a development plan or bylaws in some areas.

Patio roofs up to a floor area of 30 square meters and up to a depth of 4.50 meters do not require planning permission.

Conservatories with a gross floor area of up to 30 square meters do not require planning permission for buildings in building classes 1 to 3 with a minimum distance of three meters to the neighboring boundary. Otherwise, planning permission must be applied for.

Even if planning permission is not required, other building regulations may need to be observed. For example, distances must be maintained or planning regulations must be observed.

Enclosures are fences, walls or hedges that are erected directly on the property boundary to protect against unauthorized access or interference that may emanate from neighboring properties.

Enclosures up to a height of two meters are not subject to approval. Please note that a development plan may contain other regulations that must be observed or that restrictions may arise from the surrounding development with regard to local custom.

This depends on the nature of your business and its use. Whether you are allowed to open a business depends on the area in which your business is located. Different permissibility criteria apply in a residential area than in a commercial area, for example.

According to the state building regulations, advertising structures up to a size of one square meter are not subject to approval. Larger advertising structures require planning permission, whereby different requirements may apply depending on the type of construction area.

You must first check whether this is a change of use. Find out from your landlord what type of business was previously operated in this premises. For example, if you want to run a hairdressing salon and find out that the tenant before you also ran a hairdressing business, there is no change of use. In this case, you do not need to take any further action in this regard.

Otherwise, the building regulations office will be happy to advise you on whether your project is a change of use requiring approval.

In general, a new parking space certificate must be provided for a change of use. Existing parking spaces that are secured by a building charge or have been replaced can be taken into account.

If the change of use does not involve any structural changes and the new use does not entail any other fire protection requirements, you do not need to commission a designer.