The structural and other use of land is governed by the German Building Code, among other things. The regulations that must be observed for a particular plot of land can be found out by obtaining written planning information. In order to make areas available for public infrastructure, e.g. for roads or green spaces, the city has statutory pre-emption rights. Whether such pre-emptive rights exist and are to be exercised for a specific plot of land is queried with the city by the notaries who notarize each purchase transaction.

In designated redevelopment areas and urban development areas, certain legal transactions and projects are subject to a special approval requirement.