Viennese building regulations under pressure: Civil technicians are calling for a quick reform!

Viennese building regulations under pressure: Civil technicians are calling for a quick reform!

In Vienna, the Civilian Technology Chamber draws attention to an urgent problem in construction: the lengthy approval processes that not only burden the construction industry, but also leave its negative traces in the overall economy. According to a report by My district shows an internal survey that only 29% of the construction projects are approved within six months. The majority therefore have to wait longer than half a year for a permit, which has devastating consequences, especially for small construction projects,

Civil engineering President Bernhard Sommer illustrates the dimension of this problem and warns of economic damage and livelihoods for companies through the delays. Around 400 apartments in Vienna are not realized annually because the approval procedures take excessively long. This Situation is also intensified by increasing financing costs and a high degree of bound capital.

building regulations under pressure

The chamber calls for a new tapping of the Viennese building regulations, which is no longer considered up to date. In particular, digitization and the complex procedures contribute to paralyzing the construction projects. According to Austria.GV.at , construction projects must be classified in different categories, which also complicates the procedure. Minor construction projects do not require a permit, while larger conversions and the establishment of new buildings require comprehensive approval.

The Civilian Technology Chamber suggests that § 70a of the Vienna Building Regulations use to integrate civil engineers in Prüforgane. However, there are currently legal uncertainties that inhibit this process. Chamber Vice President Peter Bauer demands binding goals to reduce the duration of approval in order to tighten the processes and make it transparent. Reference is also made to the Hamburg model, which is known for its clear structures and efficient procedures.

Negative effects on climate goals

In addition to the economic aspects, the long procedures also endanger progress in important climate goals. The focus is on delays in thermal renovations and the expansion of photovoltaic systems. These projects are crucial to successfully master the ecological challenges and achieve their own climate goals.

The construction industry in Vienna therefore urgently needs a rethink and support from politics in order to get out of the current misery. Clear, defined test criteria and a central digital platform for construction processes could help reduce the approval times significantly and to accelerate the entire process. Finally, it must be clear: if something is to change on the construction, then both the legislation and the practical execution must be made more efficient and contemporary.