How much can I build on my property? (Author: Georg Denninger) This question, which in principle every person should ask themselves BEFORE buying a plot of land, is not so easy to answer for someone without the relevant knowledge. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from an architect before buying a plot of land or to enquire at the local authority or building authority, as there are different requirements depending on the federal state and municipality. To summarise briefly, the buildability of a plot of land depends on the zoning plan and any existing development plan of the respective municipality. While the zoning plan regulates what may be built on the property (e.g. designation as a residential area, commercial area, mixed building area, industrial area, etc.), the development plan regulates the points relevant to buildability. Among other things, the development density, construction method, building height and various alignment lines are defined here. There is also the possibility that no development plan exists. In Lower Austria, for example, the building regulations have a separate paragraph that regulates the ability to build if there is no development plan. If you, as the landowner, have already been able to find out which zoning the property has and what the development plan looks like, you have found out the basic information for the possible buildability. However, some questions remain unanswered:

• What exceptions or special provisions are described in the textual supplements to the development plan?
• According to the development plan, are land cessions or incorporations required?
• What specifications regarding the utilisation of the plots are defined in the building regulations of the respective federal states?
• What may be built in front gardens and under what conditions?
• What is the situation regarding the utilisation of the side and rear clearance areas?
• What distances must my buildings have from each other and is their area additionally limited by other paragraphs?
• Under what circumstances can or must I build extensions in the open/detached construction method? Subsequently, it is also possible to apply to the relevant authorities for a rezoning or amendment to the development plan in order to enable the desired buildability or better utilisation of the property.
• We architects will of course be happy to advise you, as the future owner, property developer or project developer, on the answers to all these questions in order to work with you to make the best possible use of the property and create new living spaces.