Thuringia building code change from 24 July 2026: what Erfurt, Jena and Weimar buyers can file now

What changed, and since when

The First Thuringian Relief Act (Erstes Thüringer Entlastungsgesetz) was passed on 26 June 2026, published in the Law and Ordinance Gazette No. 6/2026 on 23 July 2026, and entered into force on 24 July 2026. Article 7 amends the Thuringian Building Code (ThürBO). The Architects’ Chamber confirms the in‑force date and summarises the headline changes. ([architekten-thueringen.de](https://architekten-thueringen.de/aktuell/n/erstes_thueringer_entlastungsges-26922.html))

Key points now in the consolidated ThürBO: a new Umbau/Umnutzung rule (§54a), a broader simplified permit (§65) with a decision deadline and approval by silence (Genehmigungsfiktion), extended cases for permit waivers and for Genehmigungsfreistellung (§63–§64), more flexible rules for car and bicycle parking (§52), and permit‑free EV charging stations including their technical auxiliaries (§63(1) No. 15.1). ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm))

These state‑level changes sit alongside federal planning tools such as the “Bau‑Turbo” (§246e BauGB) for creating housing through up‑zoning, change of use and upward extensions. Your local planning law still applies; the ThürBO changes affect building control procedure and technical requirements. ([bmwsb.bund.de](https://www.bmwsb.bund.de/DE/bauen/baurecht/bau-turbo/bauherren.html?utm_source=openai))'}},{

The new Umbau paragraph: when change‑of‑use and one extra storey get easier

Section 54a ThürBO (Umbau, Umnutzung) eases technical and procedural burdens when legally existing buildings are changed to create housing or first receive one additional storey. The rule does not apply to high‑rises, to projects that would become special structures (Sonderbauten), or to attached extensions. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm))

For change‑of‑use to residential, many parts of the existing structure no longer need to be upgraded to current‑code standards unless they are substantially altered; this explicitly covers attic conversions (including dormers). For first‑time upward extensions by one storey, no new boundary set‑back areas (Abstandsflächen) are required for the added floor; existing fire‑safety elements in stairwells get targeted, not wholesale, upgrades. Check §54a(2)–(4) for the exact scope. Work with a qualified designer: fire‑safety and escape routes still need project‑specific assessment. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm))

If your site lacks a current local plan that permits housing, coordinate this Umbau rule with planning tools (e.g., §34 BauGB in built‑up areas or the federal “Bau‑Turbo”). Building control relief does not override planning law. ([bmwsb.bund.de](https://www.bmwsb.bund.de/DE/bauen/baurecht/bau-turbo/bauherren.html?utm_source=openai))

Simplified permits, approval by silence and permit‑free cases

Simplified permit: §65 now covers building classes 1–3 and, importantly, residential buildings in class 4; class 4–5 housing with a type approval (§81) also qualifies. The authority must decide within 3 months after complete filing, extendable by up to 2 months; if it fails to decide in time, the application is deemed approved and a certificate must be issued. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm))

Genehmigungsfreistellung: §64 allows certain projects (e.g., class 1–3 buildings and, under §34 BauGB, conversion of attics to dwellings including dormers) to proceed after filing with the municipality and waiting 1 month if no switch to a permit procedure is declared. Time limits and exclusions (e.g., Sonderbauten) are strict—check them before scheduling contractors. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm))

Permit‑free works: §63 lists numerous cases. Relevant to housing investors, “charging stations for electromobility including technically necessary ancillary equipment” are now permit‑free; change‑of‑use associated solely with installing them is also permit‑free. Still, grid‑connection rules and controllability duties under §14a EnWG apply; network operators in Thuringia require notification before commissioning. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm))

Parking rules now more flexible – what Erfurt, Jena and Weimar allow

Section §52 ThürBO keeps the core duty to provide car parking and bicycle spaces but adds important flexibilities: - Municipalities (especially independent cities) may set required numbers by local bylaw (Stellplatzsatzung), considering transit and mobility concepts. They may also set design rules. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm)) - Obligations can drop in specific cases (e.g., residential class 1–2; certain older buildings and non‑condo projects under precise conditions); only any net increase must be covered for changes of use. Ablöse (cash in lieu) is allowed; the amount per space must not exceed 60% of average provision cost. Check the exact thresholds and dates in §52(2)–(5). ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm))

Local practice: - Erfurt has moved from an internal “Handlungsrichtlinie” to adopting a Stellplatzsatzung. In 2026, the city committee confirmed a cross‑party amendment to the bylaw package tied to file 0628/25; the process shows zone‑based reductions and mobility‑concept abatements up to 25% in the draft. Verify the current consolidated text with the city before modelling your pro forma. ([buergerinfo.erfurt.de](https://buergerinfo.erfurt.de/getfile.asp?id=937231&type=do)) - Jena operates both a Stellplatzsatzung and an Ablösesatzung; the city quotes fee ranges of €3,000–€16,000 per car space depending on area. Contacts and forms are published. ([service.jena.de](https://service.jena.de/de/stellplatzabloese)) - Weimar publishes an Ablösesatzung in its online municipal code. Treat legacy tariff tables as indicative only and confirm with the Bauamt in each case. ([stadt.weimar.de](https://stadt.weimar.de/de/datei/download/id/7438%2C48/63.1_stellplatzabloesesatzung.pdf?utm_source=openai))

What you can file now (Erfurt, Jena, Weimar)

- Convert offices or other lawful buildings to housing using §54a: prepare a change‑of‑use application referencing the Umbau rule and demonstrate that unchanged existing parts remain as‑is while upgraded elements meet targeted fire‑safety and escape standards. High‑rises and Sonderbauten are excluded. Use the state forms referenced in the Vollzugsbekanntmachung. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm)) - Add one extra storey for housing to a lawful building under §54a(3): model no new boundary set‑back for the added floor, and apply §54a fire‑safety points to stairwells and doors. Obtain a structural verification early. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm)) - Use the simplified permit (§65) for GK1–3 and many residential GK4 projects; plan on a 3‑month decision window and a potential approval by silence if the authority misses the deadline. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm)) - If your project fits §64 Genehmigungsfreistellung (e.g., attic‑to‑dwelling under §34 BauGB), file with the municipality and calendar the 1‑month no‑objection period before committing to works. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm)) - Install EV chargers and their necessary cabinets permit‑free under §63(1) No. 15.1, but notify the distribution network operator and implement §14a EnWG controllability. In Thuringia, operators state notification and controllability requirements before commissioning. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm)) - Manage parking: in Jena, budget a site‑specific Ablöse (€3,000–€16,000 per space) if on‑site provision is impossible; in Erfurt, check the new Stellplatzsatzung and any mobility‑concept reductions; in Weimar, confirm Ablöse amounts under the published bylaw. ([service.jena.de](https://service.jena.de/de/stellplatzabloese))

Risk note: heritage, noise, daylight, contamination and energy rules still apply. The Umbau rule does not legalise unsafe conditions; you remain liable to meet applicable public‑law duties. Work with an architect or another bauvorlageberechtigte designer. The “small” submission right in §67(4) now includes certain master craftspeople and state‑certified technicians for specified small projects; check scope and insurance requirements. ([umwelt-online.de](https://www.umwelt-online.de/regelwerk/bau/laender/th/bo24.htm))