The term Bauamt is the name given to a set of offices in local and area governments which have a wide variety of responsibilities.
One part is responsible for the maintenance of public buildings, but the part that most people will come into contact with is the part for giving planning permision (“Baugenehmigung”) to new buildings or changes to existing ones.
They also make sure that buildings are built to plan – and within the time allowed.
On arrival in Germany you are less likely to come into contact with this office, unless you are building a new house or extending an existing property.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)
