BImSchG permit for wind turbines: guiding the procedure (Germany)
BImSchG permit for wind turbines in Germany: we guide the procedure from the first idea to the permit and prepare the application documents.
Planning a wind turbine? We guide the BImSchG procedure from the first idea to the permit and prepare the documents, including noise assessments, shadow flicker calculations, EIA and species protection (saP).
In Germany, wind turbines with a total height of more than 50 m need a permit under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). Which type of procedure applies depends on the number of turbines: from 20 turbines, the formal procedure with public participation applies; for fewer turbines, the simplified procedure without it. On request, a formal procedure is also possible there; the statutory decision period is then seven instead of three months after receipt of the application and the required documents. In the formal procedure, the documents are displayed after public notice, and objections can be raised during the display period and a subsequent deadline. A preliminary decision and early start are possible; partial permits are considered of little use for wind turbines. Whether an environmental impact assessment (EIA) or a screening is required depends on the criteria and thresholds of the UVPG and the circumstances of the project. The permit is granted if the operator's obligations are fulfilled and no other public-law provisions stand in the way.
The authority expects an extensive application. It generally contains maps and site plans, planning-law details and the distances to residential buildings, water bodies, forest and transport routes. Depending on the site, there are also a sound immission forecast and a shadow flicker forecast, concepts for shutdown, ice throw, fire protection and height rescue, building documents with expert reports on site suitability, and nature conservation documents with species data, a landscape conservation plan and expert reports on birds and bats. For decommissioning, the authority requires a declaration of commitment and proof of security. The individual expert reports are produced in close coordination. These include the operational and construction noise assessment, the shadow flicker assessment and the detailed nature conservation surveys for the special species protection assessment (saP). For land-use planning in Germany, we support urban land-use planning. Added to this are details on occupational safety with a declaration of conformity, on soil and water with a hydrogeological report, on forest conversion and reforestation, on monument protection and weather radar. A summary description is mandatory where there is public participation; once the design service life assumed for the turbine has expired, proof of structural stability under the DIBt guideline is required for continued operation. Whether an early start can be permitted is decided by the authority according to the statutory requirements and the circumstances of the individual case.
All from a single source means: you have one point of contact for the technical, ecological and legal questions of the procedure. This saves coordination effort because the documents are produced in alignment with each other. Even after the permit, a project often remains in motion: for planned changes to permitted wind farms in Austria, we guide the amendment procedure. Our experts know the requirements of authorities and experts and guide you professionally through the complex process.
