Klettenberg in distress: front gardens are disappearing, citizens are demanding protection!

Klettenberg in distress: front gardens are disappearing, citizens are demanding protection!

Cologne-Klettenberg, a truly green and charming district of the cathedral city, is facing a challenging problem. The many gardens and green spaces are not only a feast for the eyes, but also offer a welcome way to cool off on hot summer days. But recently residents have become increasingly upset about neighbors sealing off their front yards to make room for cars or private bike racks. This not only damages the casual atmosphere of the district, but could also have long-term negative effects on the microclimate, as the Rundschau Online reported.

Against this background, a committed resident submitted a citizen's petition at a meeting of the district council to stop the sealing of the front gardens in Klettenberg. A statute to protect these green spaces was passed in 1999, but despite this, many front gardens, especially on Hardtstrasse, Petersbergstrasse and Siebengebirgsallee, have lost their natural appearance and are paved over. The city administration sees itself in a difficult situation and reports that the existing legislation is not sufficient to take action against the destruction of front gardens. The bylaw is not enforceable in court, and city officials say changing it wouldn't make much difference because it's already taken into account in permits. A ruling by the Federal Administrative Court from 2005 also underlines that front garden regulations in their current form could be considered unlawful.

Lack of legal force

The problem is further complicated by the lack of a development plan for Klettenberg. While this plan, which could effectively protect front gardens, does not exist, an old alignment plan defines front gardens as private green spaces that must be taken into account by the relevant authorities. However, parking spaces that are created in front gardens do not require a building permit as long as they are smaller than 100 square meters. Another obstacle for residents is that they have to apply for an exemption from the provisions of the alignment plan if they want to seal their front garden.

According to Herfurtner Law Firm, alignment plans are a central component of German building law and are of great importance for the development and use of property. They can regulate both traffic routing and important safety requirements. In practice, around 80 percent of urban building projects in Germany are influenced by such plans. These plans determine building boundaries and distances to neighboring buildings. In Klettenberg, however, compliance with these framework conditions appears to be more of a theoretical than a practical matter.

Poor implementation of regulations

Although the building inspectorate has the opportunity to punish violations without a building permit or exemption, practical implementation is often difficult. A regular inspection of all protected front gardens in Cologne is not possible - detailed measures can only take place if there are specific reports of renovations in the front garden area. Residents must therefore take action themselves to do their part in preserving the green oases in their district.

Klettenberg shows how important it is that legal requirements and practical actions are in harmony in order to secure the green identity of a district. Only through joint commitment and possibly also by rethinking city regulations can the loss of green front gardens be prevented.