Synoptic Overview of Spatial Planning in Germany

This article provides a synoptic overview of the German spatial planning system. The spatial planning system in federal Germany is differentiated along vertical, horizontal and sectoral lines. Planning authorities in Germany operate at four levels: federal spatial planning, state spatial planning, regional planning and local authority planning. The article first presents the legal and institutional framework of spatial planning, looks at the various plans and procedures and names the main instruments for putting spatial planning into effect. The view is then directed at the local authority level. The legal framework for urban development is addressed alongside formal and informal urban development instruments. Climate protection and energy efficiency are then touched upon as recent challenges in spatial and urban planning. Finally, the regulatory capabilities of spatial planning and urban development are illustrated by the examples of wind power and refugees.