Cities bloom: outdoor catering should increase quality of life!

Cities bloom: outdoor catering should increase quality of life!

Exterior catering plays a key role in cities in northeastern Germany, especially when it comes to making the cityscape more lively and inviting. Lars Schwarz, President of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, emphasized in a recent interview how important extended areas for cafés and restaurants hold. According to the Borkener Zeitung, a lively restaurateur scene increases the attractiveness of cities as a place to live.

A look at the practice shows that Neubrandenburg in particular benefits from the outer gastronomy. CityManager Michael Schröder has already motivated restaurateurs to use additional areas. The goal is clear: the quality of stay in the city should be increased. The same applies to Rostock, where temporary extensions were successfully tested during the Corona pandemic. In the future, the city plans to offer more space for outdoor catering in the city harbor.

legal framework conditions

A hotly discussed topic in the catering is the legal framework and permits for outdoor catering. According to Heidemann & Partner, tables and benches raise not only urban but also building law questions. Under certain circumstances, the installation of furniture can be regarded as a structural system subject to approval, even if it is not firmly connected to the soil. A building permit is necessary for a possible expansion of inner catering to external catering.

The permits must be requested independently and are often a hurdle for restaurateurs. According to the building regulations of the federal states, changes to the use of a structural system must also be viewed - external gastronomy areas can quickly be regarded as a change in use subject to approval, especially when it comes to noise emissions.

noise protection and emissions

This topic is particularly important in connection with the Immission Protection Act. GET SIDES emphasizes that noise protection and sound insulation in the catering are essential aspects. The legal rest periods vary depending on the state, for example in urban areas, 45 dB may not be exceeded during the night's sleep. Violations can be expensive. The technical guidance to avoid noise here specifies the limits.

As is the case in Wismar, where seven permits for outdoor catering with extended areas have already been granted this year, the cities are required to find a balance between the needs of the restaurateurs and residents. In Schwerin, for example, this is achieved by rededying roads into pedestrian zones, which enables larger gastronomic areas.

Finally, it can be stated: The outdoor catering is an integral part of the north German city landscape and contributes significantly to the quality of life and attractiveness of the cities. However, there are a clear legal framework and a certain flexibility of the cities in order to further promote this trend.