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Cities are flourishing: outdoor dining should increase quality of life!
Neubrandenburg is striving for more space for outdoor dining in order to make the city more attractive and promote a feel-good climate.
Cities are flourishing: outdoor dining should increase quality of life!
Outdoor dining 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 expanded space is for cafés and restaurants. According to Borkener Zeitung, a lively gastronomy scene increases the attractiveness of cities as a place to live.
A look at practice shows that Neubrandenburg in particular benefits from outdoor catering. City manager Michael Schröder has already motivated restaurateurs to take up additional space. The goal is clear: the quality of stay in the city should be increased. The same applies to Rostock, where temporary expansions were successfully tested during the corona pandemic. In the future, the city plans to offer more space for outdoor dining in the city harbor.
Legal framework
A hotly debated topic in the catering industry is the legal framework and permits for outdoor catering. According to Heidemann & Partner, tables and benches on public land raise not only urban issues, but also building law issues. Under certain circumstances, the installation of furniture can be viewed as a structure requiring approval, even if it is not firmly attached to the ground. If there is a possible expansion from indoor dining to outdoor dining, a building permit is required.
The permits must be applied for independently and are often a hurdle for restaurateurs. According to the building regulations of the federal states, changes in the use of a building must also be considered - so outdoor dining areas can quickly be viewed as a change of use that requires approval, especially when noise emissions are involved.
Noise protection and emissions
This topic is particularly important in connection with the Immission Control Act. Get Sides emphasizes that noise protection and soundproofing are essential aspects in the catering industry. The legal rest times vary depending on the federal state; in urban areas, for example, 45 dB may not be exceeded during nighttime rest. Violations can be costly. The technical instructions for avoiding noise specify the limits here.
As is the case in Wismar, where seven permits for outdoor catering with expanded areas have already been issued this year, cities are required to find a balance between the needs of restaurateurs and residents. In Schwerin, for example, this is achieved by repurposing streets into pedestrian zones, which enables larger dining areas.
In conclusion, it can be said: outdoor dining is an integral part of the northern German urban landscape and contributes significantly to the quality of life and attractiveness of the cities. However, a clear legal framework and a certain degree of flexibility on the part of cities are required to further promote this trend.