On 07.05.2026, the council of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer passed a resolution in principle to apply the building turbo. The aim is to use the new instruments specifically for residential construction projects, while at the same time avoiding undesirable urban developments. The adopted guidelines regulate the areas in which the building turbo can be used and how procedures and responsibilities within the administration and political bodies are structured. The building turbo does not apply in outlying areas or in commercial and industrial zones.
Mayor Dr. Dominik Pichler explains: "With the construction turbo, we want to noticeably facilitate and accelerate housing construction in Kevelaer. Every additional apartment counts in order to equalize the housing market, especially for families and people who are looking for a home in Kevelaer or want to build their own home."
The city has set up a structured procedure for those wishing to build: First, a free preliminary consultation takes place with the urban planning department. On the basis of the documents submitted, it is checked whether the project is generally eligible for the building turbo and which instrument can be used in the specific case. This is followed by a preliminary building application or a building application with the building regulations; the statutory processing period begins once the complete documents have been received.
Lukas Arntz, Head of Urban Development and Building Regulations, emphasizes: "The construction turbo is a toolbox with clear rules - not a free pass. We can facilitate suitable residential construction projects more quickly if they make sense from an urban planning perspective and meet all technical requirements. It is important that interested parties approach us at an early stage and prepare their documents well."
The basis for the construction turbo is the "Act to Accelerate Housing Construction and Secure Housing", with which the federal legislator has amended individual regulations in the Building Code (BauGB). Environmental and neighbor protection as well as orderly urban development must still be fully observed.
Information on the requirements, procedure and legal basis of the construction turbo in Kevelaer is summarized under the link below. Interested parties will also find information sheets, checklists and other information on the required documents.
Documents for the first examination can preferably be sent as a PDF by e-mail to stadtplanung@kevelaer.de.