Interventions in nature and landscape (Compensation Ordinance)

Interventions in nature and landscape are subject to approval! You can find out what this means here.

Interventions in nature and landscape are changes to the shape or use of land areas or changes to the groundwater level associated with the living soil layer that can significantly impair the performance and functionality of the ecosystem or the landscape.

Interventions may include (for example):

• The construction, extension, alteration or removal of structures (buildings, huts, fences, swimming pools, embankments, excavations, etc.) in outdoor areas, i.e. outside the built-up areas;
• the parking of caravans or other portable structures or accommodation in outdoor areas;
• the construction or significant alteration of supply and disposal lines with the exception of underground local installations;
• the construction of facilities that obstruct free access to forests, meadows and bodies of water;
• the creation of gardens and the plowing of grassland in outdoor areas;
• the storage of waste outside authorized sites and the creation of storage areas.

As a rule, interventions in nature and landscape are subject to approval. Before carrying out measures or actions in the outdoor area of the town of Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, it is therefore advisable to notify the municipal authorities of the town of Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, Lower Nature Conservation Authority, and obtain information about the eligibility for approval of the planned project.

If nature and the landscape are encroached upon without the necessary approval or if actions requiring approval in accordance with nature conservation regulations are carried out without the necessary approvals, it is the responsibility of the Lower Nature Conservation Authority to intervene and take the necessary measures at its discretion in order to protect nature and the landscape and avert dangers to public safety and order. This can take the form of construction bans or removal orders, for example.

The Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) in particular forms the legal basis and basis for action for the lower nature conservation authority. Interventions in nature and the landscape must be compensated for. Further information on the Compensation Ordinance can be obtained from the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment, Viticulture, Forestry, Hunting and Homeland (HMLUWFJH).