Oberbergischer Kreis mandates digital building permit applications

Starting September 1, 2026, the Oberbergischer Kreis in North Rhine-Westphalia will exclusively accept building permit applications in digital format. This change follows an amendment to the state building code (BauO NRW 2018), making digital submission mandatory across the entire state.

District building official Felix Ammann stated that paper applications received after the deadline will no longer be processed. The transition aims to make the approval process more transparent, efficient, and easier for applicants and planners by reducing paperwork and allowing for the digital submission of additional documents.

While the district has offered online application options since June 2026, the new regulation makes this method binding. Users can utilize a permanent account on the service portal or use a direct access option for individual procedures without prior registration. Due to technical transitions, the building portal is expected to be unavailable on August 31 and September 1, 2026.