Aachen Region Enables Digital Building Permit Applications

Starting in early September 2021, construction project owners in Monschau, Roetgen, and Simmerath within the StädteRegion Aachen can utilize the new digital building permit system, ITeBAU. Developed by ITEBO-Unternehmensgruppe, the system requires only an internet connection and an email address to function.

The new digital "ITeBAU" procedure allows project owners to track the processing status of their applications at any time and upload necessary documents directly into the system. The traditional paper-based building permit process remains available as an alternative and is not replaced by the digital system. The Building Supervision and Housing Promotion Office of the StädteRegion Aachen handles all construction matters for these three municipalities in the Nordeifel region.

Norbert Langöhr, head of the office, stated that implementing the digital procedure initially presented challenges, as it necessitated rethinking previously established workflows. "However, we quickly realized that with the digital process, we could not only optimize these workflows but also offer citizens greater transparency and improved communication," Langöhr commented.

Key benefits of the digital procedure include the elimination of transportation, printing, and postage costs. It also reduces the need for physical visits to the administration, as plans and other required documents can be submitted directly online. The system provides applicants with real-time updates on their application's progress. For the region, the significant advantage lies in a more efficient and seamless handling of the entire application.

While the paper-based building permit process is still an option, these applications are scanned and then processed entirely digitally within the StädteRegion Aachen. However, all correspondence, including the final permit, continues to be delivered via postal mail.