Monument Protection

Listed buildings may only be renovated in cooperation with the responsible authority.

For example, in the case of unauthorized color designs, a new coat of paint may be required if the concept does not match the ideas of the monument protection authority.

Ignorance does not protect against punishment. This principle is associated with measures on listed buildings if an activity is carried out without cooperation with the associated authority. The basis for this is the Monument Protection Act for the care and protection of monuments. The aim of the arrangement is clear: buildings worthy of preservation should enjoy special protection. The monitoring is carried out by different state institutes. Monument protection is a national matter; every federal state has its own monument protection law.

There are different classifications in the renovation. If the object is declared as a single monument or a cultural monument, all types of changes or renovations must be agreed with the responsible authority. The main point of contact is the lower monument protection authority, which is based in independent cities or counties.

When renovating a listed building (here the State Theater in Cottbus) it is imperative to work with the responsible authority.

Refurbishment of a monument

If, for example, the replacement of the floor coverings is planned for a single monument, this must be planned and carried out in consultation with the monument protection authority. There may be a request to restore the original state. Taking into account the expected use, a reversible solution is also possible, for example that a decoupled and removable floor covering with a higher use category is built on an existing, worth preserving wooden floor. There is no uniform information about procedures. The participants make individual decisions in cooperation with the authority and taking the goals into account.

Ensemble protection means that the building is within a listed overall system, e.g. B. in a historic building arrangement, and the overall picture is worth preserving. In most cases, the preservation of historical monuments is only required of the outer shell, so that the ensemble protection must be observed when renovating the facade. This also requires coordination of the measure with the lower monument protection authority. A selection of the coloring may not be made independently. The authorities often request an inventory of the historical colors. Color layers of earlier epochs are removed and recorded via a restorer. Based on this data and taking into account the existing environment, the design is carried out in collaboration with all those involved. Here, the historic preservation authority thinks ahead: entire streets are gradually restored to historical ensembles in their original versions through ongoing renovations. Even if these steps are often seen as constricting or as a hindrance to your own creativity, you can imagine how some streets worth preserving would be defaced to the point of unsightliness without these regulations. It should be noted that all types of changes must be displayed for ensemble protection. Even if these steps are often seen as constricting or as a hindrance to your own creativity, you can imagine how some streets worth preserving would be defaced to the point of unsightliness without these regulations. It should be noted that all types of changes must be displayed for ensemble protection. Even if these steps are often seen as constricting or as a hindrance to your own creativity, you can imagine how some streets worth preserving would be defaced to the point of unsightliness without these regulations. It should be noted that all types of changes must be displayed for ensemble protection.

The question of whether a building is a monument or not is answered in the list of monuments, a directory in which all monuments are listed. The list of monuments is open to the public. An edition is available in public libraries or in the communities. The state office for the preservation of historical monuments is responsible for inclusion and entry in the list, also at the suggestion of the home guardian or at the owner's request. A classification as a monument initially creates a horror scenario for many owners. However, the advantage is that it is a special property. Refurbishments are more complex, but can be reduced financially by subsidies. The state also contributes to the costs of monument protection. The level of participation depends on the importance and urgency of the case and the performance of the owner. Individual municipalities also offer additional funding. The costs of the renovations are tax deductible. If there is personal use, up to 90 percent of the costs incurred can be deducted within a period of ten years.

Article 18 of the Monument Protection Act describes the "emergency brake lever" for the state if the decay of a monument is not counteracted. Thus, the permissibility of expropriation is granted, which is stated under paragraph 1 below: "If a threat to the existence or shape of a building monument cannot be warded off in a sustainable manner, expropriation is in favor of the state or another legal person of the permitted under public law."

If the facade of a historic building (here a residential building in Rostock) is to be renovated, it must first be clarified whether it is a monument. The color scheme may not be chosen arbitrarily.

Obligation to renovate

It is forbidden not to subject listed buildings to maintenance. Insofar as it is reasonable for the owner, the refraining from necessary renovations, which can lead to the destruction of the building, is not tolerated. Failure to comply with the requirements constitutes an administrative offense and can result in a fine of up to EUR 250,000. This also includes actions that damage or endanger a monument. The prosecution of the administrative offense is statute-barred after five years, which means that changes or deviations, which are recognized by the home care worker within this time, can still be prosecuted. In the case of large deviations, the demand for dismantling with restoration of the original state is not uncommon.

With such examples, owners of listed buildings should be made aware of the need to comply with the protection of historical monuments during planned renovations. Bypassing the cooperation with the lower monument protection authority can be seen at first glance as saving time and money. Any subsequent costs incurred due to imposed rework or complete dismantling quickly exceed any savings. The likelihood that changes, especially in the outer shell, will not be recognized by the authorities in the following five years is relatively low.

Old buildings are often no longer recognizable as monuments at first glance. Only the historical color design lets them appear in their old glory again.

Craftsman in liability

Executing contractors are also responsible. Unauthorized color designs can lead to a new paint if the concept does not match the ideas of the monument protection authority. After that, no developer will be willing to bear these additional costs alone. The status of the building can be checked via the publicly accessible monument lists. In the inner city area, buildings of recent construction dates can also be classified as a monument due to their location. Sensible and carefully implemented planning and renovation of these buildings increase the value and give the cityscape a special character - the best advertisement for high-quality craftsmanship.

A selection of the coloring may not be made independently.

The professional restoration of a monument is the best advertisement for high-quality craftsmanship (here the town hall of Pfronten).

Photos: BaumitMarkus Haberland, Baumit Source: Malerblatt 04/2013