Planning in cities and municipalities is based primarily on two planning levels: the preparatory land-use plan, known as the Flächennutzungsplan (F-Plan, FNP), and binding land-use plans, known as Bebauungspläne (B-Plan). These statutory land-use plans are prepared by the responsible municipality in its role as the planning authority.
A preparatory land-use plan is generally prepared at scales between 1:10,000 and 1:50,000. The scale is selected by the plan-making authority, usually the municipality, and depends on both the required level of planning detail and the size of the planning area. The graphic and cartographic representation is supplemented by an explanatory statement in which the municipality sets out the underlying considerations behind its planning objectives. To ensure that different preparatory land-use plans remain readable, the use of colours and symbols is aligned with the requirements of the Planzeichenverordnung.
Unlike the preparatory land-use plan, which covers the entire municipal area, a binding land-use plan usually covers only part of the municipal area, such as a group of properties or a district. The plan symbols are standardised under the Planzeichenverordnung to ensure general readability. The plan drawing is usually prepared at a scale of 1:500, or at 1:1,000 to 1:2,500 for larger planning areas. It uses the Amtliches Liegenschaftskatasterinformationssystem (ALKIS) as its basis and must identify all land parcels affected by the planning as well as the adjoining land parcels.
