Animal Husbandry Permit

Commercial livestock operations above certain herd size thresholds require a permit under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). The thresholds are defined in the 4th BImSchV and depend on the animal type, for example 15,000 laying hens or 1,500 fattening pigs. Below these thresholds, a building permit is sufficient.

For larger operations, the state environmental authority conducts either a simplified procedure (without public participation) or a formal procedure (with public participation), depending on herd size. The review covers emissions (odor, ammonia, dust), noise, animal welfare, and building safety. Smaller livestock operations below the BImSchG thresholds still need permits under building law and must comply with animal welfare regulations. The permit determines the maximum number of animal places based on the facility's capacity.