Urban Development in Ettenheim – The Wolfsmatten III Zoning Plan and Its Impacts

Ettenheim and the Wolfsmatten III Zoning Plan: A New Urban Orientation

Ettenheim has taken a decisive step in its urban development in April 2026: The Wolfsmatten III zoning plan was unanimously adopted. Covering an area of approximately 2.2 hectares, the area south of the state road L 103 will become a restricted industrial zone (GEE), primarily intended for the establishment of local businesses and the adaptive reuse of the historic sawmill. The planning is part of a comprehensive urban development process that considers both economic and ecological aspects.

The Planning in Detail: Industry, Land Use and Utilization

The Wolfsmatten III zoning plan is part of the sixth amendment to the land use plan (FNP) and is being processed in parallel. The goal is to ensure a long-term land use that is both economically viable and ecologically compatible. Central to this is the adaptive reuse of the historic, protected sawmill, which is to be integrated as a historical element into the new industrial zone.

The area is divided into two usage zones:

• GEe 1: Industrial use without accommodation facilities.
• GEe 2: Also allows for the establishment of businesses with accommodation, as could be the case with the sawmill.

Access is via the Wolfsmatten Street. A central role is also played by the connection to Ettenheim, which is to be improved by the planned bike path.

Environment, Species Protection and Ecopoints: The Cost of Development

The environmental assessment of the zoning plan is comprehensive and considers both biological and climatic aspects. In the planning area, European bird species, bats, wall lizards, fire-bellied toads and yellow-bellied toads have been identified. The planning therefore includes a range of avoidance measures (VM 1–7), including construction time restrictions, reptile and amphibian management, and a careful planning of lighting to minimize light emissions.

Another central point is the ecopoints balance. Due to the new sealing of approximately 13,669 m², a deficit of 254,153 ecopoints is created. This deficit is offset by compensation measures such as the amphibian guidance facility K 5342 and the Münchweier quarry. The city of Ettenheim has developed a concrete concept that aims to minimize the ecological impacts of the construction plan as much as possible.

Geology, Soil Protection and Circular Economy: The Subsurface Aspect

The geological foundations of the planning area are of particular importance. The area contains Quaternary unconsolidated rocks such as "Old Floodplain Clay" and "Neuenburg Formation", which exhibit different settlement behavior. The planning therefore recommends object-specific foundation investigations in accordance with DIN EN 1997-2. A soil protection concept in accordance with DIN 19639 is also recommended, especially for projects involving more than 0.5 hectares of unsealed area.

Another important topic is the circular economy. If more than 500 m³ of soil surplus is generated, a waste utilization concept in accordance with the state circular economy law (LKreiWiG) is required. The planning emphasizes that substitute construction materials may only be used in accordance with the substitute construction material ordinance.

Noise Protection, Emission Quotas and Legal Foundations

Noise pollution from traffic on the L 103 and the Rhine Valley Railway is a central issue. Noise level calculations in accordance with DIN 45 691 and ISO 9613-2 show that the emission quotas for the different sub-areas are met. The planning also takes into account the legal requirements of the Federal Administrative Court (07.12.2017), which requires industrial zones to be divided into sub-areas with different emission quotas.

A point of criticism is that the requirements for a "supplementary area" without emission restrictions are not fully met. Nevertheless, Ettenheim has tried to minimize noise pollution through passive noise protection measures.

Future Perspectives and Long-Term Impacts

The Wolfsmatten III zoning plan is more than just a construction plan – it is a step towards sustainable urban development. By integrating industry, environmental and climate protection measures, Ettenheim is setting an example for other communities in the southwest. At the same time, the city remains sensitive to the needs of nature and its residents.

The underlying idea of the planning is that profitability and sustainability are not alternatives, but complements. The future of Ettenheim will depend on how well this balance is maintained in practice.

Conclusion: A Plan for Today, a Vision for Tomorrow

The Wolfsmatten III zoning plan is a milestone in the development of Ettenheim. It shows how a city can grow without destroying the environment. At the same time, it is a reflection of the challenges facing every modern municipality: how to reconcile profitability, sustainability, and the needs of its citizens.

Ettenheim has proven itself to be forward-looking and citizen-oriented in this process. The future will show whether this plan is not only valid on paper, but also in practice.