Urban Development in Ettenheim: March 2026 – Housing, Vacation Rentals, and Cemetery Planning

Urban Development in Ettenheim: March 2026

In March 2026, Ettenheim made several significant decisions in the field of urban development that will influence both the architectural culture and the social and cultural structure of the city. The Committee for Construction, Environment, and Technology met on March 17, 2026, to discuss a number of construction projects that could transform the urban landscape and have long-term effects.

Housing Conversion and Vacation Rentals

A central topic was the conversion of housing units into vacation rentals. At Viehmarktplatz 2 and Friedrichstraße 20, housing units were converted into vacation apartments. Both projects follow the Ettenheim Vacation Rental Strategy, which aims to strengthen tourism while simultaneously improving the economic viability of housing use. In both cases, the required parking spaces were proven, and the construction authority intends to issue building permits.

These conversions are taking place in the unplanned urban area and are permissible under § 34 of the German Building Code (BauGB). The measures demonstrate how Ettenheim is trying to diversify its tourism offerings without endangering the city's identity. However, the question remains whether the shift to vacation rentals could, in the long term, threaten the social mix of housing.

Renovation and New Construction: Housing in the Neighbourhood

Further projects involve the renovation and new construction of housing. In Münchweier, an economic building is being renovated and converted into housing. In Ettenheimmünster, an inn with guest rooms is being converted into five apartments. Additionally, the construction of a single-family house with a carport and garage is planned at Wiesenweg 2.

These projects include renovation measures such as the planning of gabled windows, balconies, and terraces, as well as the demolition of sheds and garages. Building permits are issuable in all cases, as the projects are located in the unplanned urban area and meet the requirements of the rounding ordinance. The city of Ettenheim is thus pursuing flexible yet climate-appropriate solutions that meet housing demand while preserving the character of the districts.

Cemetery Planning and the Preservation of Historic Monuments

Another important topic was the renovation of the cemetery in Ettenheim. In March, the renovation of a children's burial area and the gardened burial area IV (GGG IV) was discussed. The burial areas will be implemented in the former burial area F, as no further burials are permitted there.

The Baden Cemetery Gardeners Cooperative eG has developed design proposals that take both functional and aesthetic requirements into account. The road construction costs for the children's burial area amount to 8,125.05 €, for GGG IV to 16,334.13 €. The costs are budgeted and the implementation is planned for the second half of 2026.

In addition, a criterion catalog for the classification of historically significant monuments was adopted. Monuments can only be classified as historically significant if they have historical or artistic value, for example, if they represent significant personalities or victims of war and tyranny. The classification is carried out at the latest five years before the end of the usage period, and the final decision lies with the Committee for Construction, Environment, and Technology.

The city of Ettenheim emphasizes that active maintenance is refused – monuments should be subject to natural weathering processes. This concept reflects a clear stance on the balance between preservation culture and natural decay.

Conclusion: Urban Diversity and Sustainable Development

March 2026 marks a significant step in the urban development of Ettenheim. The variety of projects – from vacation rentals and housing conversions to cemetery planning – shows how the city is responding to different needs while taking into account both tourism and social and cultural aspects. The decisions reflect a clear orientation towards sustainability, flexibility, and the preservation of identity. In the coming months, it will be interesting to observe how these projects are implemented and what effects they will have on the city and its residents.