Applying for support for the unsealing of land
If you are planning to unseal areas on your property, you can apply for funding for this purpose from the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science.
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Basic information
If rainwater can seep away better, this promotes the renewal of the groundwater and relieves the burden on the sewer system. Against this background, the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science promotes the unsealing of surfaces as a contribution to the sustainable use of rainwater.
Funding is provided for the unsealing of sealed surfaces (e.g. built-over or impermeable paved surfaces) and their conversion into unsealed surfaces (vegetation area) or water-permeable paved surfaces (partial unsealing or pavement modification). The unsealing must lead to a complete decoupling of the area from the sewer system. All precipitation water that accumulates on the unsealed surface must seep away decentrally on site.
Funding is available for up to one third of the eligible costs of a system, up to a maximum of 3,000 euros. The maximum funding amount per square meter of unsealed surface is 12.50 euros. In the event of unforeseen additional costs during the construction phase, subsequent approval can be applied for in writing. However, the total funding of 3,000 euros may not be exceeded. Personal contributions are not taken into account in the funding.
Requirements
Prerequisites for funding are that
- the property is located in Bremen or Bremerhaven,
- the area to be unsealed is larger than 10 square meters,
- the applicant is the owner of the land and building or otherwise entitled to dispose of it in rem (e.g. heritable building rights or tenants with the owner's declaration of consent),
- the entire precipitation water accumulating on the unsealed area can percolate on site,
- no soil or groundwater hazards arise as a result of unsealing, and
- the measure is voluntary, i.e. there is no legal obligation to carry it out, such as a requirement in the building permit.
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Procedure
The unsealing of surfaces funding program is handled by Bremer Umwelt Beratung on behalf of the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science. Interested parties can obtain advice on the implementation of projects and help with the application process by making an appointment. Citizens should also send the attached application form to this office (see office).
If necessary, proof of proper disposal of the removed materials must be provided.
The overall financing of the installation must be secured at the time of application.
The measure may not be started before the grant has been approved. Exceptions are decided by the approval authority upon application.
The Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science checks whether the measure is technically, ecologically and economically viable and determines the eligible costs (construction costs including ancillary technical costs). The area to be unsealed can be inspected before and after implementation of the measure by the granting authority or by a body commissioned by it.
The grants are approved by notification.
The grant will be paid out after completion of the installation and after submission of the cost receipts and inspection of the installation by the granting authority or a body commissioned by it.
More information
Unsealing measures are only subsidized if corresponding funds are available. There is no legal entitlement to funding. If the funds are not used properly, they can be reclaimed, including interest. If unsealed areas are resealed within 10 years, disbursed subsidies can be reclaimed.
The funding of a measure by the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science does not include any building inspectorate approval that may be required.
If the property is completely decoupled, the companies responsible for wastewater disposal in Bremen or Bremerhaven must be informed.
In accordance with Section 5 of the Act on the Enforcement of a Minimum Wage in Bremen (State Minimum Wage Act) of July 17, 2012 (Brem.GBl. p. 300), which came into force on September 1, 2012, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and the municipalities of Bremen and Bremerhaven only grant subsidies if the recipients undertake to pay their employees at least the statutory minimum wage of currently €8.50 (gross) per hour.
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Competent Department
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Die Senatorin für Umwelt, Klima und Wissenschaft
- +49 421 361 2407
- An der Reeperbahn 2, 28217 Bremen
- Website
- office
@umwelt. bremen. de
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Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
The entitlement to a subsidy expires after 12 months. The period begins with the date of the grant decision. In justified cases, this period can be extended once upon request.
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More Information
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The official information in German is complete and correct. 27.02.2026