Street names and house numbers; allocation

Street naming

The right to name public streets (and squares) is a matter of local government. The naming right also includes the right to change existing names. The naming of streets requires a resolution by the municipal council or a decision-making committee, unless it is a matter of replacing nameplates that have become illegible on streets that have already been named. Street naming is at the discretion of the municipality. The municipality has a great deal of freedom in choosing the street name; however, the general limits of discretion must be observed. The chosen street name must not be offensive or violate criminal law or the basic democratic order. When renaming a street, the existing interests of local residents in retaining the previous street name must be taken into account when weighing up the options. Street renaming can be used to honor deserving citizens and maintain local tradition.

Street name signs

As part of its authority for the development of properties, the federal legislator has laid down regulations for identification and information signs for development facilities and for (house) numbers in Section 126 of the Building Code. The owner must tolerate the attachment, modification and removal of identification and information signs for development facilities (street identification signs including explanations of the name and details of the properties located on the streets) on his property; however, he is not obliged to attach them. Access to the property for this purpose must also be tolerated. The costs of installing the street name signs cannot be passed on to the owners of the adjacent properties.

House numbering