Tree authority threatens yurt resident Marius: forced eviction in Upper Bavaria?

Tree authority threatens yurt resident Marius: forced eviction in Upper Bavaria?

Marius Diab has lived in Upper Bavaria for over ten years in a yurt that he built from discarded materials. The 36-year-old began his lifestyle with a consumer strike, during which he lived on discarded things for four years. The aim was to draw attention to the immense waste of resources. A year ago he moved to Chiemgau to be closer to his four-year-old daughter. However, he now faces a problem: the building authority has given him a deadline of June 30th to move, as the yurt is located outside 250 meters from the nearest village and is therefore not permitted according to building regulations. Otherwise, he could face fines or even eviction. In addition, the building authority was unable to offer him a new location for his yurt.

Marius emphasizes that many people live in similar legal situations, which includes a wide range of living arrangements - including yurts, wagons and tiny houses. In view of the increasing housing shortage, Diab hopes for a change in legislation that will make life in such alternative forms of housing easier. His search for a new place is based on certain wishes: He is looking for a natural, quiet place with a water connection, infrastructure and a registration address. Marius Diab works as a climbing arborist and lives in his yurt with two cats. Anyone interested can contact him directly: marius.diab@riseup.net.

Legal situation for yurts

The legal framework for yurts is complex and is divided into indoor and outdoor categories. There are increasing permits for yurts indoors, which is important in the context of the sustainability transition. However, the process is often very bureaucratic, expensive and lengthy. It is recommended to seek unofficial preliminary investigations or legal support. In some federal states, yurts up to six meters can be built without a building application, but with certain restrictions, such as the ban on renting or lighting.

The situation outside is different. Here, for example, yurts can be used as temporary construction site accommodation. Because yurts are mobile, they can be assembled and dismantled quickly without leaving any residue. Farmers in particular benefit from the approval of yurts, especially for animal husbandry. Over time, residents often become accustomed to the yurts, which reduces the risk of denunciation. In some cases there are even model lawsuits against authorities in order to extend the installation times for yurts. There is also general discussion about how the issue of forced evictions can be denounced in the media. The rights to sustainable lifestyles and environmental protection are central points in these legal debates.

The challenge facing Marius Diab is part of a much larger discourse about alternative forms of housing in Germany. Calling for more flexibility in building legislation could help many people find a place where they can live sustainably.