Abstract
The main aims of vertical use of street space by roads and buildings in Germany are re-establishing townscape cut by trunk roads and eliminating traffic noise. Compared to the Multi-Level Road System in Japan, the main characteristic of vertical use of street space in Germany is the fact that local authorities respond flexibly to local circumstances in a case-by-case decision based on considerations about urban development comprising the whole area. This is based on a legal system in which the plan decision procedure for public street space, authorizations for or contracts about the special use of public street space and above all a legally binding land-use development plan (Bebauungsplan) which evaluates public and private interests and which can stipulate vertical use of street space for an area play a major role.
