Before a German town designates land for new housing or a business park, it must tell the public möglichst frühzeitig, as early as possible, about the aims of the plan, the alternatives that differ substantially, and the likely effects. Residents must have the chance to comment and discuss. The draft plan is then published for one month, and anyone may submit comments. The law ends the procedure with a duty: Die fristgemäß abgegebenen Stellungnahmen sind zu prüfen; das Ergebnis ist mitzuteilen. (The comments submitted on time must be examined, and the result must be communicated.)