Excavation; Notification of the Start of Excavation

Notifying the lower excavation authority of the start of excavation does not constitute an application. You are simply required to inform the lower excavation authority of the upcoming start of excavation.

The purpose of notifying the lower-level excavation authority of the start of excavation is to ensure that the authority has sufficient time to prepare excavation monitoring measures and to verify whether the validity period of the excavation permit has expired.

Consequences of Failure to Notify

If you intentionally or negligently fail to notify the lower excavation authority of the start of excavation at least one week before work begins, you are committing an administrative offense. You may be subject to a fine of up to 500,000 EUR. In addition, the lower excavation authority may order the excavation to be halted.

You must notify the authorities of the start of excavation work if:

• you begin excavation work that requires a permit, or
• you resume excavation work after an interruption of more than 6 months.

This also applies to a project covered by a partial excavation permit.

Written Submission

• Submit the completed and signed “Notice of Commencement of Construction” form to the local excavation authority (district offices and independent cities).
• A verbal notification is not sufficient.
• You will not receive an acknowledgment of receipt.
• The lower excavation authority will then verify whether the excavation permit is still valid. It may also, if necessary, make arrangements to monitor the excavation.

Digital Submission

Digital submission of notices of commencement is not yet possible throughout all of Bavaria. When you select a location, the link to the online procedure will appear, provided it is already available.

• The start of excavation can be reported digitally to the local excavation authority using the online wizard.
• The standard “Notice of Commencement of Construction” form is replaced by the prompts in the online wizard.
• Signatures are replaced by authentication via a “BayernID” or “Mein Unternehmenskonto” user account.

You must give notice of the start of excavation at least one week before work begins.