Building notification is a notification to the competent authority of the intention to start a building project that does not require a separate building permit. It is a type of simplified building permit procedure. The applicant must notify the building supervisory authority of his or her project in writing, enclosing the building proposal and other documents. The building supervisory authority can inspect the building project and, if necessary, prohibit the start of construction. After a period of time (usually four weeks) has elapsed, the building owner can start building. In some Länder (such as Lower Saxony), you have to wait for confirmation from the municipality before starting construction.
