Permits for Utility Construction and Street Excavation in Berlin
Utility construction in public streets in Berlin requires multiple permits and coordination with various authorities and utility companies. Without the proper excavation permit (Aufgrabungsgenehmigung) and traffic safety measures, construction cannot begin.
Excavation Permit
The excavation permit is issued by the district's Road and Green Spaces Office (Strassen- und Gruenflaechenamt). It is required whenever public streets, sidewalks, or squares are excavated for laying or repairing utility lines, including water, sewage, gas, electricity, and telecommunications.
Traffic Authority Approval
When utility work affects traffic flow, a traffic regulation order from the traffic authority (Strassenverkehrsbehoerde) is additionally required. This includes a traffic signage plan showing barriers, detours, and signage during construction. Processing times range from two to six weeks.
Utility Company Coordination
Before excavation, all existing underground utilities must be identified. Key utility companies in Berlin include Berliner Wasserbetriebe (water and sewage), Stromnetz Berlin (electricity), GASAG/NBB (gas), telecommunications providers, and BVG for work near public transit infrastructure. Each company must provide cable and pipe location information.
The Process
The typical process involves planning and utility research, filing permit applications, site setup with traffic safety measures, trial excavation to locate existing lines, pipe or cable installation, surface restoration, and final inspection by the road authority.