Deconstruction notice

The deconstruction notice is a central instrument in project preparation for demolition, partial deconstruction, and dismantling. It creates regulatory transparency, aligns the process with existing protection requirements, and provides planning certainty for the client, planners, and contractors. Especially in concrete demolition and special deconstruction, in core removal and cutting, as well as in rock demolition and tunnel construction, the notice influences the choice of methods and tools. Procedures with low vibration levels and reduced noise emission—such as the use of concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters by Darda GmbH—can help comply efficiently with regulatory requirements and protect the surroundings.

Definition: What is meant by deconstruction notice

A deconstruction notice is the formal notification to the competent building supervisory authority that a structure is to be fully or partially demolished, deconstructed, or dismantled. In many state building codes, the demolition of certain structures is subject to notification, while other projects require a permit. The notice is not a permit in itself; it enables the authority to assess whether public-law concerns—such as emissions control, neighbor rights, structural stability, or heritage protection—are affected. Deadlines, responsibilities, and required documents may vary by federal state; information from the competent authority is authoritative.

Significance of the deconstruction notice in the project workflow

The deconstruction notice structures project organization from the survey of the existing structure to method selection and disposal. It links technical decisions—such as selective deconstruction with concrete demolition shears or low-vibration splitting with rock and concrete splitters—with legal, safety-related, and environmental requirements. This helps identify risks to neighboring buildings, utilities, or sensitive uses at an early stage and integrate appropriate measures into the workflow.

Legal framework and responsibilities

Notification obligations in Germany generally derive from the state building codes. In addition, other requirements may apply, such as those related to emissions control law, water law, or heritage protection. The locally competent building supervisory authority is decisive. Information on deadlines and documents is general in nature and does not replace a case-by-case review by the authority. As a rule: the more complex the project, the more comprehensively the notice should describe the planned procedures, protection concepts, and verifications.

Typical contents of a deconstruction notice

A carefully prepared notice contains a clear description of the project, relevant plans, and a coordinated deconstruction concept. The documents should show how structural stability, environmental and occupational safety will be ensured and which deconstruction techniques will be used.

• Project and existing-structure data: address, client, type and construction method of the existing structure, load-bearing system, adjoining buildings
• Site plan, sections and, if required, structural assessments for demolition stages and bracing
• Deconstruction and dismantling concept including sequence, subdivision into sections, construction logistics, and traffic management
• Method description: e.g., selective deconstruction with concrete demolition shears, splitting procedures with rock and concrete splitters, cutting and separating works, shearing and crushing techniques
• Protection measures: dust and noise reduction, vibration control, splash protection, fire protection, barriers
• Hazard analysis and, depending on scope, an H&S (SiGe) plan
• Hazardous substance survey or register and concepts for proper remediation
• Disposal and recycling concept with planned separation and documentation of waste streams
• Evidence of qualifications, inspections, and inspection intervals of the work equipment used, in particular hydraulic power packs
• Contacts and communication channels, e.g., site management, persons responsible for safety and disposal

Process, deadlines, and communication with the authority

The notice should be submitted in good time before the planned start so the authority can review the documents and clarify any queries. In some jurisdictions, a specific period between notice and start is prescribed. Clear points of contact, a structured schedule, and a coordinated sequence of work steps have proven effective. A comprehensible method description—for example, why a low-vibration splitting process or the use of concrete demolition shears was chosen—facilitates assessment and reduces later adjustments.

Method selection in deconstruction: impacts on the deconstruction notice

The choice of deconstruction method significantly affects vibrations, noise emissions, dust, water demand, and sparks. These factors are relevant for residents, traffic areas, and sensitive neighboring structures as well as for conditions arising from the deconstruction notice. Procedures using hydraulic tools from Darda GmbH—including concrete demolition shears, rock and concrete splitters, steel shears, combination shears, Multi Cutters, and tank cutters—often enable controlled, selective, and low-vibration execution. This is particularly important in densely built areas, in existing buildings with sensitive use, or in areas with vibration-sensitive equipment.

• Vibration: splitting and shear methods are generally lower-vibration than percussive methods
• Noise: shearing and splitting processes reduce peak levels compared to percussive demolition methods
• Dust: shear and splitting techniques often generate less fine dust; water misting helps additionally
• Sparks and fire load: tank cutters and shears with a cold cutting process limit sparks during metal works
• Water and dirt ingress: methods without wet cutting reduce the need for wastewater treatment
• Accessibility: compact tools with hydraulic power packs facilitate work in confined existing structures

Selective deconstruction, building gutting, and source-separated sorting

The deconstruction notice should set out the basic principles of waste stream separation. Selective deconstruction first separates materials containing hazardous substances and recyclable materials from load-bearing components. Concrete demolition shears enable targeted biting of reinforced concrete, thereby separating reinforcement and concrete and facilitating the recycling of scrap and mineral demolition material. Rock and concrete splitters fragment massive components in a controlled manner, simplifying transport and downstream crushing.

1. Survey and documentation of the existing structure, including hazardous substances
2. Building gutting: removal of non-load-bearing components and technical systems
3. Cutting and separation works on steel, utilities, and tanks (e.g., with steel shears, Multi Cutters, tank cutters)
4. Deconstruction of load-bearing components: concrete demolition shears and splitters according to structural phasing
5. Source-separated sorting, intermediate storage, and haulage
6. Verification and final documentation

Safety and environmental protection

Safety and environmental protection measures are an integral part of the notice. These include dust and noise protection, vibration monitoring, protection of adjacent areas, and the safe handling of hazardous substances. For works on vessels and pipelines, procedures with reduced sparks and controlled cut edges are important; tank cutters and steel shears support appropriate protection concepts.

Dust and noise mitigation

Water mist, enclosures, and low-dust procedures improve the emissions profile. Shearing and splitting processes often generate lower levels compared to percussive methods, which is particularly advantageous for sensitive neighborhoods or interior works.

Vibration control

For deconstruction alongside ongoing use, heritage structures, or vibration-sensitive installations, monitoring and limit concepts are advisable. Low-vibration procedures—such as controlled splitting—help manage risks.

Documentation and verification

Seamless documentation supports communication with the authority and provides project evidence. This includes site diary, measurement logs (dust, noise, vibration), photographic documentation, weigh tickets, and disposal certificates in accordance with applicable requirements. Inspection and maintenance records of the work equipment used—for example, of hydraulic power packs—should be current and available.

Practical relevance: selecting suitable equipment and areas of application

The equipment must be adapted to component geometry, material, reinforcement density, and accessibility. A brief rationale for the selection within the deconstruction notice facilitates classification by the authority and shows how side effects are minimized.

• Concrete demolition and special demolition: concrete demolition shears for reinforced concrete, splitters for massive components and foundation bodies
• Building gutting and cutting: Multi Cutters, combination shears, and steel shears for sections, utilities, and sheet metal
• Rock excavation and tunnel construction: rock and concrete splitters for controlled, low-vibration rock removal
• Natural stone extraction: splitting technology for precise extraction with low crack propagation
• Special application: tank cutters for vessels and piping systems with special safety and emissions control requirements

Avoiding common mistakes

Delays and additional costs often arise from incomplete documents, lack of coordination, or unsuitable method selection. An early, complete notice and a plausible procedure—such as selective use of concrete demolition shears or splitting technology—help prevent conflicts.

• Unclear staging and missing structural considerations for deconstructing load-bearing components
• Underestimated emissions (dust, noise, vibration) without countermeasures
• Incomplete hazardous substance survey and missing disposal concepts
• Method selection without reference to constraints such as neighborhood, heritage protection, or proximity to utilities
• Failure to meet deadlines or missing contacts for authority queries

Terminology in day-to-day project work

The deconstruction notice must be distinguished from a demolition permit: while the notice informs the authority about the project and enables a plausibility check, a permit may be required for certain types of structures or locations. Also to be distinguished are the deconstruction concept, the H&S (SiGe) plan, and the disposal concept; they complement each other in content and objectives. For execution practice, it is crucial that the notice describes the planned procedures—for example, the use of concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters—in a comprehensible way and interlinks them with the protection and verification measures.