Digitalization in the construction industry: Pilot phase successfully completed
Since March 1, 2025, the city of Darmstadt has offered a fully digital building permit process for all citizens. Following a one-year pilot phase, one of the city's most comprehensive administrative procedures has been completely digitized. Building applications can now be submitted, processed, and approved seamlessly across all media.
As the city announces, building documents can be compiled in a digital building file and are available on the construction site with a single click. The official notices will also be transmitted electronically. To facilitate the transition, building applications will initially still be accepted in paper form. At the same time, more than 4,000 linear meters of files are currently being digitized .
A milestone in digitalization in Darmstadt
City Councillor Paul Georg Wandrey emphasizes: “With the new digital process, mountains of paperwork are a thing of the past. The collaboration with ekom21, OTS, saascom GmbH and the State of Hesse was a crucial factor in our success.” Darmstadt was the first city in Hesse to successfully process a fully digital building application, including approval, via the Hesse building portal – in cooperation with the company Merck.
In addition to Merck and Evonik, numerous design authors have already used the digital process. Since January 2024, more than 60 digital applications processed. Within the first few weeks after the official launch, a quarter of all applications were submitted online.
The digital application assistant guides users intuitively through the process, automatically capturing all relevant data. If documents are missing, they can be easily submitted later. All communication takes place via the digital construction portal of Hesse , ensuring standardized and software-independent collaboration between all parties involved.
City Councillor Wandrey concludes: “The new digital process not only improves efficiency but also communication. Darmstadt, as a digital city, once again demonstrates its commitment to innovation and business.”
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/ddk)
Further information on the digital building application via the Hesse building portal :
👉 https://bauportal.hessen.de
