Potsdam starts digital building authority: building applications now completely online!

Potsdam starts digital building authority: building applications now completely online!

Potsdam has taken the next step towards the digital future: From July 14, 2025, builders will be able to submit their building applications completely online in the new “Virtual Building Authority”. The annoying trip to the office is now a thing of the past. The process is now carried out digitally, which not only saves time but also resources. Head of the building department Bernd Rubelt praises the innovation and emphasizes that it makes the processes more transparent and faster for applicants. Registration in the state portal (https://vba.brandenburg.de) is a prerequisite for access.

This innovative process is the result of a pilot project that was originally started in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district. Thanks to a successful test phase, builders can now look forward to efficient processing of their requirements. The entire building permit process is becoming digital, with the aim of significantly shortening the duration of the procedure and making communication with the building supervisory authority secure and standardized. The digital submission of public concerns is also planned, which is supported by the XBau standard.

Sustainability and transparency in focus

The aim is for a paperless process, which not only makes ecological sense, but also corresponds to the nationwide trend towards mandatory digital applications. The reduction in paper consumption and the reduction in travel and postal delivery are further advantages that are important to the city administration. Data protection, it is emphasized, is of course guaranteed.

Previously there was frequent criticism of the long processes in the Potsdam construction administration. This digitalization strategy is now a clear step in the right direction. Potsdam joins a number of successful online services, such as digital marriage and electronic residence registration. The city administration wants to continue working to modernize its services and make them more efficient.

A look at the construction industry

Another aspect of digitalization in the construction industry was examined in more detail in the “Digital Construction Management” (DiCoMa) project, which ended on April 30, 2023. Numerous challenges that the industry is facing during digital change were analyzed here. In particular, the need for further training and ensuring data quality in software solutions are several central topics. However, according to an interview study with representatives from the construction industry, the advantages of digitalization are undisputed: more efficient construction through optimized processes and better collaboration are at the top of the list of positive effects.

Despite these positive prospects, the industry also faces significant challenges - from personnel shortages to structural obstacles in the procurement process. Close cooperation between companies and research institutions, as recommended in the study, is essential here.

Overall, it shows that digitalization in Potsdam and the construction industry is an issue that not only brings with it opportunities, but also numerous challenges. However, the city administration and the industry are well positioned to take this path together and shape the future of construction management sustainably.

For further information, those interested can read the detailed reports on the website Daily Mirror, Potsdam.de, as well as Fraunhofer IESE read up.