Can I build a bunker in the woods?
Table of Contents
Building a bunker on a property that you own could very well be legal, but you will still be required to get several different types of permits before you even break ground. To get started, take a blueprint of your plans and a map layout of where you intend on building and take it to your local building department.
How do you make an underground bunker in the woods?
How to Build an Underground Bunker in 9 Steps
- Get Permission. The most important thing to do is to get the proper permits.
- Choose the Location.
- Develop a Blueprint.
- Pick the Right Bunker Building Material.
- Choose the Right Excavating Equipment.
- Acquire Key Living Materials.
- Start Digging.
- Reinforce the Shelter.
Can you survive in a underground bunker?

Inside the underground space, there’s enough seating, food, water and medical supplies to last a small group of people for a few days during an emergency. Perfect for surviving any challenge, the bunker could even be extended, so residents could add some homely additions to make longer stays more amenable.
How much does it cost to build an underground bunker?
A 200-square-foot bunker costs $52,750 on average, for just the bunker itself. Most bunkers of this size range from $37,000 to $65,500. Smaller bunkers may only cost around $19,000 but you could easily spend upwards of $8 million for a large underground shelter.

How deep does an underground bunker need to be?
The optimal bunker depth recommended by professionals is 10 feet. This depth will help save yourself from most disasters, and there will be no danger of trapping yourself or other people inside. The general rule of thumb is that the ground level to the top of your shelter should be 10 feet.
Do I need planning permission for a underground bunker?
Unlike Building Regulations, there are no exemptions under the Planning Acts that permit nuclear shelters or similar structures to be constructed. As a result, planning permission would be required.