All development projects that will or may have an impact on archaeological deposits can be subject to archaeological investigation.

The following cases are automatically referred to the Regional Archaeology Service:
- all urban or rural development projects notified to relevant government or local government departments,
- all projects notified by developers in advance of legal requirements.

After receiving written notification the Regional Archaeology Service: has one month to decide whether or not there will be a field evaluation.

This delay is increased to two months if the development is subject to other planning constraints.

When an evaluation is ordered the Regional Archaeology Service notifies the planning authority, the developer, Inrap and accredited local government archaeology services which operate in the relevant geographical area.