Carport: do I need a building permit?
A carport is a structure: it takes up space, often stands close to the boundary or road and needs a building permit almost everywhere. With solar panels on the roof (solar carport), design requirements and registration with the grid operator are added.
The dossier lead time starts once payment and all required documents have been received. Signatures and the authorities' procedure come on top. Understand the timeline.
Carport building application: plan access, distances and roof
A car shelter concerns not only the roof but also the location of the parking space. Show the access, distances to the plot boundary and the road, roof drainage and any side walls on the plan. For a solar carport, the photovoltaic system is also included in the project assessment.
Prepare the building application yourself or have it prepared?
Have ready for the preliminary check
- Floor plan with the number and position of parking spaces
- Elevations with roof height, posts and side walls
- Site plan with access and boundary and road distances
- Drainage and, for solar carports, the solar installer's documents
The first enquiry is free. The site-specific preliminary check costs CHF 149 and is credited against the subsequent application.
Have my carport checkedCarport: rules in 9 cantons (as of October 2026)
Applies within the building zone and outside core zones and protected areas. Municipalities may be stricter.
| Canton | Classification | Rule | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich | Building permit required | Carports and garages require a building permit. | § 309 PBG |
| Aargau | Building permit required | Carports require a permit; a simplified procedure is possible. | § 59 BauG, § 50 BauV |
| Zug | Building permit required | In Zug practice, carports are regularly treated as small structures and require a permit. | § 44 PBG, § 18 V PBG |
| Lucerne | Building permit required | Carports require a building permit. | § 184 PBG |
| Bern | Building permit required | Carports over 10 m² require a permit (practically every carport). | Art. 6 BewD |
| Solothurn | Building permit required | Carports require a building permit. | § 3 KBV |
| Basel-Landschaft | Building permit required | An open carport or one attached on one side requires a building permit. | RBV |
| St. Gallen | Building permit required | Carports require a building permit. | Art. 136 PBG |
| Thurgau | Building permit required | Carports require a building permit. | § 98 PBG |
Non-binding overview without guarantee. The cantonal building law, your municipality's building and zoning regulations and the decision of the building authority are authoritative. We examine your specific case.
What the building application for a carport includes
- Cantonal building application form, fully completed, with the client, landowner and plan author.
- Site plan 1:500 based on the official cadastral survey, with the structure drawn in, dimensions and distances to boundaries and roads.
- Floor plan, section and elevation with all height and length dimensions, materials and colours.
- Construction description covering use, construction, drainage and the justification of any exceptions.
- List of enclosures and (where required) neighbours' signatures, noise certificate, energy certificate or design certificate.
- Instructions for profile poles (outline markers), if the municipality requires them.
To the full document checklist and local submission routes
Typical mistakes that can lead to queries
- Boundary distance not respected or not clearly dimensioned.
- Structure planned between the building line and the road without checking.
- The type of fixing is used as the only criterion, without checking use, duration and local rules.
- Landowner's signature missing (condominium ownership: consent of the owners' association).
- Core zone or listed property not recognised, where separate design rules apply.
Frequently asked questions about carports
Can I put up a carport without a building permit?
It depends on the type of construction, size, location and the cantonal and municipal regulations. Check in particular the zone, protection status and distances. Our free check is an initial assessment; in the preliminary assessment we clarify the specific location and the procedure with the competent office.
How much does the building application for a carport cost?
With us, CHF 690 fixed price for the dossier including submission and follow-up questions. Official fees and any agreed additional services are extra. You receive the scope of services before you place the order.
Does the neighbour's consent replace the carport permit?
A neighbour's consent does not automatically replace a required permit. Whether reduced boundary distances or other agreements are possible depends on the regulations for the plot.
Is a carport without foundations automatically permit-free?
The type of fixing is only one feature. Use, size, duration and spatial impact are also relevant to the assessment. Have your specific car shelter checked with the competent office before ordering and installation.
Which package applies to a solar carport?
For a solar carport, we consider the Solar special case package. The agreed scope covers the building application and coordinating the required documents; technical installation and connection work remains with the responsible specialist company.
How long does a carport permit take?
Our application file turnaround is 5 working days after receipt of payment and all the necessary documents. The authority's processing is separate and depends on the procedure, requests for additional information and any objections.
What happens if the carport is already built?
Send us any existing plans, photos and letters from the building authority. We review the next steps for the dossier and the deadlines set in the letter. Our package for retrospective building applications costs CHF 990; the authority decides on the permit.
Carport by canton
Carport planned or already built?
Assessment in 2 working days, application file in 5 working days once all documents are complete. Fixed price CHF 690.