Garden shed: do I need a building permit?
In many cantons, small garden sheds are permit-free up to a certain floor area and height. Depending on the canton, the limits range from 4 to 12 square metres; above that, a small-structure application or a notification is required.
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.
Garden shed or tool shed: state the use precisely
For a garden shed, floor area and height are only part of the assessment. Also state whether it will remain unheated, be used as a tool shed or include living or work spaces. Check the local zone, distances and any protection requirements as well.
Prepare the building application yourself or have it prepared?
Have ready for the preliminary check
- Floor plan, section and elevation with height and floor area
- Description of the use and any heating
- Manufacturer drawing and details of the fixing
- Location with boundary distances and existing outbuildings
The first enquiry is free. The site-specific preliminary check costs CHF 149 and is credited against the subsequent application.
Have my garden shed checkedGarden shed: 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 | Depends on size and location | Garden sheds up to 2.5 m high and 6 m² are permit-free (except in the historic core zone or protected areas). Above that: notification procedure for garden sheds and storage sheds. | § 1 lit. a, § 14 lit. m BVV |
| Aargau | Depends on size and location | Tool sheds up to 5 m² and 2.5 m high need no permit. Larger garden sheds: simplified procedure up to 40 m². | § 49 let. b, § 50 BauV |
| Zug | Depends on size and location | Garden sheds up to 4 m² floor area are permit-free. Above that: building notice (Bauanzeige) for minor projects, or a building application. | § 45 V PBG, § 44a PBG |
| Lucerne | Depends on size and location | Small garden sheds can be permit-free if they comply with the dimensions in § 54 PBV; larger ones need a building application. We check the dimensions against your municipality's regulations. | § 54 PBV |
| Bern | Depends on size and location | Unheated garden sheds up to 10 m² and 2.5 m need no permit; above that, a building application is required. Fully enclosed “garden halls” count as habitable and always require a permit. | Art. 6 para. 1 let. a BewD |
| Solothurn | Building permit required | Garden sheds generally require a building application; only very small projects under § 3ter KBV are exempt. | § 3ter KBV |
| Basel-Landschaft | Depends on size and location | Detached small structures up to 12 m² and 2.5 m: small-structure application to the municipality (simple procedure). Larger: ordinary application. Bike shelters up to 6 m² are exempt. | § 92, § 94 RBV |
| St. Gallen | Depends on size and location | Small garden sheds may fall under Art. 136 para. 2 PBG; larger ones need a building application to the municipality. | Art. 136 Abs. 2 PBG |
| Thurgau | Depends on size and location | Tool sheds up to 9 m² and 2.2 m total height are permit-free; above that, a building application. | § 99 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 garden shed contains
- 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 garden sheds
Can I put up a garden shed 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 a building application for a garden shed 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.
Is a garden shed kit automatically permit-free?
No. A kit does not replace checking the size, use, zone and local rules. Use the manufacturer's plans as the basis for the assessment.
Does the same rule apply to a garden office as to a tool shed?
This cannot be assumed. Heating, occupancy or commercial use can lead to a different assessment under building law. Describe the actual use in your enquiry.
How long does the permit for a garden shed 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 garden shed is already there?
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.
Garden shed by canton
Garden shed planned or already built?
Assessment in 2 working days, application file in 5 working days once all documents are complete. Fixed price CHF 690.