Terrace roof: do I need a building permit?
Terrace and patio covers require a permit in practically every canton because they create a covered area. A simplified procedure without public notice is often possible if distances and dimensions are right.
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.
Terrace roof or enclosed conservatory?
Patio cover and terrace roof here refer to a roof over the outdoor area. For the submission, state precisely whether it is a glass or solid roof, how it connects to the façade and the side enclosures. Later glazing or a different use may require a new assessment.
Prepare the building application yourself or have it prepared?
Have ready for the preliminary check
- Roof plan and elevation of the existing façade
- Projection, width, height and material of the roof
- Drainage and distances to neighbouring plots
- Details of side glazing, sliding elements and use
The first enquiry is free. The site-specific preliminary check costs CHF 149 and is credited against the subsequent application.
Have my terrace roof checkedPatio roof: 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 | Patio covers expressly require a permit. | § 309 PBG |
| Aargau | Building permit required | Covered patios open on at least one side: simplified procedure up to 40 m² / 3 m. | § 50 BauV |
| Zug | Building permit required | Patio covers are structures and require a building permit. | § 44 PBG |
| Lucerne | Building permit required | Seating area and terrace covers require a building permit. | § 184 PBG |
| Bern | Building permit required | Patio roofs over 10 m² require a building permit. | Art. 6 BewD |
| Solothurn | Building permit required | Patio covers require a building permit. | § 3 KBV |
| Basel-Landschaft | Building permit required | Patio covers count as built-up area and need an ordinary building application at the Building Inspectorate (Bauinspektorat) in Liestal. | RBV |
| St. Gallen | Building permit required | Patio covers and large shade sails require a building permit. | Art. 136 PBG, Administrative Court B 2018/99 |
| Thurgau | Building permit required | Patio covers 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 patio roof 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 patio covers
Can I put up a patio cover 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.
What does a building application for a patio cover 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 terrace roof the same as a patio cover?
The terms are often used for a roof over a seating area. For the building application, what counts is the specific plans and the classification under building law by the competent office.
Does an open side automatically make a glass roof permit-free?
No. An open side alone decides neither whether a permit is required nor whether it counts as a conservatory. Construction, use, energy requirements and location must be checked together.
How long does the permit for a patio roof 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 patio cover 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.
Patio cover by canton
Terrace roof planned or already built?
Assessment in 2 working days, application file in 5 working days once all documents are complete. Fixed price CHF 690.