Do I need a building permit?

How the check works

The check compares your structure with the cantonal rules for building zones (as of October 2026): permit-free limits, notification procedures, permit requirement for covered structures and carports. It takes size, height, roofing and protected zones into account.

It does not replace an assessment of your plot: municipalities regulate distances, building lines and design in their building regulations and can be stricter than the canton. The preliminary check (CHF 149) provides a site-specific assessment after clarification with the municipality and is credited towards the application.

The three most common misconceptions

• "Just placed there, no foundation." What counts for the permit requirement is the spatial impact, not the foundation.
• "The dealer said …" Dealers are not liable for your permit. You are.
• "The neighbour has one too …" Each plot is assessed individually. An existing structure in the neighbourhood does not replace the assessment of your project.