Pergola in the canton of Bern: building permit required?
Depends on size and location
Short answer: permit-free as an unheated small structure up to 10 m² and 2.5 m high, provided it functionally belongs to the main building. Larger or with a roof: building application (minor procedure possible).
Basis: Art. 6 para. 1 let. a BewD. Building Act (BauG) and Building Permit Procedure Decree (BewD). As of October 2026. Applies within the building zone and outside core zones and protected areas. Municipalities may be stricter.
What specifically applies in the canton of Bern
A classic pergola is a structure open on all sides with no fixed roof. As soon as a fixed or closable roof is added (louvres, glass, panels), it usually counts legally as a patio cover, and therefore as a building.
Permit-free in the canton of Bern: unheated small structures up to 10 m² footprint and 2.5 m height that are neither lived in nor used commercially and functionally belong to a main building are permit-free (Art. 6 para. 1 let. a BewD).
Procedure: for smaller projects there is the minor building permit procedure without publication. If the project is in a protected area, by a body of water or within the forest distance, it always requires a permit (Art. 7 BewD).
Submission: digitally via eBau of the canton of Bern; many municipalities additionally require two signed paper copies.
Note the official municipal instructions in the canton of Bern and our document checklist.
Our fixed price for a pergola in the canton of Bern
- Preliminary check CHF 149, written assessment with the procedure, documents and fee range of your municipality. Credited towards the application.
- Building application CHF 690, complete dossier, submission, queries and deadlines until the decision. Excl. municipal fees.
- Retrospective building application CHF 990, if a pergola is already in place and the municipality requires an application.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pergola need a permit in the canton of Bern?
Depends on size and location. As an unheated small structure up to 10 m² and 2.5 m in height, permit-free if it functionally belongs to the main building. Larger or with a roof: building application (minor procedure possible). Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a BewD.
Which procedure applies in the canton of Bern?
For smaller projects there is the minor building permit procedure without publication. If the project is in a protected area, near a body of water or within the forest distance, it always requires a permit (Art. 7 BewD).
Who may submit the application in the canton of Bern?
No formal professional qualification required; plan requirements under Art. 15 ff. BewD. You give us a power of attorney; the client and the landowner sign the application.
How much does the building application for a pergola in the canton of Bern cost?
Our fixed price is CHF 690 for the dossier including submission and follow-up questions. Official fees and any agreed additional services are extra; the official tariff depends on the location.
Municipalities in the canton of Bern
Pergola in other cantons
Pergola in the canton of Bern: we submit the application.
Assessment in 2 working days, dossier in 5. Enquire without obligation.