Canton of Lucerne26 local pages · all municipalities served

Building permit in the canton of Lucernefor pergolas, louvred roofs, carports, garden sheds, pools and more

Q: What is permit-free in the canton of Lucerne?

Non-commercial garden and outdoor features such as open pergolas are permit-free (§ 54 PBV). Small structures are subject to tight dimensions; anything larger needs a building application.

What is permit-free in the canton of Lucerne, what needs a notification and when a building application is mandatory, with the legal basis and our fixed-price service for towns and villages throughout the canton.

Permit-free in the canton of Lucerne: Non-commercial garden and outdoor landscaping features such as open pergolas are permit-free (§ 54 PBV). Tight dimensions apply to small structures; anything larger requires a building application.

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Overview of all structures in the canton of Lucerne

Structure	Classification	Rule	Legal basis
Pergola	Usually no permit required	Open garden pergolas without commercial use are permit-free. As soon as a roof is added, they no longer are.	§ 54 PBV
Louvred roof	Building permit required	A louvred roof protects against the weather and therefore requires a building permit. Plan authors must be qualified professionals; our partner co-signs.	§ 184, § 188 PBG
Patio cover	Building permit required	Seating area and terrace covers require a building permit.	§ 184 PBG
Carport	Building permit required	Carports require a building permit.	§ 184 PBG
Garden shed	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
Pool	Building permit required	Permanently installed pools require a permit.	§ 184 PBG
Heat pump (outdoor unit)	Depends on size and location	Heat pump outdoor units: permit-free or subject to notification if noise protection and distances are respected; otherwise building application.	§ 54 PBV, LSV
Solar installation (special case)	Depends on size and location	Roof systems over 20 m² must be notified (20 days before construction starts); smaller ones are exempt. In townscape protection areas, on listed buildings, free-standing or as a solar carport: building permit.	§ 54 PBV, Art. 18a RPG

Procedure in the canton of Lucerne

Legal basis: Planning and Building Act (PBG) and Planning and Building Ordinance (PBV). Go to the cantonal information page.

Submission: cantonal eForm plus at least one signed paper copy to the municipality; the city of Lucerne uses cymo ebau.

Plan author: plan authors must be qualified professionals (§ 188 para. 3 PBG). In Lucerne, we work with a qualified plan author who co-signs the application.

The “Deklaration Erdbebensicherheit Kanton Luzern” (earthquake safety declaration) must also be submitted with the building application. Permit-free projects are listed exhaustively in § 54 PBV.

How your application works with us in the canton of Lucerne

Enquiry. You send us the address, structure, dimensions and photos, via form, e-mail or WhatsApp. Takes 3 minutes.
Preliminary check. Within 2 working days you know whether it is permit-free, a notification or a building application, with the procedure, documents and fee range.
Approval. You confirm via the payment link and sign the power of attorney digitally.
Application file. We prepare forms, construction description, site plan, floor plan, section and enclosures, complete and compliant with the municipality's requirements.
Submission. You sign, we submit (digitally or by post) and confirm receipt to you.
Decision. We answer the municipality's queries. You receive the authority's decision and information on the next steps.

Questions about the building application in the canton of Lucerne

What is permit-free in the canton of Lucerne?

Non-commercial garden and outdoor landscaping features such as open pergolas are permit-free (§ 54 PBV). Tight dimensions apply to small structures; anything larger requires a building application.

How do I submit a building application in the canton of Lucerne?

Cantonal eForm plus at least one signed paper copy to the municipality; the city of Lucerne uses cymo ebau. The "Deklaration Erdbebensicherheit Kanton Luzern" (earthquake safety declaration) must also be submitted with the building application. Permit-free projects are listed exhaustively in § 54 PBV.

Who may draw up building plans in the canton of Lucerne?

Plan authors must be qualified professionals (§ 188 para. 3 PBG). In Lucerne we work with a qualified plan author who co-signs the application.

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