Pergola in the canton of Zug: building permit required?
Usually no permit required
Short answer: an uncovered pergola is not a small structure and, according to the cantonal government, needs neither a building application nor a building declaration. With a roof, it becomes a structure.
Legal basis: RRB BD 2023-114, § 44a PBG. Planning and Building Act (PBG) and its ordinance (V PBG). As of October 2026. Applies within the building zone and outside core zones and protected areas. Municipalities may be stricter.
What applies in the canton of Zug
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 Zug: permit-free projects include very minor ones such as greenhouses and small garden sheds up to 4 m² footprint as well as terrain changes up to 1.2 m in height and 50 m³ (§ 45 V PBG). According to the cantonal government, an uncovered pergola needs neither a building application nor a building declaration (RRB BD 2023-114).
Procedure: minor construction projects and solar installations that do not significantly affect neighbours' and public interests are reported with a building declaration (§ 44a PBG). Everything else needs a building application (§ 44 PBG).
Submission: digitally via cymo ebau to the municipality where the site is located; many municipalities additionally require paper copies with a signed submission receipt.
Note the official municipal instructions in the canton of Zug and our document checklist.
Our fixed price for a pergola in the canton of Zug
- 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 Zug?
Usually permit-free. An uncovered pergola is not a small structure and, according to the cantonal government, needs neither a building application nor a building notice. With a roof, it becomes a building. Legal basis: RRB BD 2023-114, § 44a PBG.
Which procedure applies in the canton of Zug?
Minor projects and solar installations that do not significantly affect neighbours' or public interests are notified with a building notice (Bauanzeige, § 44a PBG). Everything else needs a building application (§ 44 PBG).
Who may submit the application in the canton of Zug?
No formal professional qualification is required. 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 Zug 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 Zug
Pergola in other cantons
Pergola in the canton of Zug: we submit the application.
Assessment in 2 working days, dossier in 5. Enquire without obligation.