Canton of Zurich30 local pages · all municipalities served

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

What is permit-free in the canton of Zurich, 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 Zurich: Buildings and installations up to 2.5 m total height and 6 m² floor area are permit-free in building zones, but not in core zones, protected areas or where protection orders apply (§ 1 let. a BVV).

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Overview of all structure types in the canton of Zurich

Structure	Classification	Rule	Legal basis
Pergola	Depends on size and location	An open pergola up to 2.5 m high and 6 m² floor area is permit-free. Larger pergolas require a permit, usually in the simplified procedure or by notification.	§ 1 lit. a BVV
Louvred roof	Building permit required	A louvred roof counts as a covered pergola or patio cover and requires a building permit. Depending on the municipality, notification or simplified procedure.	§ 309 PBG, § 1 BVV
Patio cover	Building permit required	Patio covers expressly require a permit.	§ 309 PBG
Carport	Building permit required	Carports and garages require a building permit.	§ 309 PBG
Garden shed	Depends on size and location	Garden sheds up to 2.5 m high and 6 m² are permit-free (except in the historic core zone or protected areas). Above that: notification procedure for garden sheds and storage sheds.	§ 1 lit. a, § 14 lit. m BVV
Pool	Building permit required	Permanently installed pools require a permit (changes to the terrain, technical equipment, drainage).	§ 309 PBG
Heat pump (outdoor unit)	Depends on size and location	Air-to-water heat pumps can be installed under the notification procedure (Meldeverfahren) if the noise protection certificate is provided and the rules are met; otherwise a building application is needed.	§ 1 BVV, LSV
Solar installation (special case)	Depends on size and location	Sufficiently adapted roof and facade systems: notification. In historic core zones, where townscape or heritage protection applies, free-standing or as a solar carport: building permit via eBaugesucheZH.	Art. 18a RPG, § 2a BVV

Procedure in the canton of Zurich

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

Submission: eBaugesucheZH; the switchover date, signatures and any paper enclosures depend on the municipality.

Plan author: no formal professional qualification required for plan authors; plans must meet the requirements of the BVV and be signed by the client and the landowner.

Garden sheds and storage sheds follow the notification procedure (§ 14 BVV); smaller projects follow the simplified procedure without profile poles or publication. The municipality decides on the procedure.

How your application works with us in the canton of Zurich

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 Zurich

What is permit-free in the canton of Zurich?

Buildings and installations up to 2.5 m total height and 6 m² floor area are permit-free in building zones, but not in core zones, protected areas or where protection orders apply (§ 1 let. a BVV).

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

eBaugesucheZH; the switchover date, signatures and any paper enclosures depend on the municipality. Garden sheds and storage sheds fall under the notification procedure (§ 14 BVV), smaller projects under the simplified procedure without staking out or publication. The municipality decides on the procedure.

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

No formal professional qualification is required for plan authors; plans must meet the requirements of the BVV and be signed by the building owner and the landowner.

Building application costs and scope of services · Prepare it yourself or have it done? · Dossier lead time and authorities' procedure

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