Pergola in the canton of Zurich: building permit required?
Depends on size and location
Short answer: 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 declaration.
Basis: § 1 let. a BVV. Planning and Building Act (PBG) and Building Procedure Ordinance (BVV). As of October 2026. Applies within the building zone and outside core zones and protected areas. Municipalities can be stricter.
What applies in the canton of Zurich
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 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 areas covered by protection orders (§ 1 let. a BVV).
Procedure: garden sheds and outbuildings follow the declaration procedure (§ 14 BVV); smaller projects follow the simplified procedure without profile poles or publication. The municipality decides on the procedure.
Submission: eBaugesucheZH; the switchover date, signatures and any paper enclosures depend on the municipality.
Note the official municipal instructions in the canton of Zurich and our document checklist.
Our fixed price for a pergola in the canton of Zurich
- 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 Zurich?
Depends on size and location. An open pergola up to 2.5 m in height and 6 m² floor area is permit-free. Larger pergolas require a permit, usually in the simplified procedure or by notice. Legal basis: § 1 lit. a BVV.
Which procedure applies in the canton of Zurich?
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.
Who may submit the application 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 client and the landowner. You give us a power of attorney; the client and the landowner sign the application.
What does a building application for a pergola cost in the canton of Zurich?
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 Zurich
Pergola in other cantons
Pergola in the canton of Zurich: we submit the application.
Assessment in 2 working days, dossier in 5. Enquire without obligation.