Building permit for your renovation. Submitted complete, properly accompanied.
Whether an extension, attic conversion or a change of layout: we clarify which permit your project needs, prepare plans and documents, submit the building application to the municipality and liaise with the building authority.
- Clarification of whether a procedure is needed, and which one
- Plans and documents from a single source
- Liaison with the building authority until the decision
Does my renovation need a building permit?
Select your project. You see which procedure typically applies, using the canton of Zurich as an example.
What are you planning?
The municipality decides which procedure applies according to type, location and scope. Other cantons have their own rules.
Building permits in figures: example canton of Zurich
Processing period from the preliminary review; 4 months for new builds and larger renovations.
For smaller projects that do not affect the interests of third parties.
The project is published and marked out on site.
From service of the decision, if someone has requested the decision.
If work does not start within three years, the permit expires.
Source: Canton of Zurich, building application & permit procedure (German). As of October 2026, without guarantee.
How long does a building permit take?
From the first clarification to approval to start. The procedure depends on your selection above.
Documents for the building application: who does what?
The municipality rejects deficient or incomplete documents. We make sure everything is complete.
Building application checklist
- Building application form and other municipal formsUs
- Copy of the cadastral plan with the project markedUs
- Site plan with spot heights and access routesUs
- Floor plans, elevations and sections, scale 1:100Us
- Further documentation depending on the project, e.g. energy or noise protectionUs
- Existing plans and previous building permitsYou
- Signatures of the client and landownerYou
Yellow and red: what a renovation plan looks like
For renovations, the plans show what is removed and what is new. Parts to be demolished are shown in yellow, new parts in red.
How much does a building permit application cost?
The costs consist of two parts. You receive an estimate for your project during the consultation.
| Cost component | Depends on |
|---|---|
| Municipal fees | Municipality, procedure and size of the project |
| Plans & documents, small project | e.g. windows, canopy, notification procedure |
| Plans & documents, renovation | e.g. change of layout, attic conversion |
| Plans & documents, extension | e.g. extension, additional storey, ordinary procedure |
What your building application costs depends on the project. We will tell you after our first conversation.
Request advice →How we accompany your building permit application
The building permit application is binding planning. That is why we advise you before it is submitted.
Preliminary clarification
We check the project, regulations and procedure and tell you what is possible.
You get: a clear starting pointPlans & documents
Our architects prepare plans and compile all forms and documentation.
You get: complete dossierSubmit & accompany
We submit the building application, often electronically, and liaise with the building authority.
You get: building permitQuotes & construction management
If you wish, we obtain quotes and take on construction management.
You get: renovation from a single source
Building permits in Zurich, Winterthur, Basel, Lucerne and Bern
We know the procedures of the building authorities in your region.
Questions about building permits
What is a building permit application (Baueingabe)?
With the Baueingabe, you submit the building application with all plans and forms to the municipality. This leads to the decision on the building permit (Baubewilligung). In Germany, the terms Bauantrag and Baugenehmigung are used.
Does my renovation need a building permit?
That depends on the project, the location and the canton. Extensions, additional storeys and changes to the façade or use usually require an ordinary procedure. Smaller projects often go through the simplified procedure. The municipality decides which procedure applies. Our check gives a first assessment.
How long does a building permit take?
In the canton of Zurich, the processing period in the ordinary procedure is usually 2 months from the preliminary review, 4 months for new builds and larger renovations. In the notification procedure it is 30 days. Add to this the preparation of documents and, if applicable, the appeal period of 30 days.
What documents does a building application need?
In the canton of Zurich, among others, the building application form, a current copy of the cadastral plan with the project marked, a site plan and project plans at a scale of 1:100. For renovations, parts to be demolished are shown in yellow and new parts in red.
How much does a building permit application cost?
There are municipal fees, which vary by municipality and project, plus the costs for plans and documents. You receive an estimate during the consultation.
How long is a building permit valid?
In the canton of Zurich, the building permit expires if work does not start within three years. The period begins after the last appeal deadline has expired.
Guide to building applications
In-depth information for your planning. Click on a chapter to open it.
Baueingabe, Baugesuch, Baubewilligung: the terms
- Baugesuch: the application with forms and plans.
- Baueingabe: submitting the building application to the municipality.
- Baubewilligung: the authority's decision, i.e. the building permit. In Germany it is called Baugenehmigung.
- Aussteckung: the project is made visible on site, usually with profile poles.
- Baufreigabe: approval to start; only then may building begin.
Marking out and public inspection
In the ordinary procedure in the canton of Zurich, the project is published and must be marked out on site by the time of publication. The marking out remains in place at least for the 20-day inspection period. Anyone wishing to request the building decision must do so in writing within this period. In the notification procedure, marking out and publication usually do not apply.
Electronic building application
In many Zurich municipalities, the building application can be submitted via the eBaugesucheZH platform. Since 1 April 2024 the procedure there has been paperless. If cantonal permits are required, the municipality forwards the documents digitally.
How to avoid delays
- Submit complete documents, otherwise they will be rejected
- Inform the neighbours about the project early
- Clarify open points with the building authority in advance
- Do not plan any significant changes after the permit
Your building application, in good hands.
We clarify what your project needs and submit complete documents. The first conversation is free and without obligation.
Request a building permit application →