Machinery of the City of Zurich

FY 2025

Building permit – ordinary procedure

Building-permit workflow in the City of Zurich under the cantonal Planning and Building Act, including public notice, objections, decision and appeal.

Übersichtskarte
React Flow

Steps (textual)

  1. Building project plannedStartApplicant
  2. Prepare building applicationInputApplicant

    Plans, project description, evidence of energy/acoustics/statics and application forms.

    ⏱ 4–12 weeksCHF 5'000–50'000
  3. Submit application (eBaugesuche)InputApplicant
    ⏱ 1 business daysCHF 300–2'000
  4. Formal completeness checkProcessBuilding-Permit Office

    Prüfung, ob das Gesuch vollständig und bearbeitbar ist.

    ⏱ 5–15 business days
  5. Application complete?DecisionBuilding-Permit Office
  6. Submit missing documentsLoopApplicant
    ⏱ 1–6 weeks
  7. Public noticeProcessBuilding-Permit Office
    ⏱ 20 business days
  8. Objections filed?DecisionObjectors (neighbours)
  9. Process objectionsProcessBuilding-Permit Office
    ⏱ 4–16 weeks
  10. Cantonal specialist reviewProcessCantonal specialist offices
    ⏱ 4–12 weeks
  11. Substantive reviewProcessDepartment of Buildings
    ⏱ 6–20 weeks
  12. Grant permit?DecisionBuilding-Permit Office
  13. Grant permit (possibly with conditions)ProcessBuilding-Permit Office
    ⏱ 1–2 weeks
  14. Reject applicationProcessBuilding-Permit Office
  15. File appeal?DecisionApplicant
  16. Appeal proceedingsProcessBuilding Appeals Court
    ⏱ 6–18 months
  17. Construction may begin (after legal force)EndApplicant
  18. Application denied (final)EndApplicant

Legal basis

Sources