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Objection to a building permit

Protect your rights and interests by objecting to non-conforming constructions in your neighborhood that have an impact on you. Find out about the steps you need to take to consult permits plans and lodge objections. Contact our lawyers and legal experts with your questions.

As a general rule, building and renovation projects of a certain size require a permit. This principle enables neighbors or persons affected to object to a construction if they feel it does not comply with the applicable legal provisions. The authority to be contacted and the procedure to be followed vary from canton to canton, but the principle remains the same. In principle, the deadline for lodging an objection (or an appeal, depending on the canton) is 30 days from publication of the permit in the official media provided for this purpose (e.g. the "Feuille d'avis officielle" in Geneva and the canton of Vaud, or the "Bulletin officiel" in Valais).

It is important to allow sufficient time to consult and analyze the permit documents before preparing and filing the objection or appeal, which must explain in detail the reasons for opposing the planned construction. The authority in charge then issues a decision, against which an appeal can be lodged.

When an authorized construction is in progress, it is important to ensure that its conditions are respected. This implies being able to access the building permit by applying to the authority in charge, and carefully monitoring the various construction phases.

Legalify offers assistance to consult a building permit, lodge an objection or check that it has been correctly applied, or for any other legal question relating to building permits. Contact our lawyers for more information.