The Building Permit Procedure
My wife and I are planning to build a house. We are consulting a planner, but we also want to be involved in the building process ourselves. Now we are wondering how timeconsuming and tedious it is to obtain a building permit.
I am planning to build a raised bed in my garden: Do I have to observe the border distances to the neighbor?
I am planning to build raised beds in my garden. How large must the distance to the neighbor’s property be for a raised bed? What special regulations apply? Is the distance regulation different from that for shrubs and trees?
Do we have to grant the neighbor a right of way?
My neighbor wants to build a 2nd house on his property: Since access to the construction site is complicated for him, he demands a right of way across our garage forecourt, which would be much easier for him. But we are against it. Does he have a right to the emergency right of way? How can we defend ourselves? If it is granted, do we receive compensation?
Building without a permit: Must an unlawful structure be removed?
In Switzerland, there are many building regulations that must be observed when erecting a building. What happens if this does not happen and a formally illegal building is constructed?
The building objection procedure
Our neighbour wants to completely renovate his house. In addition to various adjustments to the exterior, this also includes the installation of two relatively high skylights, which massively restrict our view of the mountains. We would like to file an objection, but we are afraid of a time-consuming and lengthy procedure. What exactly is the procedure? How long can such a process take?
Condominium Ownership: Can one leave the community?
In our condominium owners’ association, we are currently discussing the renewal of the heating system. Opinions differ widely as to whether this should be done at all and what kind. There is no provision in the regulations for withdrawal. Can an individual condominium owner decide for himself and even leave, or must he remain in the community?
Trampoline in front of condominium: Can I defend myself?
We are owners of a condominium on the 1st floor of an apartment building. A co-owner of our building placed a large trampoline with a diameter of approximately 4-5 m directly under our balcony. The bouncing of the children directly underneath our balcony is very disturbing for us.
Building objections: This is what you need to bear in mind.
The redevelopment of a neighbouring or nearby property can have a significant impact on the quality of life of people directly affected by it. From a legal point of view, numerous planning, building and often also environmental protection issues arise. It is therefore not surprising that building objections have become almost the norm. But what are the main points to consider?
Use of garden patio in a condominium association
The new co-owner on the first floor has recently informed us that he will install a whirlpool on the seating area (special use). We think that he must first obtain the written consent of all other co-owners and provide detailed information about water consumption, etc. We are also concerned about noise and noise pollution. We are also concerned about noise pollu-tion. What can we do about it?
Do we have to buy into the renewal fund?
We are planning to buy a flat in an existing building. We are wondering, among other things, what our rights and obligations are regarding the renewal fund. Do we automatically participate in the renewal fund by acquiring condominium ownership? Or do we have to buy in?