What are boundary distances and how close am I allowed to build to my neighbors?

The rules: Who determines the distance?

The hierarchy of laws

understand the applicable boundary distances , you need to know where they are located.

• Cantonal Planning and Building Act (PBG): This defines the minimum framework conditions.
• Municipal building and zoning regulations (BZO): The municipality may often tighten the cantonal rules, but rarely relax them. You can find the boundary distances that apply specifically to your property in your municipality's zoning plan .

The difference: boundary and building distance

Often, two terms are confused.

• Boundary distance: This is the distance from your building facade to the legal property boundary. The applicable boundary distances primarily refer to this value.
• Building distance: This is the distance between two buildings. It usually results from the sum of the applicable boundary distances of both plots.

How are the applicable boundary distances calculated?

There is no fixed rule like "always 3 meters". The applicable boundary distances are dynamic.

1. Small and large boundary distance

Many building codes differentiate between:

• The small boundary distance (often 3.5 to 4 meters): This usually applies to the "narrow sides" or gable ends of the house, i.e., where the use is less intensive. The applicable boundary distances are more lenient here.
• The large boundary distance (often 5 to 8 meters): This applies to the main living areas , i.e., where the sun shines and where people spend time in the living room (eaves side). Here, the applicable boundary distances stipulate more space to avoid blocking sunlight from the neighbor's property.

2. Dependence on building height

A low-rise bungalow casts less shadow than a three-story townhouse. Therefore, the applicable boundary distances are often linked to the facade height.

The rule of thumb is often: the higher the house, the greater the applicable boundary distances .

In some cantons, a "length surcharge" applies. If your building is extremely long (e.g., over 12 meters), the applicable boundary distances are increased further to prevent a blocking effect.

3. Measurement method

applicable boundary distances measured ? Usually at right angles from the facade to the boundary line. Be careful with bay windows and balconies: if these project too far, they violate the applicable boundary distances . However, many building codes allow minor structural elements (canopies, small bay windows) to project into the setback area up to a certain extent (e.g., 1 meter) without formally violating the applicable boundary distances .

Exceptions: When am I allowed to build closer?

The applicable boundary distances are strict, but not always insurmountable. There are situations in which you are allowed to get closer to the fence.

Small buildings and extensions (garages, sheds)

boundary distances often apply to so-called small structures . In many municipalities, a garage or garden shed may be built as close as 2 meters to the property line, or even directly on it, provided it does not exceed a certain height (e.g., 3 meters) and area. Carefully check the applicable boundary distances for ancillary structures in your municipality.

The right to build closer to the building site

What if you're 50 centimeters short of realizing your dream house?

You can talk to your neighbor. If he agrees, you can arrange a "right of way".

• The contract: You enter into a contract that allows you to disregard the applicable minimum distances .
• Land registry entry: Important! This agreement must be registered as an easement in the land registry. Only then is it legally valid. Without registration, the legally applicable boundary distances continue to apply , and a new neighbor could later demand its removal.
• Public law: Even if the neighbor says "yes," the building authority must still approve. Fire safety and hygiene regulations may mean that the applicable boundary distances must be observed despite an agreement.

Privileged building

In old village centers or in closed building styles (terraced houses), the applicable boundary distances are often lifted or massively reduced in order to preserve the historical townscape or to create dense living space.

Plants: The green borders

Not only walls, but also trees are subject to rules. While we are not talking about applicable boundary distances in the sense of building law, we are talking about private law (Swiss Civil Code) and the cantonal implementing laws.

• For tall trees, distances of 4 to 8 meters are often recommended.
• Hedges and shrubs often have a spacing of 50 or 60 centimeters.

Here too, the following applies: Check the locally applicable boundary distances for planting before you plant the Thuja hedge.

Consequences for violations

What happens if you ignore the applicable boundary distances ?

The principle "where there is no plaintiff, there is no judge" is extremely dangerous in construction .

• Construction halted: The authorities shut down the construction site.
• Demolition: This is a financial disaster. Swiss courts are strict. If the applicable boundary distances have been violated, the neighbor (or the municipality) can demand the demolition of the building section – even years later.
• Loss of value: A house that violates the applicable boundary distances and is not legalized is almost unsellable.

Conclusion

The question "How close can I build?" can never be answered in general terms. The applicable boundary distances are a mosaic of cantonal law, municipal zoning regulations, and the individual architecture of your house. They protect the quality of life of all residents.

Never rely on statements like "The neighbor did it that way, too." Only the currently applicable boundary distances apply to your property . Take advantage of the possibility of building closer to the property line if you need more space, but always secure this through the land register. Respect the invisible lines, as they are the guarantee for peaceful coexistence.

If you are unsure how much of your property is actually buildable, taking into account the required distances, or whether a right to build closer to the property could increase its value, it is worth using Loft 's analyses to recognize the full potential.

Glossary

• Applicable boundary distances: The legally prescribed minimum distance between a building facade and the plot boundary, defined by cantonal and municipal building laws.
• Right of proximity to building: A contractual agreement (easement) between neighbors that allows the applicable boundary distances to be reduced.
• Building distance: The minimum distance between two buildings on adjacent properties, which usually corresponds to the sum of the boundary distances applicable on both sides.
• Small building: A building of small dimensions (e.g. garage, shed) for which reduced applicable boundary distances are often applied.
• Eaves side: The long side of a house (usually the main facade), for which the " large boundary distance" is often prescribed as part of the applicable boundary distances .