In Geneva, the LCI governs buildings and installations: most construction, alteration, demolition and change-of-use works require permission. Exceptions exist for certain very minor works. Before starting, check the proposed works, site restrictions and applicable procedure with the cantonal building permits office, the Office des autorisations de construire (OAC).
What is Geneva’s LCI?
The Loi sur les constructions et les installations diverses (LCI) is a central piece of Geneva’s construction legislation. Its implementing regulation, the RCI, sets out further provisions. A project must also comply with other rules applying to the site and building: permission does not depend on the LCI alone.
Which works require a building permit?
The canton’s official guidance includes:
- Building a house, garage or another installation.
- Altering a building’s volume, architecture, colour, internal layout or use.
- Demolishing, removing or rebuilding a structure.
- Changing the configuration of land or creating parking spaces.
Example: extending a house or changing the use of premises calls for a prior check of the required permission. Private ownership of the land does not remove that requirement.
Which works may be exempt?
The canton specifically mentions work inside a villa that does not change its habitable floor area, subject to heritage protection provisions. Other narrowly defined exemptions cover certain very minor structures.
Example: an internal reconfiguration of a villa without changing its habitable floor area should not automatically be treated as an extension. This exemption cannot be extended to every building or type of work. If in doubt, ask the OAC to confirm the position before starting.
Preparing the application and appointing a professional
- Identify the plot and the project’s territorial restrictions.
- Describe the works precisely and check the applicable procedure.
- Prepare the required plans, documents and forms.
- Submit and track the application, including through the cantonal AC-Démat platform.
For ordinary procedures, the canton states that applications must, with rare exceptions, be submitted by a registered qualified professional, known as a mandataire professionnellement qualifié (MPQ). An individual may submit an accelerated-procedure application, although professional assistance remains advisable. Filing an application is not permission to begin work.
Connecting regulations with property development
Assessing building regulations is part of evaluating a site. Explore our residential developments in Geneva and Vaud and our property development approach.
Official sources
- Canton of Geneva: applying for building permission, in French.
- Canton of Geneva: preparing an application and appointing a professional, in French.
- LCI legislation, Geneva’s official collection, in French.
FAQ
Does every renovation in Geneva require permission?
Not necessarily. The work, building and any protection measures determine the procedure; internal work is not automatically exempt.
Can I submit my own application?
An individual may apply under the accelerated procedure. For ordinary procedures, the canton requires an MPQ except in rare cases.
Who can confirm the requirements before work starts?
Geneva’s Office des autorisations de construire, with a precise description of the plot, building and proposed works.
