Planning and building regulation analysis in Zurich

Planning requirements as a design foundation

The assessment starts with a specific site and your project intentions. It helps identify constraints, opportunities and questions requiring clarification early on. Unlike a spatial options study, it initially focuses on the requirements that will shape the subsequent design.

The requirements I examine

For a project in Zurich, I review the applicable PBG and BZO requirements and other relevant sources. Depending on the task, this includes:

• Permitted uses and requirements concerning development density and building volume.
• Building heights, setbacks and building lines.
• Access and the relationship to the site.
• The treatment of existing buildings and project-specific constraints.

A clear basis for your decision

I bring together the requirements examined and their implications for your intentions. This includes identifiable development opportunities, unresolved questions and recommendations for further assessment. We agree which plans, summaries or figures the commission requires. Where authorities or specialist consultants need to be involved, this is identified as a next step.

A site assessment before purchase or alterations

Before a purchase, a focused assessment can identify the planning questions that matter to your decision. For alterations, extensions or a change of use, the investigation follows your specific intentions. I identify the sources examined and distinguish documented requirements from assumptions and matters needing further clarification. This helps you decide whether to investigate an individual issue further or proceed to a feasibility study comparing spatial options.

Useful documents for the assessment

An address or plot number and a description of your intentions are enough for the initial enquiry. Depending on the question, the following information is helpful. We agree which documents need to be obtained or supplemented:

• A cadastral or site plan and information about existing buildings.
• Available floor plans, sections, elevations and relevant earlier permits.
• Previous advice, preliminary assessments or correspondence with authorities.
• Known property-specific restrictions and supporting documents where relevant to the agreed assessment.
• Your intended uses, space requirements and decision deadline.

A clearly defined commission

After reviewing the starting information, we agree the questions to examine, the documents required and the form of the findings. The proposal sets out the fee and programme, together with any additional enquiries. An architectural planning analysis supports project design. Where a legal opinion or binding clarification from an authority is needed, I identify that need for further assessment.

From analysis to approval-oriented design

The findings can inform a feasibility study, architectural design or further project development. I combine the assessment of requirements with architectural experience, including design, permit documentation and tendering for a mixed-use building in Opfikon in collaboration with Oswald Architekten AG. The later design stages are considered from the outset.