Expertise
For developers, neighbours who object to a project, and owners facing expropriation.
In a few words
Public construction law governs what may be built, where and how: permits, objection procedures, compliance checks and disputes.
It combines federal spatial planning law with cantonal and municipal building law. The firm acts for developers as well as for objecting neighbours and owners.
Our approach
A building permit is often won or lost before the application is filed: zoning, height and volume, distances, parking, heritage protection. For developers, we check these points with the architect, anticipate foreseeable objections and respond to them.
For neighbours and owners, we review the plans on public display, identify the rules that are not met and file a reasoned objection in time. In expropriation cases, we defend the amount of compensation.
In Neuchâtel, the permit application is filed with the municipality and put on public display, with coordination by the cantonal services. Decisions can be challenged before the cantonal appeal authority and then the Cantonal Court.
Who for
Obtaining a permit, answering objections, bringing works into compliance: we support your project with the authorities and the neighbours.
A neighbouring project harms you or expropriation threatens your property: we assert your rights within the time limits.
What we handle
Building permits, objections, compliance, outside development zones, expropriation.
What is at stake
It runs during the public display and it is short. A late objection generally cannot be taken into account, and those who did not object may lose the right to appeal later.
Work carried out without a permit or not in line with it can lead to an order to restore the previous state, even years later. Regularisation must be prepared carefully, starting with what can be authorised after the fact.
Building, extending or changing the use of a building outside the building zone is tightly regulated by federal law. Options exist, but they are narrow and must be checked before incurring costs.
Law and tax
Property gains tax, transfer duties, the levy on added value when land is zoned for building: a property project also has a tax cost. We build it into the analysis so that decisions are made with full knowledge.
Get in touch
A question, a dispute, a decision to challenge? Describe your situation in a few lines: we will reply by email or call you back, whichever you prefer.
+41 32 354 35 40Monday to Friday, 8:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:30
