Guide · Geneva building permits
Challenging a building project in Geneva
Comments on a Geneva permit application and an appeal against a permit decision are separate steps. Check the official sources, procedure and deadlines for your case.
In short
- Anyone may inspect plans and submit written comments for 30 days from publication of the application in the FAO (art. 3 para. 2 LCI).
- An appeal challenges a decision. Decisions under the LCI may be referred to the TAPI (art. 145 LCI).
- For a final decision the ordinary appeal period is 30 days starting the day after notification (art. 62 LPA). Check the case-specific service and appeal instructions.
- Publicus alerts do not start, suspend or extend deadlines.
1. Identify the application, decision and procedure
Record the file number, municipality, address or parcel and FAO publication date. An application is not a granted permit.
In the accelerated procedure the application is not published; only the permit is published (art. 3 paras. 7–8 LCI).
2. Inspect the plans and file
The canton’s Suivi administratif des dossiers provides summaries and file numbers searchable by address or parcel. A summary does not replace the plans.
Follow OAC instructions for files under review or decided less than 30 days ago; the archives service handles older files.
3. Submit comments on the application
During the 30 days from publication, anyone may send written comments to the department. Identify the file and concrete concerns.
Use the recipient and submission method in the official notice; retain a copy and proof of submission. Comments are not an appeal and do not guarantee rejection.
4. Consider an appeal against the decision
Art. 145 LCI provides for referral to the Administrative Court of First Instance (TAPI), subject to special rules. The ordinary period for final decisions is 30 days; other decisions can have different periods (art. 62 LPA).
The LPA starts the period the day after notification. Do not assume a personal letter will follow a published permit: promptly check how publication and service apply to you, including the exact calculation and any suspension rules.
Standing is separate from the right to comment. Art. 60 LPA requires, among other grounds, direct impact and a protected personal interest; mere disagreement does not establish standing.
5. Check documents and costs
Check the challenged decision, requested relief, grounds, evidence, signature and recipient against the appeal instructions. Fees or an advance may apply; no fixed amount is promised here.
This is general information, not legal advice or a calculation for your case. Where time is short or standing is unclear, contact the authority or a qualified adviser promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Are comments already an appeal?
No. Comments address the application; an appeal challenges a decision.
Does Neighbour monitor every nearby project?
No. Neighbour tracks one address or parcel keyword. A whole category with a configured perimeter is a thematic alert at CHF 5/month.
Can I wait for the email?
No. Check official notices and dates; a daily digest does not guarantee receipt before a deadline.
Official sources
Follow an address or parcel with Neighbour
CHF 1/month, billed annually at CHF 12/year. One address or parcel, one included canton and a daily digest. Targeted monitoring does not replace official consultation or monitor every project in your neighbourhood.
Related reading
Informational content, not legal advice. Publicus is not the official source within the meaning of the law: the text published by the authority prevails, and deadlines run from the official publication.