Exceptional building permit

An exceptional building permit allows a project that does not fully comply with the ordinary rules, but only where the law authorises a derogation. In Swiss practice, exceptions may concern construction outside building zones, minor departures from dimensional rules or special public-interest situations. They require careful balancing of interests and must not undermine zoning objectives, safety, environmental protection or neighbours’ rights. The authority has no free discretion to legalise an inconvenient project; it must apply the specific statutory conditions and give reasons for the decision.