Depaving in Zurich: using the Stadtgrün funding programme

What the City of Zurich supports

The funding programme is aimed at private individuals and businesses in the city of Zurich. The measures explicitly mentioned include "depaving of existing surfaces": a previously sealed surface is opened up and rebuilt so that it becomes ecologically effective again.

According to the City of Zurich, the one-off contribution is 50 percent of total costs as per the final invoice, up to a maximum of 1 million Swiss francs per funding measure. Grün Stadt Zürich also offers a free initial consultation and support with the application. The current conditions and the city's decision are always decisive.

From asphalt to a permeable natural stone surface

In a possible conversion, the existing sealed asphalt or concrete surface is removed. A load-bearing, permeable base of compacted gravel concrete is then created. The open-pored resin bound natural stone surface is built up on top of this.

Depending on the design, the surface remains walkable or trafficable, while rainwater can pass through the surface and the suitable substructure into the ground. Whether this build-up is possible and eligible for funding on a specific property must be checked in advance.

How to proceed correctly

• Contact Grün Stadt Zürich before starting your project or construction work and have the eligibility of your surface for funding checked.
• As the property owner, you submit the funding application yourself via the city's registration platform.
• We view the surface, advise you on the possible build-up and prepare a transparent quote.
• Only start once the necessary checks have been completed and any approvals granted.
• You submit the final invoice for payment to the city yourself.

Important: the city decides

Funding cannot be guaranteed. Whether your project is recognised as eligible depaving, and what contribution is granted, is decided solely by the City of Zurich. We support you with advice, planning, a description of the build-up and a quote – you handle the checks and the application yourself.