Question. I want to remove the 'raised lip' indicated in the photo below to extend/straighten out the driveway.



Any tips on who I can get to do this work?

I don't have specific recommendations for Basel but any decent gardener could do that for you. Based on similar projects I have had done in the past, I would estimate that job to be about 800 CHFs.

Pretty much any builder/landscaper.

The stones are usually set in a loose gravel/concrete mix (non compressible fill), so there'll be a bit of digging and possibly jack hammer work to get that out.

The fence post will need to come out, and that will probably mean that the asphalt will need patching too.

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Also, you should check with the the local authorities about a permit since you are amending your parking/driveway. If you go ahead without one, you might find yourself having to stop the work, get a permit, and possibly a fine. It only takes one nosey neighbour to report you.

actually, i was half-surprised by this comment.

why does changing driveway/parking require a permit? is is a use of land issue?

If you were just replacing the surface of your driveway with new stones, but not changing the dimensions in any way, then in all likelihood you would be fine. However any change to the original plan could require a permit. This does vary by commune. Better to ask in advance.

....I was wondering about the part that borders on to the pavement. Pretty sure there's no problem with simply removing the lip on the internal parts of the driveway but I would check on the external border...

Me too. Since the work would likely impede part of the pavement for a short time, I'm sure you would have to run it past the commune first.

Partially that and partially also from the photo they look like they are possibly official "randsteine" - you might need to check who actually owns them!

Me too.

I would check the lip that is between the sidewalk and your fence. Does it run all the way along the sidewalk on both sides of your driveway and along the neighbours? If so, I would guess that it was installed by the Commune when they installed the sidewalk so you can not remove it.

You will also notice in the photo that the border blocks between the sidewalk and the road are designed to fit the current "official" width of the driveway (they slope down to allow the driveway entrance), not the expanded driveway. To my mind this indicates that the Commune has the current width of the driveway in mind and not the expanded one you would like.

As others have mentioned, I would take some more photos and talk with the Commune before you get too excited about expanding the driveway.

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Plus there are rules about water from the driveway not running onto the road. So you may also be told that you need to use a certain type of stone.

TBH I'd me more likely to check with the neighbours than the gemeinde.

I really don't think the gemeinde is going to give a damn if no-one complains and you don't damage anything.

On the property you can do pretty much anything with the surface as long as you don't cause water runoff or other impact, which is trivial to avoid with any decent driveway surface.

The boundary has to be respected, but if you look at it objectively you're removing a fence and a 10cm high wall - not something you need permission for.

So you know this for a fact?