We are regularly at work in the canton of Zurich. The rules here are stricter than in neighbouring Aargau – knowing that in advance saves time and money.
If you are planning a permanently installed system in the canton of Zurich, three things should be considered from the outset. They are the most common reason projects take longer than expected.
An outdoor unit on a facade, or on a balcony visible from outside, generally requires a building permit in the canton of Zurich. The relevant municipality or city is the responsible authority. In densely built districts, design conditions are frequently added – on placement, for instance, or on screening so the unit does not dominate the streetscape.
In addition to the building application, an energy compliance certificate is required, usually via the cantonal forms EN-4 and EN-5. Among other things this requires evidence of summer heat protection. The thinking behind it: active cooling should come only once the passive measures are exhausted – meaning external shading is in place, for example.
In practical terms: if your flat has no blinds or shutters, that can become a precondition. Knowing this sequence spares you a refusal midway through the procedure.
The federal Noise Abatement Ordinance applies everywhere, but it becomes relevant faster in densely built Zurich districts because the distances to neighbours are smaller. Choosing the position, decoupling against structure-borne noise and a night mode with reduced fan speed are not extras here – they are part of sound planning.
Clarify the procedure before you buy any equipment. The order is: check with the municipality, then plan, then apply, then buy and install. The other way round gets expensive. Details in our guide to permits.
