Heat pump (outdoor unit) in the canton of Bern: building permit required?
Depends on size and location
Short answer: air-to-water heat pumps are permit-free if the cantonal guidelines (noise, distance) are met; otherwise a building application.
Basis: Art. 6 para. 1 let. f BewD. Building Act (BauG) and Building Permit Procedure Decree (BewD). As of October 2026. Applies within the building zone and outside core zones and protected areas. Municipalities can be stricter.
What specifically applies in the canton of Bern
When replacing a heating system, the outdoor unit is the sticking point: noise protection certificate, distance to the neighbour and design. Several cantons have a notification procedure (Meldeverfahren) for this, but only if the noise certificate is correct. Otherwise an ordinary application is required.
Permit-free in the canton of Bern: unheated small structures up to 10 m² footprint and 2.5 m height that are neither lived in nor used commercially and functionally belong to a main building are permit-free (Art. 6 para. 1 let. a BewD).
Procedure: for smaller projects there is the minor building permit procedure without publication. If the project is in a protected area, by a body of water or within the forest distance, it always requires a permit (Art. 7 BewD).
Submission: digitally via eBau of the canton of Bern; many municipalities additionally require two signed paper copies.
Note the official municipal instructions in the canton of Bern and our document checklist.
Our fixed price for a heat pump in the canton of Bern
- Preliminary check CHF 149, written assessment with the procedure, documents and fee range of your municipality. Credited towards the application.
- Building application CHF 690, complete dossier, submission, queries and deadlines until the decision. Excl. municipal fees.
- Retrospective building application CHF 990, if a heat pump is already in place and the municipality requires an application.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heat pump (outdoor unit) require a permit in the canton of Bern?
Depends on size and location. Air-to-water heat pumps are permit-free if the cantonal guidelines (noise, distances) are met; otherwise a building application. Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 let. f BewD.
Which procedure applies in the canton of Bern?
For smaller projects there is the minor building permit procedure without publication. If the project is in a protected area, near a body of water or within the forest distance, it always requires a permit (Art. 7 BewD).
Who may submit the application in the canton of Bern?
No formal professional qualification required; plan requirements under Art. 15 ff. BewD. You give us a power of attorney; the client and the landowner sign the application.
How much does a building application for a heat pump in the canton of Bern cost?
Our fixed price is CHF 690 for the dossier including submission and follow-up questions. Official fees and any agreed additional services are extra; the official tariff depends on the location.
Municipalities in the canton of Bern
Heat pump (outdoor unit) in other cantons
Heat pump (outdoor unit) in the canton of Bern: we submit it for you.
Assessment in 2 working days, dossier in 5. Enquire without obligation.