Heat pump (outdoor unit) in the canton of Zug: building permit required?
Depends on size and location
Short answer: outdoor units: building declaration if neighbours' interests are not significantly affected (noise certificate); otherwise a building application.
Basis: § 44a PBG. Planning and Building Act (PBG) and its Ordinance (V PBG). As of October 2026. Applies within the building zone and outside core zones and protected areas. Municipalities may be stricter.
What applies in the canton of Zug
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 Zug: permit-free projects include very minor ones such as greenhouses and small garden sheds up to 4 m² footprint as well as terrain changes up to 1.2 m in height and 50 m³ (§ 45 V PBG). According to the cantonal government, an uncovered pergola needs neither a building application nor a building declaration (RRB BD 2023-114).
Procedure: minor construction projects and solar installations that do not significantly affect neighbours' and public interests are reported with a building declaration (§ 44a PBG). Everything else needs a building application (§ 44 PBG).
Submission: digitally via cymo ebau to the municipality where the site is located; many municipalities additionally require paper copies with a signed submission receipt.
Note the official municipal instructions in the canton of Zug and our document checklist.
Our fixed price for a heat pump in the canton of Zug
- 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) need a permit in the canton of Zug?
It depends on size and location. Outdoor units: building notice if neighbours' interests are not significantly affected (noise proof); otherwise building application. Legal basis: § 44a PBG.
Which procedure applies in the canton of Zug?
Minor projects and solar installations that do not significantly affect neighbours' or public interests are notified with a building notice (Bauanzeige, § 44a PBG). Everything else needs a building application (§ 44 PBG).
Who may submit the application in the canton of Zug?
No formal professional qualification is required. You give us a power of attorney; the client and the landowner sign the application.
How much does the building application for a heat pump in the canton of Zug 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 Zug
Heat pump (outdoor unit) in other cantons
Heat pump (outdoor unit) in the canton of Zug: we submit it for you.
Assessment in 2 working days, dossier in 5. Enquire without obligation.