I worked several years designing and installing commercial hvac systems in Switzerland. Plenty of offices, banks, museums etc. have ACs. It’s definitely allowed. But you will need a permit to install a fixed system if it affect/changes the building facade.
The reason why most homes don’t have one is that it’s too expensive for the 3-5 days a year you need it. Especially the new minergy houses can keep cool very well even during summer without an AC.
> Especially the new minergy houses can keep cool very well even during summer without an AC.
Your mileage might vary.
I've personally lived in 2 different "minergie" apartments over the past 2 years (3 summers) and one of them (large, facing away from the sun) was mostly bearable (though I'd still prefer A/C), whereas the other (smaller, facing midday sun) was really hot.
That region of the world has some weird laws for sure. Just today I read about someone who was fined for leaving his car windows rolled down parked on the street.
You are not forbidden at the Federal level to have fixed units.
But many states do indeed requires a permit to install fixed units. And have strict regulations such as self producing half of the electricity required by the installation.
One of the side effect of such regulation is that many business and houses will use cheap non-fixed units with open door and windows instead of installing proper reversible heat pumps.
Homes and hospitals are forbidden from having A/C.
Shopping centers are allowed.