Heat pumps in Farnham: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Farnham? Here is what the bylaws say: the permit, the distance from the lot lines, where the unit can go and the noise limit. It all comes from the official texts.
Five spots, one answer for each.
Each answer is the bylaw rule, in short. “Not specified” means the text does not say: ask urban planning.
Allowed in the rear yard, without encroaching on the zone’s minimum rear setback.
Allowed in the side yards, without encroaching on the zone’s minimum side setbacks.
Not allowed in the front yard or the secondary front yard.
Not specified in the bylaw: confirm with urban planning.
Not specified for residential use (the bylaw requires the side or rear yards): confirm with urban planning.
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- Corner lot: the secondary front yard is not an allowed yard for the unit.
- The unit must be installed permanently and be accessory to a dwelling.
- Minimum setbacks vary by zone: check your zone’s specifications grid.
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Farnham?
Confirm with urban planning: bylaw 720 treats adding a mechanical appliance as normal maintenance (no building permit, except under a PIIA or heritage rules), but the city website lists an « Appareil mécanique » certificate of authorization.
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
Outside the minimum setbacks set in the zone’s specifications grid (no encroachment allowed).
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
No. Not allowed in the front yard or the secondary front yard.
What is the noise limit?
Bylaw 707 (peace, order and nuisances): no figure for heat pumps (noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited).
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
Planning and land-use department, 450 293-3326, ext. 239, admin-spat@ville.farnham.qc.ca.
Read at the source.
Sources: Zoning bylaw 715, s. 4.3.2.1, 4.3.2.2 and 5.1.1.1 (table 35); permits and certificates bylaw 720, s. 3.4.2 and 3.5.1; bylaw 707, s. 36 (administrative consolidation of bylaw 715, last updated August 25, 2026).
Checked by AirGreen on September 30, 2026.
This page is a summary. The official bylaw prevails. Confirm with the city before the work.
A heat pump project in Farnham?
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