Heat pumps in Howick: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Howick? 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.
At least 5 m from the lot lines, or 3 m with a sound barrier.
At least 5 m from the lot lines, or 3 m with a sound barrier.
Not allowed in the front yard.
Not specified in the bylaw: confirm with urban planning.
Not specified in the bylaw: confirm with urban planning.
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- Corner lot: any yard facing a street counts as a front yard, so the unit is not allowed there.
- The rule covers a heat pump or A/C unit described as « isolé » (stand-alone).
- The municipal inspector is in on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; book an appointment.
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Howick?
Not specified: confirm with the municipal inspector.
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
5 m from the lot lines on the sides and at the rear (3 m with a sound barrier).
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
No. Not allowed in the front yard.
What is the noise limit?
Harmonized bylaw 352-2025: excessive noise banned, no figure for heat pumps.
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
Municipal inspector, 450 825-2032, inspecteur@villagehowick.com.
Read at the source.
Sources: Zoning bylaw 08-HOW-14 (consolidated February 2025), s. 5.2, row 19; permits and certificates bylaw 06-HOW-14 (consolidated February 2024, scanned), ss. 3.6.1 and 3.6.4; harmonized bylaw 352-2025, s. 6.1 (zoning: consolidated February 2025; checked September 30, 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 Howick?
We come and see your property, and the estimate is free.