Permit for the installation of air conditioning and heat pump units in La Prairie
Understand the obligations before undertaking your HVAC work
At AirGreen , we know that an air conditioning or heat pump installation project is not just about choosing the right unit. In La Prairie , as in many municipalities on the South Shore, it is essential to comply with municipal bylaws before undertaking any heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) system installation.
These rules aim to preserve safety, the visual harmony of neighborhoods and the comfort of the neighborhood, while regulating environmental and acoustic aspects.
The types of devices concerned
The regulations of the City of La Prairie cover several types of equipment:
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Heat pumps (wall-mounted, central or multi-zone)
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Air conditioning units
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Water heater
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Pool filters
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Any other similar device
In other words, any installation generating noise or visible outside a building must be evaluated according to municipal standards, even when it is a replacement of an existing device.
Permit required for installation
A mandatory step before any work begins
Before any installation, a permit issued by the La Prairie Urban Planning Department is required.
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Cost of permit: $32
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Responsible department: Urban Planning Department, 170 Taschereau Boulevard, Office 210, La Prairie (Quebec) J5R 5H6
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Telephone: 450 444-6637 | Email: urbanisme@ville.laprairie.qc.ca
Documents to provide
To obtain the permit, you must present:
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A copy of the location plan clearly showing the intended location of the device.
This plan allows the City to ensure that the positioning respects the land margins, minimum distances and visibility rules.
Please note
Even if some projects seem minor, the City recommends always validating compliance with the Urban Planning Department before undertaking work , in order to avoid fines or obligations to move equipment.
Authorized location of devices
Margins and distances to be respected
Devices are permitted in the side, rear and secondary front margins , under certain specific conditions:
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Minimum distance :
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1.2 meters from any property line for the majority of dwellings.
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1 meter for semi-detached or adjoining single-family dwellings (category H-1).
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Installation prohibited on the roof of a main or accessory building.
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Installation possible on a balcony , provided that the other criteria are met.
Restrictions depending on the type of terrain
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Corner lots : installation prohibited on the secondary front margin when two corner lots face each other.
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Exception : only pool filters and water heaters may be placed in this zone, in specific cases where a corner lot is located back-to-back with another corner lot.
These provisions aim to avoid visual and noise nuisances while respecting the urban aesthetics of the La Prairie neighborhoods.
Air conditioning
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Technical installation conditions
Supports and structure
The devices must be:
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Installed on the ground or on a suitable support designed specifically for this purpose.
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Strong, stable and suitable for device loads and local climatic conditions.
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Never fixed to a roof , whether it is a main or secondary building.
Visibility and visual integration
In order to preserve the visual quality of the residential environment:
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The devices must not be visible from a public road .
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An opaque fence or dense hedge should be used to camouflage outdoor units .
These camouflage elements are themselves subject to precise height and location standards (see zoning by-law no. 1250).
Noise regulations
Authorized sound limits
The City of La Prairie applies strict regulations regarding the maximum noise level of HVAC equipment:
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55 decibels during the day (7 a.m. to 8:59 p.m.)
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50 decibels at night (from 9 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.)
These measurements are taken at the edge of the land closest to the device .
Exceeding this limit may result in a complaint, a municipal inspection and a request for corrective action (sound barrier, relocation or replacement of the unit).
AirGreen tips for respecting these limits
At AirGreen , we recommend:
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Choose models with low noise emissions , particularly those certified ENERGY STAR or equipped with inverter technology.
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Avoid installing the device too close to a neighboring window or a shared fence .
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Use anti-vibration mounts to reduce the transmission of structure-borne noise.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Installing without a permit — a common mistake that can result in a fine or removal order.
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Placing the device too close to the property line without respecting the minimum distance.
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Neglecting visual camouflage , which may be required by the City after inspection.
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Underestimate the noise generated — even a recent heat pump can exceed the thresholds if poorly oriented.
Your Responsibility / Our Support
Your Responsibility
It is important to note that compliance with all applicable rules, permits and regulations remains the responsibility of the customer .
Although we at AirGreen are always available to provide guidance and advice, it is your responsibility to ensure that your project complies with local requirements and that the necessary permits have been obtained before work begins.
Unless otherwise stated in our contract, the responsibility for obtaining permits and ensuring the compliance of the installation lies with the customer.
Our Support
At AirGreen , we believe that a successful installation requires transparency and compliance.
Our team is here to guide you, inform you and support you in understanding the administrative procedures related to your HVAC project.
We help you identify applicable obligations , prepare location plans , and communicate effectively with municipal departments when necessary.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us —we're here to make your experience simple, clear, and compliant.
Next step: contact AirGreen
Are you planning to install a heat pump or air conditioner in La Prairie ?
Contact our team today for a free estimate and comprehensive support.
At AirGreen, we help you carry out your HVAC projects in full compliance with municipal and provincial regulations.