Heat pumps in Le Sud-Ouest: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Le Sud-Ouest? 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.
On the ground or on a balcony: 35 × 85 cm or less, OR at least 3 m from every lot line. Visible from the street or the canal: hidden by trees, shrubs or grasses.
Same conditions as the backyard: 35 × 85 cm or less, or 3 m from the lot lines.
1 heat pump per dwelling, hidden by a material or a grille, 1.5 m from the lot lines, 1.1 m high at most, 35 × 85 cm or less.
On the façade: hidden by an opaque screen or not visible from the street.
Allowed if not visible from a public road.
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- A permit may be needed if the unit serves more than 2 dwellings or if the work is an alteration.
- Heritage building (TAS): special authorization.
- Corner lot: special standards, ask at the counter.
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Le Sud-Ouest?
No permit if the unit serves 1 or 2 dwellings.
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
3 m, or less if the unit is 35 × 85 cm or smaller.
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
Yes, with conditions. 1 heat pump per dwelling, hidden by a material or a grille, 1.5 m from the lot lines, 1.1 m high at most, 35 × 85 cm or less.
What is the noise limit?
A study or mitigation measures may be required (acoustic screen).
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
Permit counter (by appointment); permis-sud-ouest@montreal.ca.
Read at the source.
Sources: City of Montréal, “Obtenir un permis pour installer une thermopompe ou un appareil de climatisation”, Le Sud-Ouest section; urban planning bylaw 01-280; noise bylaw B-3 (page updated August 3, 2026).
Checked by AirGreen on September 30, 2026.
This page is a summary. The official bylaw prevails. Confirm with the borough before the work.
A heat pump project in Le Sud-Ouest?
We come and see your property, and the estimate is free.