Home » Southwest : Permits and Regulations | Heat pump or air conditioning unit

Southwest : Permits and Regulations | Heat pump or air conditioning unit

The Southwest: Permits and Regulations | Heat pump or air conditioning unit

Permits and Regulations for the Installation of an HVAC System in the Southwest Borough (Montreal)

At AirGreen , we know that before undertaking a heat pump or air conditioning unit installation project, it is essential to understand the regulatory requirements of your borough.
The Sud-Ouest borough, like several other sectors of Montreal, specifically regulates the installation of HVAC systems to ensure safety, urban compliance and respect for the neighborhood.
This comprehensive guide clearly explains when a permit is required, the installation requirements , and how to comply.

Municipal Permits for HVAC Work

When is a permit required?

Obtaining an installation permit depends on the type of equipment and the use of the building:

  • No permit required if:

    • The equipment serves one or two residential units only ;

    • The work concerns exclusively the mechanical installation without structural modification.

  • Permit required if:

    • The installation serves more than two dwellings ;

    • The use of the building is commercial or institutional ;

    • The work involves transformations within the meaning of the Quebec Construction Code (structure, firewalls, central ventilation, etc.).

Responsible authority

The Sud-Ouest borough permit counter issues the necessary permits. Applications can be made online via the City of Montreal portal, using a citizen account.

Installation Standards by Location

Front yard

The installation of mechanical equipment in the front yard is strictly regulated :

  • Only one fixed heat pump per dwelling is permitted;

  • The device must:

    • Be hidden by an opaque material or a ventilation grille ;

    • Be located at least 1.5 meters from each boundary of the land;

    • Do not exceed 1.1 meters in height from the ground;

    • Do not exceed 35 cm in width and 85 cm in length .

Good to know:
If your device is visible from the street or the Lachine Canal, it must be hidden by shrubs, trees or grasses .

Back or side yard

You can install a heat pump or a fixed air conditioner there, provided you comply with:

  • A minimum distance of 3 meters from each boundary of the field;

  • Maximum dimensions of 35 cm in width and 85 cm in length ;

  • A visual screen if the device is visible from the public highway.

Rooftop installation

Mechanical equipment may be installed on the roof , provided that it is not visible from the public highway.
No height limit is imposed in this case.

Special Cases and Exceptions

Heritage or significant buildings

For buildings identified as having heritage value , the installation of a mechanical device, regardless of its size or location, requires special authorization .
Before any project, check the status of your building on the City of Montreal's interactive map (option "TAS - Significant Architectural Witness").

Corner properties

If your residence is located at the intersection of two streets , special visibility and distance rules may apply. We recommend contacting the permit counter directly before proceeding.

Other Applicable Regulations

HVAC installations in the Southwest must also comply with the following municipal regulations:

  • Urban planning regulations (placement and visibility);

  • Regulations on the construction and transformation of buildings ;

  • Noise Regulations (sound levels and acoustic screens);

  • Regulations on architectural implementation and integration plans (PIIA) .

Sound level and acoustic study

Regardless of the location, the City may require a noise study or the installation of an acoustic barrier to ensure that your heat pump meets the permitted thresholds.

Concrete example: The Southwest

  • Device type: 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump.

  • Location: Side yard of a residential duplex.

  • Permit: Not required, as the device serves a single unit and does not alter the structure.

  • Minimum distance: 3 meters from the boundaries of the field.

  • AirGreen recommendation: installation with wall support and discreet plant screen to reduce noise and respect the visual harmony of the neighborhood.

Your Responsibility / Our Support

Your Responsibility

It is important to note that compliance with all applicable rules, permits and regulations remains the responsibility of each 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, inform and support you in understanding the administrative procedures related to your HVAC project.
We help you identify applicable obligations and communicate effectively with municipal services 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 with regulations .

Next Step!

At AirGreen , we support our customers at every stage of their process for compliant, safe and sustainable HVAC installations .
Contact us today for personalized advice or a free estimate.

Caution

This section has been prepared solely for the convenience of the reader and has no official or legal value. No guarantee is offered as to the accuracy of the text. For all legal purposes, the reader should consult the official version of the by-law and each of its amendments or obtain a copy certified by the city clerk.

---UPDATED: October 15, 2025---