Heat pumps in Montréal-Ouest: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Montréal-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.
At least 1 m from the lot lines.
At least 1 m from the lot lines, hidden by opaque landscaping or a fence. Not along the front half of the side wall, measured from the façade.
Not allowed in the front yard or front setback, or on the front façade.
Not specified in the bylaw: confirm with urban planning.
Not allowed on the roof of 1- to 3-unit homes (H1, H2, H3).
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- Wall-mounted: no more than 2 units per floor, never on the front façade; on upper floors, lines must be covered with metal cladding matching the building.
- Include the manufacturer’s spec sheet showing the decibel rating, the certificate of location and a site plan.
- The permit is valid for 6 months.
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Montréal-Ouest?
Permit required before installing a heat pump or air conditioner outdoors.
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
At least 1 m from the lot lines.
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
No. Not allowed in the front yard or front setback, or on the front façade.
What is the noise limit?
52 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 48 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., measured at the property line.
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
Building inspector (Agata Palarchio), 514 481-4858, apalarchio@montreal-ouest.ca.
Read at the source.
Sources: Zoning bylaw 2020-002, s. 4.1.9, 4.1.10 (row 24) and 4.4.1 to 4.4.4; permits bylaw 2009-011, chapter 5A; nuisance bylaw 456, s. 24.2; city’s “Permits and authorizations” page (2020-002: 2026 consolidated version (amendments up to bylaw 2024-005, in force February 26, 2025); 2009-011: administrative consolidation as of October 11, 2023; 456: administrative consolidation of May 3, 2023; 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 Montréal-Ouest?
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