This article provides you with a clear and up-to-date overview of the requirements for permits, authorized locations and procedures to follow to install a heat pump or air conditioning unit in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough.

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Required municipal permits

Do you need a permit to install a heat pump or air conditioner?

According to the municipal regulations updated on October 3, 2025 , no permit is required to install:

• a removable air conditioning unit ,

• a permanent device ,

• or a heat pump .

However, it remains mandatory to comply with the Plateau-Mont-Royal urban planning regulations .
In some cases, the Urban Planning Advisory Committee (CCU) may have to approve your project before installation.

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Authorized and prohibited locations

Removable appliances

Removable air conditioners (window or portable) can be installed in any window, including facades , without any special permit requirements.
These devices are therefore authorized as long as they are installed safely and in accordance with good neighborly rules.

Heat pumps and permanent appliances

For fixed devices , the regulations are stricter:

Prohibited locations:

• In a front yard ;

• On any facade of the building ;

• Anywhere visible from the street , except in exceptional circumstances.

Exception :
A heat pump visible only from the alley is permitted .

Authorized locations:

• On a flat roof ;

• In a side or back yard (never before);

• On a facade overlooking a side or rear yard .

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Technical installation conditions

To ensure compliance and respect for the neighborhood:

• The device must be installed more than 1.5 meters from any property boundary.
  (Exception: the distance may be less on the side of an alley.)

• On a flat roof , it must be located at a distance equivalent to twice its height from the facade and at least 2 meters from it.

Exterior ducts

Conduits visible from the public highway must:

• be the same color as the wall on which they are fixed;

• respect the same minimum distance of 1.5 meters from property boundaries (except on the alley side, where the distance may be reduced).

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Assessment by the Urban Planning Advisory Committee (CCU)

Your project must be submitted to the CCU if the heat pump or device:

• is installed on the roof of a building located west of Park Avenue , in the declared heritage site of Mount Royal , and visible from observation points on Mount Royal ;

• or is installed on a roof visible from the public highway (unless visibility is limited to the alley).

In these cases, you will need to provide certain supporting documents at the permit counter .

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Documents to be provided for the evaluation request

If your installation requires CCU review, prepare:

• a plan locating the device ;

• the technical data sheet of the equipment;

• your location certificate ;

• and, if necessary, a power of attorney if you are not the owner of the building.

These documents allow the urban planning department to verify that the project complies with aesthetics and current regulations.

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Good practices and mistakes to avoid

To avoid delays or refusals of compliance:

• Always check the location before installation — a device visible from the street could result in a relocation request ;

• Respect the prescribed minimum distances ;

• Keep complete documentation (technical sheet, photos, proof of installation) for any future verification;

• Consult the permit counter before starting work — this will allow you to obtain details specific to your building.

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Concrete examples of application

• Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: a permit is required if the heat pump is installed on a facade facing the street.

• Plateau-Mont-Royal: installation is prohibited on any facade visible from the street, but authorized on the roof if it is not visible from the public highway.

• Ville-Marie: certain heritage areas require a prior architectural assessment by the CCU.

These distinctions demonstrate the importance of checking each district before proceeding.

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Your Responsibility / Our Support

Your Responsibility

It is important to note that compliance with 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 you , inform you 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 .

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Next Step!

At AirGreen , we support our clients at every stage of their process for HVAC installations that are compliant, durable and adapted to the requirements of the Plateau-Mont-Royal.
Contact us today for personalized advice or a free on-site estimate.