Heat pumps in Saint-Laurent: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Saint-Laurent? 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 line (1.5 m from the street line on a through lot).
At least 1 m from the lot line. On the ground: surrounded by opaque landscaping that hides it from the roads.
Not allowed in the main front yard. Secondary front yard (corner lot): 1.5 m from the street line, hidden by opaque landscaping.
On an upper floor: on a balcony, hidden by an opaque railing.
Not allowed: the unit must be no more than 1 m above the ground, or on an upper-floor balcony.
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- No more than 1 m between the ground and the unit.
- Rules for single-family, two-family and multiplex homes; other rules apply to multifamily buildings.
- Contact the borough before the work.
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Saint-Laurent?
No permit for a strictly residential building; permit required for a commercial, industrial or institutional building. Published fee: $524 per unit (commercial, industrial or institutional building).
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
1 m from the side and rear lot lines, 1.5 m from the street line.
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
No. Not allowed in the main front yard. Secondary front yard (corner lot): 1.5 m from the street line, hidden by opaque landscaping.
What is the noise limit?
No lot-line figure in the bylaw in force; bylaw 1140: 50 dBA by day, 45 dBA at night inside the rooms of a neighbouring dwelling.
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
Permit counter, 777 boulevard Marcel-Laurin; 311.
Read at the source.
Sources: Zoning bylaw RCA08-08-0001, s. 4.1.23 and residential accessory table, row 27° (consolidated April 29, 2026); nuisance bylaw 1140, s. 8; montreal.ca, “Obtenir un permis pour installer une thermopompe ou un appareil de climatisation”, Saint-Laurent section; borough fact sheet (May 2019) (consolidated April 29, 2026; 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 Saint-Laurent?
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