Heat pumps in Sainte-Catherine: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Sainte-Catherine? 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. Yard facing a street: hidden from the street (opaque fence, plants or a building projection).
At least 1 m from the lot lines. Yard facing a street: hidden from the street (opaque fence, plants or a building projection).
Not allowed in the front yard, whether ground- or wall-mounted.
Not specified in the bylaw: confirm with urban planning.
Roof: only inside an enclosure that eliminates the noise.
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- New building: rooftop mechanical equipment must not be visible from the street (s. 167).
- In a multi-unit building, noise is measured in another dwelling of the building.
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Sainte-Catherine?
Confirm with urban planning: heat pumps are not on the City’s lists.
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
1 m from the lot lines.
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
No. Not allowed in the front yard, whether ground- or wall-mounted.
What is the noise limit?
Over 55 dB by day (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) or 50 dB at night (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.) at the complainant’s lot line: not allowed.
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
Land-use planning department, 450 632-0590 ext. 5130, amenagement@vdsc.ca.
Read at the source.
Sources: Zoning bylaw 2009-Z-00, s. 77, 79 (table 79, line 39) and 167; nuisance bylaw 1010-01, s. 3.2.4 and 3.3; urban planning administration bylaw 2015-00, s. 26, 37 and 50 (zoning: version of July 13, 2026; nuisances: version of January 27, 2025).
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 Sainte-Catherine?
We come and see your property, and the estimate is free.