Heat pumps in Sorel-Tracy: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Sorel-Tracy? 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.
Allowed in the rear yard, at least 1.5 m from the lot lines and no more than 1 m from the house.
Allowed if the unit is hidden from the street by an opaque fence or a dense evergreen hedge at least as tall as the unit.
Not allowed, except for buildings with more than 8 dwellings: on a porch, balcony or terrace, matching the wall colour or behind an opaque screen.
Porch, balcony or terrace: provided for buildings with more than 8 dwellings (front yard or street-side yard), matching the wall colour or behind an opaque screen.
Not specified in the bylaw: confirm with urban planning.
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- Wall unit in a window or wall opening (s. 105): on a wall facing the street, it must match the wall colour or be hidden by a structure or shrubs.
- Some zones (chapter 21, e.g. s. 370) add rules: on the roof, only at the rear and not visible from the street.
- There must be a main building on the lot; only one accessory equipment of each type per lot unless stated otherwise (s. 81).
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Sorel-Tracy?
Not specified in the permits bylaw: confirm with urban planning.
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
At least 1.5 m from the lot lines (and the zoning grid setbacks), no more than 1 m from the house.
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
Yes, with conditions. Not allowed, except for buildings with more than 8 dwellings: on a porch, balcony or terrace, matching the wall colour or behind an opaque screen.
What is the noise limit?
Over 55 dB at the lot line: not allowed (air-conditioning units).
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
Urban planning department, 450 780-5600, ext. 5690, receptionurbanisme@ville.sorel-tracy.qc.ca.
Read at the source.
Sources: Zoning bylaw 2222, s. 79, 80 (line 28), 81, 103 and 105; bylaw 2380, s. 22; permits and certificates bylaw 2225, s. 46, 47 and 59 (administrative consolidation including bylaw 2665 (June 12, 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 Sorel-Tracy?
We come and see your property, and the estimate is free.