Heat pumps in Laval: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Laval? 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 and no more than 1 m from the house.
At least 1 m from the lot lines and no more than 1 m from the house.
3 m from the front lot line (2 m in a secondary front yard), no more than 1.2 m high, hidden from the street by a wall, a shrub screen or a railing.
Allowed on a balcony or gallery. In the front yard: no more than 1 m above the floor and hidden from the street.
Flat roof: at least 3 m from the edge, visual screen if the unit is over 0.6 m high. Not allowed on a sloped roof.
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- Wires and pipes on an exterior wall: covered with a material matching the siding colour.
- A non-conforming unit protected by acquired rights may be replaced if it stays in the same yard and the non-conformity is not made worse.
- Water-cooled air conditioners are not allowed.
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Laval?
No permit or certificate required.
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
1 m from the side and rear lot lines, 3 m from the front line (2 m in a secondary front yard), no more than 1 m from the house.
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
Yes, with conditions. 3 m from the front lot line (2 m in a secondary front yard), no more than 1.2 m high, hidden from the street by a wall, a shrub screen or a railing.
What is the noise limit?
Over 55 dBA by day (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) or 50 dBA at night (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.), measured in an outdoor living area: not allowed.
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
City of Laval, 311 (450 978-8000 from outside Laval).
Read at the source.
Sources: Code de l’urbanisme CDU-1, s. 170 (table 5), 265-266 (table 37), 319 (table 53.1), 344-345.1, 2052 and 2067 (table 778); noise bylaw L-12423, s. 2.1; laval.ca, “Thermopompe et climatisation” (CDU-1: June 8, 2026 version; 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 Laval?
We come and see your property, and the estimate is free.