Heat pumps in Westmount: permits and bylaws
Planning a heat pump or an air conditioner in Westmount? 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 2 m from the lot lines. Concealed by plants or an enclosure, not visible from the street.
Outside the minimum required side yard, at least 2 m from the lot lines, concealed and not visible from the street: confirm with urban planning.
Not allowed in front of the building line (front yard).
Not specified in the bylaw: confirm with urban planning.
Flat roof, not visible from the street. Semi-detached or attached building: spring vibration isolators required.
Good to know, and who to call.
Good to know
- Night: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Semi-detached or attached building: cooling capacity limited to 1 ton per 550 sq. ft.
- If the work affects the outside of the property: SPAIP review (bylaw 1305) and City Council approval.
The short answers.
Do you need a permit to install a heat pump in Westmount?
Certificate of authorization required before installation. Published fee: $60.69 review fee, plus a fee based on the value of the work.
How far from the lot lines must the unit be?
At least 2 m from the lot lines.
Can a heat pump go in the front yard?
No. Not allowed in front of the building line (front yard).
What is the noise limit?
In a yard: 55 dBA by day and 50 dBA at night; on a balcony or terrace: 50 and 45 dBA (a breach starts at 2 dB over the limit).
Who should I call to confirm before the work?
Urban Planning Department, 514 989-5219, permis@westmount.org.
Read at the source.
Sources: Zoning bylaw 1303, s. 6.10; permits and certificates bylaw 1634, s. 47; noise bylaw 1387, s. 9 to 12; 2026 tariffs bylaw 1666, s. 16.2 (consolidated February 13, 2026 (1303); bylaw 1634 in force August 19, 2025; 2026 tariffs (1666, in force August 7, 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 Westmount?
We come and see your property, and the estimate is free.