City of Westmount : Permits and Regulations | Heat pump or air conditioning unit

Permits and Regulations for the Installation of a Heat Pump or Air Conditioning Unit in Westmount

At AirGreen , we know that the City of Westmount is renowned for the beauty of its urban setting, its exceptional architectural heritage, and the quality of life of its residents. It is also one of the municipalities in Quebec with the most stringent regulations regarding heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) . These rules are not intended to complicate matters for homeowners, but to preserve the tranquility, aesthetics, and safety of the residential environment .

Installing a wall-mounted heat pump , a central unit or any other air conditioning system in Westmount therefore requires meticulous attention — from the choice of the device to its positioning, including noise management and obtaining the necessary permits.

This comprehensive guide, written by AirGreen , presents all the steps to follow, the standards to respect and the mistakes to avoid to carry out a project that is 100% compliant with municipal regulations. It is intended for owners , condominium associations and contractors wishing to install or replace a mechanical unit (heat pump, air conditioning, geothermal, etc.) in the City of Westmount .

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1. When is a permit required?

Any installation of a mechanical device such as a heat pump , a wall-mounted air conditioner , a geothermal system or a ventilation device is considered construction work within the meaning of the Quebec Building Code and the municipal by-law on permits and certificates .

In Westmount, no installation may be carried out without a permit when:

• The project modifies the exterior appearance of the building (addition on the roof, on a facade or on a side wall);

• The unit is visible from the street or a public space ;

• Installation involves exterior conduits , electrical connection , or an anchoring structure ;

• The building is located in a heritage area or is part of a protected architectural ensemble ;

• The work may have an acoustic impact on neighboring properties.

Even replacing an existing appliance may require a new permit if the unit's capacity, location, or configuration differs from the previous installation.

💡 AirGreen Tip: Before purchasing your heat pump, always contact the Westmount Urban Planning Department to confirm the requirements specific to your address. This will help avoid delays and last-minute changes.

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2. Responsible authorities

Permits are issued by the Permits and Inspections Division , under the supervision of the Westmount Urban Planning Department .

However, certain projects - particularly those that modify the exterior of a building or affect a building of heritage interest - are subject to a more in-depth review by the Urban Planning Advisory Committee (CCU) as part of the Architectural Implementation and Integration Plan (PIIA) .

The CCU evaluates each project according to:

• Harmony with the main building;

• Integration into the urban landscape;

• Respect for existing materials, textures and colors;

• Visual and noise impacts on neighboring properties.

This dual control ensures that each installation contributes to maintaining the historical and residential character of the City.

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3. Conditions for installing a heat pump or air conditioning unit

3.1 Maximum capacity

For attached or semi-detached residential buildings, the City sets a cooling capacity limit of 550 sq ft/ton of floor area.
This calculation aims to avoid the installation of oversized devices, which are often noisier and more energy-intensive.

👉 Example: A 2,200 sq ft semi-detached house will not be able to install a unit weighing more than 4 tons .

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3.2 Installation on the roof or facade

Installations on roofs , balconies , or against exterior walls must meet specific engineering and sound insulation criteria:

• The unit must be mounted on a spring-loaded anti-vibration system with a minimum deflection of 1 in. for residential use and 2 in. for commercial use;

• If ventilation ducts are present, flexible joints should be used at all junctions to reduce noise transmission;

• No rigid anchors must be fixed to a shared wall: only resilient fasteners are authorized;

• The interior modules (in the case of a multi-zone system) must be completely decoupled from the adjoining partitions in order to avoid any transmitted vibration.

💡 At AirGreen , we exclusively use certified anti-vibration mounts and soundproofing materials that comply with municipal standards, in order to ensure the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.

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3.3 Compliance with noise levels

Heat pumps, fans and condensers are among the regulated noise sources in Westmount.
Noise emissions must not exceed the following thresholds, measured from the boundary of the neighboring property:

These values ​​are based on the corrected overall noise level (including background noise and exposure time).
If the ambient noise (traffic, wind, etc.) is higher than the standard, this higher value applies.

⚠️ In the event of an overrun, the City may require:

• Adding an acoustic screen ;

• Moving the device;

• Or, as a last resort, removal of the installation .

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3.4 Recommended location

To avoid any neighborhood conflict, the heat pump must be:

• Installed in a side or rear yard , ideally away from neighboring rooms;

• At least 1.2 meters from any property boundary;

• Placed on a stable and level base;

• Where possible, not visible from the street .

When a building is in a heritage zone , the City favors installation in a backyard or on a flat roof invisible from the public highway .

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3.5 Other technical considerations

• The exhaust ducts must be discreet, painted the same color as the facade and not protruding ;

• Units on flat roofs must be at least 1.2 meters from the edge of the roof;

• Multi-zone devices must be positioned to reduce cumulative noise pollution ;

• Condensation drains must be connected in accordance with the Building Code and never flow onto a sidewalk or neighboring property.

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4. Permit application procedure

4.1 Documents to be provided

To obtain the permit, the applicant must submit a complete file including:

1. A letter describing the work (location, type of device, installation method);

2. The owner's authorization , if the request is made by a third party (installer or contractor);

3. A recent copy of the location certificate ;

4. The technical data sheets of the device (dimensions, weight, noise level in dBA, etc.);

5. Scaled layout plans showing the exact location of the unit;

6. Elevation plans for installations visible from the street;

7. A photo of the site before work .

In certain cases (heritage buildings, co-ownerships), additional documents may be required:

• Letter of authorization from the condominium association ;

• Simplified heritage study ;

• Technical supporting documents for architectural integration.

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4.2 Approval Steps

1. Preliminary consultation with the Urban Planning Department;

2. Official submission of the permit application with all required documents;

3. Technical and acoustic analysis by municipal inspectors;

4. Aesthetic and architectural assessment by the CCU, if necessary;

5. Approval by the City Council ;

6. Issuance of the permit (the document must be permanently displayed on the site until the work is completed).

The permit remains valid for 6 months after its issue. If it is not used during this period, it becomes invalid and must be renewed.

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5. Applicable fees

The fees for a permit application depend on the nature and scale of the project.
For information:

• Analysis fees : approximately $867 for a residential installation;

• Authorization fees : from $176 ;

• Additional review fees in case of modification or resubmission;

• Posting and publication fees if the project must be submitted to the CCU.

These amounts are adjusted annually according to the Municipal Rates Regulations .

💡 Good to know:
The fees cover the complete analysis of the file, verification of acoustic compliance, design review, and pre- and post-work inspections.

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6. Processing times

The time frame varies depending on the time of year and the complexity of the project:

• 2 to 4 weeks for a simple project (backyard installation);

• 4 to 6 weeks for a project requiring architectural approval;

• Up to 8 weeks if the file is incomplete or subject to review by the CCU.

AirGreen recommends submitting the application in the spring , in order to receive approval before the start of the warm season.

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7. Offenses and sanctions

Installing a heat pump without a permit or one that does not comply with acoustic standards exposes the owner to:

• Fines of $100 to $1,000 for a first offense;

• Fines of $200 to $2,000 for repeat offenses;

• The obligation to correct or remove the faulty installation at its own expense;

• A license suspension for the responsible contractor.

The City may also order the immediate cessation of work and impose daily penalties until the situation is completely regularized.

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8. AirGreen Recommendations

At AirGreen , we support our clients from A to Z:

• On-site acoustic assessment before installation;

• Location analysis to choose the ideal location;

• Preparation of the administrative file for the permit application;

• Direct coordination with City inspectors , when required;

• Compliant and documented installation , with end of work report provided to the customer.

Each project is treated with the same concern for excellence, whether it is a historic condo on Chemin de la Côte-Saint-Antoine or a contemporary house on Forden Street.

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9. Your Responsibility / Our Support

Your Responsibility

Compliance with rules and permits remains the responsibility of the owner. You must ensure that all authorizations are obtained before work begins , and that the installation complies with current municipal, provincial and electrical regulations .

Our Support

At AirGreen, our mission is to make every step simple, seamless, and compliant. We help you:

• Understanding regulatory obligations;

• Identify the necessary permits;

• Design a discreet, efficient and silent installation;

• Communicate effectively with municipal services.

We believe that a successful HVAC project is based on compliance, transparency and sustainability .

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10. Next Step!

For a heat pump or air conditioning installation that complies with Westmount regulations , trust AirGreen .
Our certified technicians and regulatory advisors support you every step of the way, from design to municipal approval.

AirGreen — your partner in sustainable comfort and total compliance in Greater Montreal.