Permit for the installation of a heat pump or air conditioning unit in Ville-Marie (Montreal)
Understanding the requirements before your HVAC work
At AirGreen , we know that installing a heat pump or air conditioning system in the Ville-Marie borough must be done in compliance with current municipal regulations . Before starting any project, it is essential to know the required authorizations , permitted locations and specific installation conditions to avoid any non-compliance.
General rules applicable to Ville-Marie
Permit required or not required
Good news: in the majority of cases, no permit is required to install a heat pump or air conditioning unit , whether fixed (permanent) or removable , with some exceptions.
However, certain situations require a municipal permit , particularly for installations on a roof .
Quick summary:
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✅ No permit required for wall or floor installations in most cases.
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⚠️ Permit required if the device is installed on the roof or under special conditions defined by the district.
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⏳ Once the permit is issued, work must begin within a maximum of 12 months .
Authorized and prohibited locations
Prohibited locations
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The devices cannot be installed in the front yard or on a balcony located on the front of a residential building.
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These restrictions are intended to preserve urban aesthetics and neighborhood comfort.
Authorized locations
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Installations are permitted in side or rear yards , provided that:
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The device must be located at least 3 meters from the property boundaries .
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The unit is fixed in a stable manner, without interfering with circulation or drainage.
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Removable appliances
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Window air conditioners or portable units can be installed on facades without the need for a permit, as long as they comply with safety regulations and do not cause noise pollution.
Special case: installation on the roof
If you plan to install your unit on a roof , a permit is required .
The district imposes specific aesthetic and safety requirements :
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The device must be installed on a flat roof .
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It must be concealed by a painted, galvanized or anodized metal screen , of the same height as the device .
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This screen should be:
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with a width equivalent to 1.5 times the width of the device on the side visible from the street;
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installed set back from a facade wall, at a distance of at least twice the height of the screen .
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These conditions aim to limit the visual impact of the installations on the architectural landscape of Ville-Marie.
Costs for analyzing the permit application
Fees vary depending on the type of building:
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Residential building: minimum $157
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Other buildings (commercial, mixed, etc.): $462
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The calculation is made at the rate of $9.80 per $1,000 of work.
Good practices and mistakes to avoid
To avoid permit delays or refusals:
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Check that your location complies with the minimum distances required.
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Do not begin work until you have received confirmation from the City, if applicable.
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Camouflage units visible from the street when required.
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In co-ownership, obtain the agreement of the union before any installation.
Concrete examples of application
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Rue Sainte-Catherine Est (residential sector) : the installation of a wall unit at the rear of the building is permitted without a permit, provided that the minimum distance of 3 meters from the property boundaries is respected.
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Old Montreal District : Any installation visible from the main street is generally subject to borough approval and may require a permit for heritage reasons.
Your Responsibility / Our Support
Your Responsibility
It is important to note that compliance with all applicable rules, permits and regulations remains the responsibility of the customer .
At AirGreen , we support you with rigor and transparency, but obtaining official authorizations remains your responsibility, unless otherwise stated in your contract.
Before starting work, ensure that your installation complies with local requirements and that the necessary permits have been obtained.
Our Support
At AirGreen , we believe that a successful installation is based on compliance and clarity .
Our team:
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Informs you about the regulations in force in your district.
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Helps you identify the specific obligations for your project.
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Guides you in your exchanges with municipal services if necessary.
Our goal is to make your experience simple, compliant and stress-free , from the first call to commissioning.
Next Step!
At AirGreen , we support our clients every step of the way for compliant and sustainable HVAC installations in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil and throughout the North Shore and South Shore.
Contact us today for personalized advice and a free on-site estimate.