Geothermal Systems

• Do you know in which zone the property is located?
• Did you read by-law concerning zoning?
• Did you read by-law concerning noise?

By-law directoryZoning map

Generally speaking, if your project affects the exterior of the property, it is subject to by-law 1305 on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programmes (SPAIP) and must be approved by City Council. However, restoration work on the original architectural components and identical replacement work are excluded.

Process of an application subject to the SPAIP by-law

Required Documents

Documents indicated by an asterisk (*) are required.

• *A letter describing the scope of the proposed work
• *A letter from the building owner authorizing the permit application, if the request is made by a third party
• *A letter from the association of co-owners authorizing the proposed modification
• *A copy of a recent certificate of location, showing the current conditions of the property, showing the relative location of the mechanical unit(s) to the property lines
• Scaled and dimensioned drawings of the visual screen, where appropriate
• An official cost estimate, excluding taxes, provided by a general contractor
• *Illustrated specifications of mechanical units, including dimensions and source noise level in decibels (dB), where applicable
• The maximum floor area of the residence to establish the volume limit, where applicable
• *A site plan indicating the location, dimensions, materials, equipment forming the geothermal system as well as the location of the drilling equipment
• *A written proof of certification of the geothermal system used
• *A technical description of the geothermal system used
• *A construction site management document including the phasing and schedule of works, the method of sludge retention, and the occupation of public roads and/or municipal property
• *A declaration signed by the geothermal professional from the geothermal company confirming that their project conforms to articles 27.1 to 30 of Chapter V of Q-2, r. 35.2 Water Withdrawal and Protection Regulation
• *A request to locate underground infrastructures must be filed with Info Excavation
• Any other information required under the Water Withdrawal and Protection Regulation (RLRQ, Q-2, r.35.2).B

This list is a summary. Please note that additional documents or information may be required in order to provide a better understanding of the project and contribute to the request process (permits and certificates by-law).

By-law directory

Once all the necessary information is gathered, you can submit your application online or in person at the Urban Planning Department at City Hall.

• The applicable fees include the file analysis fees. Please note that the fees related to the issuance of the permit or authorization certificate, if applicable, will be added to this amount.
• The cost of the permit or authorization certificate, if applicable, is calculated based on the cost of the work.

Consult the tariffs by-law in the by-law directory for up-to-date rates.

Once the application has been reviewed, the applicant will receive a follow-up by email. 

Even if the application has been authorised, issuance of the permit or certificate, if applicable, is not automatic; the applicable fees must be paid and certain documents must be submitted. 

An official quote from the contractor including the detailed cost of the proposed work, before taxes, must be submitted.