Changes are coming to rules for installing heat pumps and similar equipment on homes and businesses in St. John’s.
It’s in response to a complaint about a pump installed on the front of a heritage home on Prescott Street.
The current bylaw limits placement of a heat pump, mini-split, air conditioner or other device mainly to the side or rear of a home.
But the complaint triggered debate over allowing them on the front of buildings in heritage areas, and whether they can overhang the street line where houses are right along the sidewalk.
In the end it was decided to scrap the current bylaw and replace it with one that better regulates the placement of such devices, particularly when it comes to designated heritage buildings.
Chief city planner Ken O’Brien says it’s all about preserving the unique character of those structures.
Chief city planner Ken O’Brien at St. John’s City Council Meeting
“The intent with the heritage bylaw would be that a heat pump could be installed anywhere, including the front of a building, as long as it didn’t obscure any character-defining element of the heritage building, and typically there are ways to get around that to place it so that it wouldn’t be a problem.”
Properties with existing devices won’t be affected and will be grandfathered into the new regulations, which will include input from businesses and heritage groups.
