Do I need a permit for an HVAC or AC replacement in Indianapolis, IN?

Yes. HVAC work needs a permit unless exempted, pulled by a licensed contractor. Window air conditioners are exempt.

What changes the answer

• Window A/C: no permit

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the Indianapolis residential permit guide. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://citybase-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/20bb8d3c1a0b4c66b07fbe8813d77f23.pdf · All verified Indianapolis permit fees

Where to apply

Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (residential permits)

Permitting authority: Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (City of Indianapolis and Marion County). Some separately incorporated cities in Marion County may issue their own permits; confirm locally. Exemptions below apply to one- and two-family dwellings (Class 2) and come from the BNS homeowner permit guide (undated; uses the 2020 Indiana Residential Code). See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC: Required unless specifically exempted by Sec. 536-201 of the City of Indianapolis Building Standards and Procedures. These must be pulled by a licensed contractor in each craft.”

Source: https://citybase-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/20bb8d3c1a0b4c66b07fbe8813d77f23.pdf

“Installation of household appliances such as window air conditioners”

Source: https://citybase-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/20bb8d3c1a0b4c66b07fbe8813d77f23.pdf

Verified: 2026-10-19 · Status: verified · Confidence: medium