PlainPermitDo I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace?
Short answer: Across the 25 US cities we checked, an HVAC or AC replacement always needs a permit in 20, needs none in 0, and depends on size, location or scope in 3; 2 are unverified. Your city's rule is what counts.
- 20 permit required
- 3 depends
- 0 no permit
- 2 unverified
- 1 fees verified
Replacing an air conditioner, heat pump or furnace is mechanical work; many cities require a mechanical permit even for a like-for-like change-out, often pulled by a licensed contractor.
City-by-city comparison
| City | Answer | Key condition | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | Permit required | Registered mechanical contractor | Residential change-out permit, HVAC: $74.05 for the first system, $20.69 each additional (FY2026-27). |
| Boston, MA | Permit required | Licensed trades only | Not verified |
| Charlotte, NC | Permit required | Yes. Replacing a heating or air-conditioning system needs a permit in Mecklenburg County. | Not verified |
| Chicago, IL | Depends on your project | In-kind replacement: no permit | Not verified |
| Columbus, OH | Permit required | Yes. Replacing a furnace or AC unit needs a permit, but not plan review. | Not verified |
| Dallas, TX | Permit required | Yes. Replacing HVAC equipment is building service equipment work that needs a permit. Homesteaded owners may d | Not verified |
| Denver, CO | Permit required | Quick permit (no plan review) | Not verified |
| El Paso, TX | Unverified, confirm locally | We did not find an official El Paso page on HVAC permits that we could quote. | Not verified |
| Fort Worth, TX | Permit required | Yes. Changing, moving or repairing central heating and air conditioning systems needs a mechanical permit. | Not verified |
| Houston, TX | Permit required | Licensed, City-registered A/C contractor | Not verified |
| Indianapolis, IN | Permit required | Window A/C: no permit | Not verified |
| Jacksonville, FL | Permit required | Yes. Replacing air conditioning units needs a permit. | Not verified |
| Las Vegas, NV | Permit required | Exact change-out: online permit | Not verified |
| Los Angeles, CA | Permit required | Same size/type: express permit | Not verified |
| Nashville, TN | Permit required | Yes. New and replacement air conditioning units need a gas/mechanical permit. | Not verified |
| New York City, NY | Depends on your project | Packaged A/C up to 5 tons: may be exempt | Not verified |
| Oklahoma City, OK | Permit required | Licensed contractor only | Not verified |
| Philadelphia, PA | Permit required | No zoning permit | Not verified |
| Phoenix, AZ | Depends on your project | Same size and location: no permit | Not verified |
| San Antonio, TX | Permit required | Yes. Installing HVAC equipment needs a mechanical permit. | Not verified |
| San Diego, CA | Permit required | Historic properties: different process | Not verified |
| San Francisco, CA | Permit required | Licensed contractor | Not verified |
| San Jose, CA | Permit required | Online permit | Not verified |
| Seattle, WA | Unverified, confirm locally | We did not find an official Seattle page on HVAC permits that we could quote. | Not verified |
| Washington, DC | Permit required | Instant trade permit | Not verified |
Related: Common permit myths · What happens if you build without a permit · How to apply
Other projects
- ADU or garage conversion
- Deck
- Driveway or patio
- Electrical panel upgrade
- EV charger
- Fence
- Interior / bathroom remodel
- Pool or hot tub
- Retaining wall
- Roof replacement
- Shed
- Siding replacement
- Solar panels
- Water heater replacement
- Window and door replacement
Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.