CONNECT with the CityMechanical Permit
Mechanical Permits ensure that projects comply with the minimum standards that help safeguard life or limb, public health, property and welfare. No part of heating, ventilating, air conditioning or refrigeration systems shall be installed, altered, replaced or repaired unless a Mechanical Permit has been obtained for the work.
Based on your desired scope of work, a mechanical permit may be a Simple "No-Plan" Mechanical Permit or a Plan (required) Mechanical Permit. See Information Bulletin 103 to determine whether the scope of work qualifies for a Simple “No-Plan” Mechanical Permit.
Simple "No-Plan" Mechanical Permit
Homeowners, property owners and licensed contractors can obtain a Simple No-plan Mechanical Permit for minor installations for all non-historically or potentially designated properties only, including:
- Installations of forced-air units (FAU) or air conditioner units (A/C)
- Installations of exhaust fans
- Replacement of furnaces
Online Permitting Portal Record Type Selection Options
- Single-Dwelling Unit, Duplex or Townhome Projects
Once you are in the online permitting portal, select, "No-Plan - Residential - Combination Mech/Elec/Plum" under the Simple No Plan Permits category when you initiate the application process.. - Multi-Family Residences, Apartments, Commercial and Non-Residential Projects
Once you are in the online permitting portal, select one of the "No-Plan - Nonresidential/Multifamily" permits for either the electrical, mechanical, or plumbing project under the Simple No Plan Permits category when you initiate the application process.
Review IB-103 for a list of qualified and excluded projects for Simple No-Plan Permits.
The permit will be issued once you submit your application and pay the invoice. Once issued, an inspection can be scheduled.
Plan (required) Mechanical Permit
Mechanical Permits ensure that projects comply with the minimum standards that help safeguard life or limb, public health, property and welfare.
Mechanical plans and calculations are required for all mechanical projects that do not qualify for a Simple "No-Plan" Mechanical Permit or for mechanical projects in historically designated or potentially historically designated properties unless exempted in San Diego Municipal Code §129.0404.
No part of heating, ventilating, air conditioning or refrigeration systems shall be installed, altered, replaced or repaired unless a Mechanical Permit has been obtained for the work except as exempted.
Permits & Inspections
Are you applying for a simple no-plan Mechanical Permit for a minor installation? This includes:
- Installations of a forced air units (FAU) or air conditioner units (A/C)
- Installations of exhaust fans
- Replacement of furnaces
To learn more about Simple Permits, see Information Bulletin 103.