CONNECT with the CityPlan (required) Mechanical 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 except as exempted below.
Plan Your Project
What You Should Know
- Mechanical Permit Procedures
- Who may prepare Plans, Reports and Calculations
Mechanical plans and calculations shall be stamped and signed in accordance with the California Business and Professions Code. The mechanical plans and calculations shall be signed by a licensed mechanical engineer. - An architect or civil engineer can sign the Mechanical plans only if he or she has designed the project as the responsible designer of the mechanical system.
- A mechanical contractor can sign and stamp the mechanical plans and calculations and/or Title 24 energy compliance for the mechanical system only if he/she is responsible for both the design and installation of the system. Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2
- If your project includes a building construction plan, you will need to submit for a Building Permit and include your mechanical plans in your submittal.
- Your project may require a historic review to determine conformance with the historic resources regulations if your project is located:
- On a site with a designated historic resource
- Within a designated historic district
- On a site containing a structure of 45 years or more.
- Please review Information Bulletin 581 for additional information.
Fees
Exemptions
Exemptions from a Mechanical Permit: A Mechanical Permit is not required for the following heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration repair work however, exemption from the permit requirements of the Mechanical Regulations does not authorize any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the Mechanical Regulations or any other applicable local or state regulations.
- Repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration equipment, provided the work does not require removal of the equipment from its installed position or the replacement of faulty controls, valves, driers, or filters in the system
- Installing temperature controls, repairing leaks, or recharging refrigeration compressors or systems
- Servicing, or repairing ice machines
- Installing self-contained refrigerators or freezers
- Installing a portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, a portable cooling unit, or a portable evaporative cooler
- Replacement of piping in a closed system of steam, hot, or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment
- Replacement of any component part of assembly of an appliance that does not alter its original approval
- Installing or servicing refrigerating equipment that is a part of equipment for which a permit has previously been approved.
Apply for a Permit
Step 1
Review the User Guide – Apply for a Standalone Permit
Step 2
Read the 
requirements for PDF file uploads.
Not following the PDF requirements will delay project review and approval.
Step 3
Prepare:
- Complete or obtain a mechanical plan for your project. The mechanical plan and calculations shall be stamped and signed in accordance with the California Business and Professional Code. View the Requirements and Resources section below for more information.
- Project Contacts Information (DS-345)
Step 4
Your PDF documents MUST meet our upload requirements. See Step 2 for more info.
Step 5
When submitting plans with your application, you must check the plan sheet numbers before uploading your files.
Step 6
You will be required to upload all the documents and plans from Step 3 at the time of application. Submitting without all the requirements will result in delays.
Requirements and Resources
- Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2
- Mechanical Permit Expiration and Extension
- Additions and Modifications to the California Codes
- Adoption of the California Mechanical Code – Chapter 14, Article 8, Division 1
- Information Bulletin 513 - Preliminary Review
- Information Bulletin 151 - Alternate Materials, Design, or Construction Methods or Code Modifications
- Form DS-104 - Alternate Materials, Design, or Construction Methods or Code Modifications Application
- Technical Bulletin RESD 3-2 - Exhaust System for Residential Occupancies
- Technical Bulletin BLDG 3-4 - Return Air Duct Through Garage/Dwelling Separations