Homeowner Mechanical Projects

Step 1.Review the requirements

Only the owner of the residence can apply for the permit. 

You must presently reside in the single-family dwelling or reside there after the construction is complete. 

The house cannot be in the process of being prepared for sale, not a rental property, or for intended use for becoming a rental property. 

Homeowners are encouraged to come to the Building and Safety front counter to pull the permit to ensure the correct information is on the application. If you wish to complete the permit online you will need to create a Citizen Access account. For more information about creating a Citizen Access account see our Citizen Access Information page.

Permits are valid for 120 days from issuances. You can extend the time by written request to the Building and Safety department and attention the request to Chief Mechanical Inspector.

All code requirements for mechanical permits are available at TITLE 25 HEATING.

Step 2.Permit Application Process

This application will take about 35 minutes to complete your application.

You will need to create an account at Citizen Access as a homeowner. 

Are you needing the legal address? Use the County Assessor's Site. 

You can also check with your inspector to verify the requirements of the code.  Please use our Inspector Area Map to locate the inspector assigned to your area.  

Step 3.Make your payment

You can pay online through Citizen Access.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.   

All permits will have a minimum $35 fee. Each service will be an additional fee in addition to the $35 minimum. 

The $35 minimum fee covers a certified inspector to come out to inspect the work that has been completed. Additional inspection trips are $35.

Step 4.Schedule an inspection

The permit issued must be inspected before any work is concealed and must also be inspected when the installation of the work is completed.

An inspection can be scheduled through our Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, SelecTxt, Citizen Access or by contacting our office. For more information, please see our inspections page.

Non-compliance with the codes may result in a reinspection fee.

Step 1.What don’t I need a permit for?

• Portable appliances
• Portable humidifiers
• Portable dehumidifiers
• Replacement of equipment parts
• Evaporator coil replacements

Step 2.Where can I find a copy of the International Mechanical Codes?

 You can find it here.

Step 3.How do I calculate combustion air?

• Combustion air required for fuel burning appliances using the air inside the building for the combustion process (this includes 1 pipe indirect vent 90% efficient furnaces and 1 pipe power vent water heaters).
• Add the total number of BTUs of all appliances using inside combustion air and multiply by .05 (or simply cut total BTUs in half and drop a 0).
  • Example: 80,000 BTU furnace and 40,000 BTU water heater= 120,000 BTU. Half is 60,000, drop zero leaves 6000 cubic feet of area needed to provide the proper amount of combustion air for these appliances.
• Combustion air cannot be taken from bedrooms or bathrooms. Areas needed that are separated by doors must have louvers in them or grills in the wall to let air pass freely