HVAC permits in Long Beach, CA
A plain-English starting point for HVAC contractors working in Long Beach (Los Angeles County). This is general California guidance — it does not replace the requirements published by the city.
Short answer
In California, HVAC equipment changeouts (AC, furnace, heat pump), new mini-splits, and ductwork generally need a mechanical permit, and most changeouts also trigger Title 24 energy-compliance documentation and sometimes third-party HERS verification. Like-for-like thermostat or filter work usually doesn't. The governing codes are the California Mechanical Code and the Title 24 energy standards.
Long Beach-specific fees, forms, and timelines are set by Long Beach Community Development — Building & Safety Bureau. Verified data — portal, fee schedule, adopted code — is sourced below.
The general picture
California HVAC work is governed by the California Mechanical Code and California's Title 24 energy standards. Equipment changeouts (AC, furnace, heat pump), new mini-splits, and ductwork generally require a mechanical permit, and many changeouts trigger Title 24 energy-compliance documentation. The exact forms, energy paperwork, fees, and review process are set per city and are not standardized statewide — confirm with the jurisdiction below before filing.
Code basis
2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24), which applies to permit applications filed on or after per the California Building Standards Commission. Sections checked against the published code; cities may add local amendments.
California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) §104.1 — Permits Required: a mechanical permit before installing, altering, repairing, replacing or remodeling a mechanical system; §104.2 (Exempt Work) covers only portable appliances and like-for-like component replacement that does not alter the appliance's approval.
California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) §105.2 — Required Inspections: rough work before it is covered (§105.2.1 Uncovering) and final; §105.3 covers testing of systems.
California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3) Article 440 — Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Equipment: the dedicated circuit, disconnecting means and overcurrent protection for the outdoor unit. The 2025 CEC is the 2023 NEC with California amendments.
California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) §150.2(b)1C–F — Space-conditioning alterations: entirely new or complete replacement systems (C), altered duct systems (D), duct sealing when equipment is replaced (E) and mechanical cooling with refrigerant-charge verification (F), confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing by a certified ECC-Rater, the code's term for the independent rater.
Typically needs a permit
- AC / furnace changeouts
- Heat pump installs
- Mini-split systems
- Ductwork and Title 24 docs
Usually doesn't (general norm)
- Replacing a thermostat like-for-like
- Routine maintenance, cleaning, or filter changes
- Repairing a unit with the same components (no equipment change)
Documents & plans generally required
- Mechanical permit application
- Contractor license and city registration
- Equipment specs / AHRI certificate for the new unit
- Title 24 / CF compliance documentation, including HERS-required measures
- Load calc (Manual J/D or equivalent) and duct layout for new or significantly changed systems
- Gas line and venting details where applicable
Common reasons HVAC applications get bounced
These are general, code-rooted patterns across California — not a Long Beach rejection rate.
- Missing or incomplete Title 24 / HERS documentation for a changeout that requires it
- Equipment efficiency below current Title 24 minimums
- No load calc or duct design for a new system
- AHRI match not provided
- Gas, venting, or condensate details missing
The inspection sequence
A typical order — the number of stops and exact sequence vary by jurisdiction and scope.
- 1Rough inspection for new ductwork or refrigerant lines before cover
- 2HERS verification by a third-party rater where required (separate from city inspection)
- 3Final inspection with the system installed, charged, and operating
Licensing — who can pull it
HVAC work in California is generally performed by a C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) licensed contractor; a B general contractor may pull it within a larger project under CSLB rules. Many changeouts also require an independent HERS rater — that's separate from the contractor and the city inspector.
Long Beach permit data
Sourced from public City of Long Beach documents — every field carries the source URL and verification date. Full dataset last re-verified .
- Permit portal
- LB Services — Permitting and Licensing
verified Aug 10, 2026 · source · The city's online permit system covers express permits — renewable energy (PV, ESS, EV chargers), reroofs, electrical panel/subpanel changeouts, water heater changeouts for single-family/duplex dwellings, and certain commercial project types
- Adopted code edition
2025 California Building Standards Code (with the Long Beach Municipal Code)
verified Aug 10, 2026 · source · Effective January 1, 2026, all projects must comply with the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code and the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) to receive approval, as required by state law
- Fee schedule
- Building Plan Review & Permit Fees — fee changes effective October 1, 2026
verified Oct 12, 2026 · source · Linked as "Building Permit & Plan Check Fees" on the fee-schedules listing page; separate schedules for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire fees are published on the same page
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace an AC or furnace in California?
Generally yes. An equipment changeout is permitted mechanical work in most California jurisdictions, and it usually triggers Title 24 energy-compliance documentation and sometimes third-party HERS verification. The exact fee and process are set by the city — confirm with the department below.
What is HERS verification and do I need it?
HERS (Home Energy Rating System) verification is independent field verification of certain Title 24 measures — commonly duct leakage and refrigerant charge on changeouts. It's performed by a certified HERS rater, separate from the city inspection. Whether it applies depends on the scope and the energy code.
Does a mini-split install need a permit?
Generally yes — a new ductless mini-split adds equipment, electrical, and refrigerant work and is permitted mechanical (and often electrical) work in California. Confirm the local process with the AHJ below.
Is a thermostat swap permitted?
Usually not — a like-for-like thermostat replacement is generally treated as maintenance across California. This is a general norm, not a guarantee; check the city below.
Other trades in Long Beach
Want getPermit to map Long Beach in depth?
Join the waitlist with your city and trade. We prioritize the jurisdictions our early users actually work in — and we'll never invent fees or timelines we haven't verified.
Join the waitlist