HVAC permits in San Francisco, CA
A plain-English starting point for HVAC contractors working in San Francisco (San Francisco 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.
San Francisco-specific fees, forms, and timelines are set by San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). 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 San Francisco 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.
San Francisco permit data
Sourced from public City of San Francisco documents — every field carries the source URL and verification date. Full dataset last re-verified .
- Permit portal
- Permit Services at DBI (online permits and tracking)
verified Aug 9, 2026 · source · Online filing for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Boiler-to-Operate permits (one-time contractor registration required); In-House Review building permits are filed via Electronic Plan Review (EPR). The PermitSF portal (https://sanfranciscoca.portal.opengov.com/) covers sign, awning, no-plans reroofing, and door/window/siding replacement permits. Permit tracking at https://dbiweb02.sfgov.org/dbi_building/
- Adopted code edition
SF Building Code (2025 edition, amending the 2025 California Building Code)
verified Aug 9, 2026 · source · Ordinance 231-25 repealed the 2022 Building Code and enacted the 2025 SF Building Code — the 2025 California Building Code and 2025 California Residential Code as further amended by San Francisco — operative January 1, 2026 (ordinance text: https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/o0231-25.pdf). Designed to be used in conjunction with the 2025 California Building and Residential Codes.
- Fee schedule
- DBI Fee Schedule — applies to all building permits issued on or after July 12, 2026
verified Aug 9, 2026 · source
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 San Francisco
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