Do You Need a HVAC Permit in Los Angeles?

Short answer
Yes

Replacing an A/C unit with one of the same size and type, and gas furnaces under 500,000 Btu/h, are on the LADBS Express Permit list: you still need a mechanical permit, but no plan check.

Source: LADBS Information Bulletin P/GI 2020-003: Express Permits

An outdoor heat pump unit mounted beside a house
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Los Angeles HVAC Permits at a Glance

Permits, last 12 months
15,923
Issued, last 30 days
1,144
Median application to issue
147 days
Median permit fee paid
Not published
Issuing office
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Rule last checked
October 30, 2026

Permits Issued per Month

920 Nov 1249 Dec 1013 Jan 1137 Feb 1438 Mar 1346 Apr 1235 May 1389 Jun 1692 Jul 1622 Aug 1631 Sep 1144 Oct
Los Angeles HVAC permits issued per month, Nov 2025 to Oct 2026. Lighter bar = current month to date.

Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to HVAC work. Data from LADBS Building Permits Issued 2020–Present, refreshed October 30, 2026.

What Los Angeles's Rules Say

  • Same size and type A/C replacement: Express Permit.
  • Gas furnaces and heaters under 500,000 Btu/h: Express Permit.
  • Duct alterations in buildings without smoke control: Express Permit.

Los Angeles HVAC Permit Fees

We have not verified Los Angeles's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) sets the fee when you apply.

Busiest Areas for HVAC Permits

ZIP codePermits (12 mo)
91331406
90049345
90036335
90019327
90272310
90026304

How to Get a HVAC Permit in Los Angeles

  1. Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
  2. Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
  3. Apply with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) through the official department website.
  4. Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.

Recent Los Angeles HVAC Permits

IssuedAddressWork
2026-10-2412720 W Sanford StNew HVAC install
2026-10-241568 W Vernon AveInstallation of 17 single zone ductless mini splits.
2026-10-241444 W 260Th St 15New HVAC install
2026-10-241627 E 92Nd StNew ducting for microwave hood vent
2026-10-2320615 W Vanowen St 411Installation of mini split system, bathroom fan and ductless oven range hood
2026-10-2312665 W Village Lane 2239Like for like indoor unit replacement. No structural changes made. Unit 2239
2026-10-2318206 W Napa Stinstallation of a heat pump central ac
2026-10-236613 W 88Th StInstall Mini Split in Garage
2026-10-231001 S Burnside AveHVAC change out
2026-10-2312665 W Village Lane 3213Like for like indoor unit replacement. No structural changes. Unit 3213

Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.

Los Angeles HVAC Contractors: Get Weekly Permit Lists

Contractors: get new permits for your trade and city every Monday. Join the waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a HVAC permit in Los Angeles?

Yes. Replacing an A/C unit with one of the same size and type, and gas furnaces under 500,000 Btu/h, are on the LADBS Express Permit list: you still need a mechanical permit, but no plan check.

How many HVAC permits does Los Angeles issue?

Los Angeles issued 15,923 permits matching HVAC work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 1,327 a month. The busiest month was Jul 2026 with 1,692.

How much does a HVAC permit cost in Los Angeles?

We have not yet verified Los Angeles's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) when you apply.

How long does it take to get a HVAC permit in Los Angeles?

Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 147 days over the last 12 months.

Who issues HVAC permits in Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).

Related Permit Guides

Written and maintained by the Home Permit Guide Editorial TeamPlaceholder profile

Reviewed by: named reviewer to be added · Last updated

This is a placeholder editorial profile. A named reviewer with verifiable experience will be added here. Until then, every rule on this page links to the official government source it was checked against. Read our editorial policy.

Sources

Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.

  1. LADBS Information Bulletin P/GI 2020-003: Express Permits (linked above) (dbs.lacity.gov)