Do You Need a HVAC Permit in San Francisco?
Yes
A mechanical permit is needed to install or replace gas appliances such as a furnace, hydronic heat or a heat pump, and to cut into or replace pipes carrying gas, hot air or cool air. Licensed contractors (C4, C16, C20, C36, C54, B or A) apply through PermitSF.
San Francisco HVAC Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 346
- Issued, last 30 days
- 32
- Median application to issue
- 9 days
- Median declared job value
- $45,000
- Issuing office
- San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
- Rule last checked
- October 30, 2026
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to HVAC work. Data from DataSF: Building Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What San Francisco's Rules Say
- Plumbing and mechanical permits without plans are applied for in the PermitSF portal.
- Contractors need a C4, C16, C20, C36, C54, B or A license to apply.
- New mechanical equipment that needs a building permit requires plans.
San Francisco HVAC Permit Fees
| Item | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Category 1M: single residential unit gas appliance (furnace, hydronic heat, heat pump) | $192.55 |
| Category 2M: gas appliances, residential with 6 or fewer units | $309.16 |
From SF DBI Plumbing/Mechanical Issuance and Inspection Fees (July 2024) (listed under Sources below). Fees are set by the city and can change.
Busiest Areas for HVAC Permits
| Neighborhood | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| Financial District/South Beach | 62 |
| Sunset/Parkside | 22 |
| West of Twin Peaks | 21 |
| Lone Mountain/USF | 17 |
| Marina | 17 |
| Bernal Heights | 17 |
How to Get a HVAC Permit in San Francisco
- 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.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Recent San Francisco HVAC Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-28 | 440 Davis Ct | install (n) mini split ac system at elevator equipment room. evaporative coils to be installed in the equipment room and |
| 2026-10-28 | 155 Jackson St | install (n) mini split ac system at elevator equipment room. evaporative coils to be installed in the equipment room and |
| 2026-10-28 | 2041 Fulton St | interior remodel: lightwell expansion, structural upgrades, hvac/plumbing/electrical upgrades; window/door replacement. |
| 2026-10-28 | 2043 Fulton St | interior remodel: lightwell expansion, structural upgrades, hvac/plumbing/electrical upgrades; window/door replacement. |
| 2026-10-28 | 405 Davis Ct | install (n) mini split ac system at elevator equipment room. evaporative coils to be installed in the equipment room and |
| 2026-10-28 | 550 Battery St | install (n) mini split ac system at elevator equipment room. evaporative coils to be installed in the equipment room and |
| 2026-10-27 | 185 Berry St | suite#: 1200. mep permit pa#: 202609188353 for approved architectural. work includes new duct work and diffusers, heat p |
| 2026-10-26 | 1960 Broadway | 10 and 11/fl- insstall of ac, 5 in ceiling fan coil units, 1 exterior condenser |
| 2026-10-22 | 201 Gennessee St | renovate kitchen, (n) fixtures & finish. remove nlb wall between dining & kitchen. remove laundry bump out at rear. add |
| 2026-10-22 | 519 Arkansas St | convert 538 sq of storage/garage area to conditioned live space. new all electric hvac. replace front windows in kind. r |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a HVAC permit in San Francisco?
Yes. A mechanical permit is needed to install or replace gas appliances such as a furnace, hydronic heat or a heat pump, and to cut into or replace pipes carrying gas, hot air or cool air. Licensed contractors (C4, C16, C20, C36, C54, B or A) apply through PermitSF.
How many HVAC permits does San Francisco issue?
San Francisco issued 346 permits matching HVAC work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 29 a month. The busiest month was Nov 2025 with 37.
How much does a HVAC permit cost in San Francisco?
From the official fee schedule: Category 1M: single residential unit gas appliance (furnace, hydronic heat, heat pump): $192.55; Category 2M: gas appliances, residential with 6 or fewer units: $309.16.
How long does it take to get a HVAC permit in San Francisco?
Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 9 days over the last 12 months.
Who issues HVAC permits in San Francisco?
The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI).
Related Permit Guides
- San Francisco Roofing Permits
- San Francisco Solar Panel Permits
- San Francisco Fence Permits
- Los Angeles HVAC Permits
- Seattle HVAC Permits
- HVAC Permits by City
- HVAC Replacement Permit Rules in 15 US Cities
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- SF.gov: Apply for a plumbing and mechanical permit (linked above) (sf.gov)
- SF DBI Plumbing/Mechanical Issuance and Inspection Fees (July 2024) (sf.gov)