Do You Need a HVAC Permit in Austin?

Short answer
Yes

Replacing a central heat and air system, a packaged unit or a mini-split in a one- or two-family home requires a Residential Change-Out permit, pulled by a licensed mechanical contractor. Replacing supply and return duct runs alone is exempt.

Source: Austin Build + Connect Manual: Change Out Permits

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Austin HVAC Permits at a Glance

Permits, last 12 months
2,212
Issued, last 30 days
160
Median application to issue
5 days
Median declared job value
$1
Issuing office
City of Austin Development Services Department
Rule last checked
October 30, 2026

Permits Issued per Month

63 Nov 100 Dec 168 Jan 119 Feb 171 Mar 152 Apr 156 May 263 Jun 315 Jul 253 Aug 285 Sep 160 Oct
Austin 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 Austin Issued Construction Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.

What Austin's Rules Say

  • HVAC replacement uses the Residential Change-Out permit (Residential Code R109.5).
  • The responsible contractor must be a licensed mechanical contractor.
  • Exempt: replacing supply/return duct runs and minor parts.

Austin HVAC Permit Fees

We have not verified Austin's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The City of Austin Development Services Department sets the fee when you apply.

Busiest Areas for HVAC Permits

ZIP codePermits (12 mo)
78704181
78745160
78723151
78759145
78731115
78748103

How to Get a HVAC Permit in Austin

  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 City of Austin Development Services Department through the official department website.
  4. Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.

Recent Austin HVAC Permits

IssuedAddressWork
2026-10-281194 Chestnut AveReplacement of complete existing central heat and air system with or without duct work Replacement of Hvac system.
2026-10-2814516 Ballyclarc DrReplacement of complete existing central heat and air system with or without duct work HVAC Replacement 1 for 1
2026-10-287811 Northwest DrInstall minisplit heat pump in backyard pod addition not gas
2026-10-282205 Laramie TrlReplacement of complete existing central heat and air system with or without duct work Replacement of HVAC system throug
2026-10-271203 Sahara AveExpress: Interior finish out of existing 412 sqft attached garage; retain garage use and existing garage door. Attach no
2026-10-271502 San Carlos DrExpress: Removal and replacement of wall and ceiling drywall (excluding bathroom areas) in excess of 128 sqft with tapin
2026-10-271511 Betty Jo DrFull-house renovation including new kitchen cabinets (with door stud removal) sheetrock ceiling and window; code-complia
2026-10-271502 San Carlos DrExpress: Removal and replacement of wall and ceiling drywall (excluding bathroom areas) in excess of 128 sqft with tapin
2026-10-2712300 Cassady DrHVAC Replacement 1 for 1
2026-10-2611703 Fence Post TrlExpress: Repairs due to water leak (drywall ran wires hvac plumbing gas line into ceiling)

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

Austin 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 Austin?

Yes. Replacing a central heat and air system, a packaged unit or a mini-split in a one- or two-family home requires a Residential Change-Out permit, pulled by a licensed mechanical contractor. Replacing supply and return duct runs alone is exempt.

How many HVAC permits does Austin issue?

Austin issued 2,212 permits matching HVAC work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 184 a month. The busiest month was Jul 2026 with 315.

How much does a HVAC permit cost in Austin?

We have not yet verified Austin's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the City of Austin Development Services Department when you apply.

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

Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 5 days over the last 12 months.

Who issues HVAC permits in Austin?

The City of Austin Development Services Department.

Related Permit Guides

Written and maintained by the Home Permit Guide Editorial TeamPlaceholder profile

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. Austin Build + Connect Manual: Change Out Permits (linked above) (abc.austintexas.gov)
  2. Austin DSD: Work Exempt from Building Permits (austintexas.gov)