What's Required in Tucson
- Get a trade permit to install or replace any central heating or cooling system, including like-for-like swaps.
- Submit load and sizing calculations for new and replacement HVAC equipment.
- Get a permit for mini-split systems and for any new, replaced or modified ductwork.
- No permit is needed to replace an evaporative cooler with the same type and size outside preservation zones.
- Provide a recirculating water system on any evaporative cooler.
- Get a permit and inspection to switch an appliance between propane and natural gas.
- Declare ANSI/ASHRAE 15 and 34 on the application when using an alternative refrigerant not covered by the adopted code.
- Use a licensed contractor, or file the Owner/Builder Affidavit for a home you occupy; rentals require a licensed contractor.
Do you need a permit to replace an AC or furnace in Tucson?
Yes, for central systems. The City of Tucson requires a permit to install or replace a central heating or cooling system, and that includes a like-for-like swap of a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner in the same spot. Mini-split systems need one too, and so does installing, replacing or modifying ductwork. Evaporative coolers are the exception. Replacing a swamp cooler with the same type and size needs no permit unless the property is in a Historic Preservation Zone, which Tucson wrote into its building code amendments. A new evaporative cooler where there was none does need a permit. Plug-in portable units on their factory cord need no permit. Planning and Development Services (PDSD) issues these permits inside city limits. Pima County handles unincorporated parcels.
PDSD requires load and sizing calculations for new and replacement HVAC equipment alike. A replacement can't just match the old tonnage without showing the math.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing a central AC, heat pump or furnace | Trade permit | Load and sizing calculations required |
| Replacing both the AC and furnace together | Trade permit, 1 item | AC/heater repair or replace item covers up to 2 units |
| Installing a mini-split | Trade permit | Electrical and mechanical review |
| New, replaced or modified ductwork | Trade permit | Layout, sizing or full replacement |
| Same-size evaporative cooler swap | No permit | Except in a Historic or Neighborhood Preservation Zone |
| New evaporative cooler | Permit | Must recirculate water |
| Switching between propane and natural gas | Permit and inspection | Appliance and pressure check |
How much does a Tucson HVAC permit cost?
Residential HVAC work is a flat trade permit under the fee schedule effective July 1, 2026. Air Conditioner/Heater Repair/Replace is a listed item that covers up to two units. The first item is $150, which includes half an hour of review and processing and two inspections, and each additional item is $50. Extra review or inspection time is billed at the hourly rate. Add the digital filing fee of 1% of the total, minimum $18.54.
- AC or furnace replacement, or both together: $150 + $18.54 = about $169.
- System replacement plus a new electrical circuit for it: $150 + $50 + $18.54 = about $219.
Items not on the trade list, which may include a full duct redesign, can be assigned a valuation instead, so ask for a fee estimate if the ductwork is being rebuilt.
Local mechanical rules
- Evaporative coolers must have a recirculating water system. Once-through coolers using potable water are not permitted.
- Condensate may drain into an approved fixture or tailpiece. It may also run outside at or below grade, or over roof drains and downspouts, where the ground can absorb it.
- Equipment using the newer alternative refrigerants can be designed to ANSI/ASHRAE 15 and 34 under PDSD Policy 2025.01-IE, declared on the permit application.
PDSD notes that a licensed HVAC contractor must make sure the work meets the mechanical and energy codes. A homeowner working on a home they own and occupy can use the Owner/Builder Affidavit instead, while rental properties need a licensed contractor. Residential trade permits run in the same-day Express Lane.
How to Get a HVAC Permit in Tucson
Step 1: Size the system
Run load and sizing calculations for the new or replacement equipment, which PDSD requires either way.
Step 2: List the trade items
Count the AC or heater item, which covers up to two units, and any added circuits or other listed items.
Step 3: Apply in TDC Online
File the trade permit as the contractor, or as the owner with the Owner/Builder Affidavit.
Step 4: Pay and install
Pay $150 for the first item, $50 for each additional item and the filing fee, then install to the mechanical and energy codes.
Step 5: Inspect
Two inspections are included. Extra inspection time is billed at the hourly rate.