Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $125–$250 A $35 base fee plus individual unit/appliance fees and 20% same-day review surcharge.
Fee Method Flat rate
Apply Online Apply at Denver Community Planning and Development →

What's Required in Denver

  • A permit is required for any replacement of an AC unit, furnace, or boiler.
  • Must follow current Denver Energy Code standards for SEER and efficiency.
  • Proper secondary drain pan and safety float switches required for attic installs.
  • High-efficiency furnace venting must be verified through the chimney or side-wall.
  • Condenser units must meet property line setbacks (typically 3–5 feet).
  • Must be performed by a licensed Mechanical contractor or owner-occupant.

Do You Need a Permit to Replace an AC or Furnace in Denver?

Yes. Denver treats HVAC replacement as permit-required work, and that includes the common case people hope is exempt: a like-for-like swap of a furnace, AC condenser, or heat pump in the same location. Permit fees typically run $125–$250, and the permit is issued by the Denver Community Planning and Development. In practice your HVAC contractor pulls it as part of the job — if a bid doesn't mention the permit, ask why, because unpermitted mechanical work surfaces at home sale time and in insurance claims.

HVAC Repairs vs. Replacement: Where the Permit Line Falls

The line falls at equipment, not maintenance. Repairs that keep an existing system running — a blower motor, capacitor, control board, or a thermostat swap on existing wiring — generally don't need a permit. Replacing the equipment itself, adding or reworking ductwork, or running new gas or electrical almost always does. Refrigerant-line and coil replacements sit in the gray zone and vary by city. When the scope is unclear, describe the exact job to the Denver Community Planning and Development before work starts; it's a five-minute call.

How to Get a HVAC Permit in Denver

1

Step 1: Check Efficiency Ratings

Ensure the new unit meets current Denver Energy Code minimums.

2

Step 2: Quick Permit Application

Submit a 'Mechanical Quick Permit' application via Denver E-Permits.

3

Step 3: Fee Payment

Pay the permit fee ($125 minimum total typical).

4

Step 4: Installation

Complete the install ensuring all safety controls and vents meet code.

5

Step 5: Inspection

Schedule a final mechanical inspection via the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard residential replacement permits start around $125.
Yes, all residential boilers require a mechanical permit in Denver.
Yes, as an owner-occupant, but you must still pull a permit and pass inspection.
Adding or altering ductwork is mechanical work that typically requires a permit in Denver. Confirm the scope with the Denver Community Planning and Development before starting.