Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $200–$1,000 Fees for HVAC are often included in broader renovation permits.
Fee Method Flat fee
Apply Online Apply at Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement →

What's Required in Memphis

  • Mechanical permit required for system changes or replacements.
  • Electrical permit mandatory for new power connections.
  • Exterior units must meet zoning setbacks.
  • Proper venting and safety valves must be installed.
  • Gas lines for furnaces require separate plumbing inspection.
  • Manual J load calculations required for new sizing.

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

Yes. Memphis 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 $200–$1,000, and the permit is issued by the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement. 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 Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement before work starts; it's a five-minute call.

How to Get a HVAC Permit in Memphis

1

Step 1: Choose System

Ensure the HVAC unit is correctly sized for the home.

2

Step 2: Submit Portal

Apply online through the Memphis permit portal.

3

Step 3: Pay Fees

Standard residential mechanical fees apply.

4

Step 4: Install System

Licensed technician performs the unit replacement.

5

Step 5: Final Inspection

Verify drainage, venting, and electrical safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, permits ensure safety devices and venting are up to code.
It is part of the $800–$1,500 total conversion permit.
Most trade permits for simple swaps are processed very quickly.
Yes — furnace and AC replacements require a mechanical permit in Memphis, even like-for-like swaps. Fees typically run $200–$1,000; your contractor normally pulls the permit.
Adding or altering ductwork is mechanical work that typically requires a permit in Memphis. Confirm the scope with the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement before starting.