Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $156–$156 $150 flat fee plus $6 technology surcharge.
Fee Method Flat fee
Apply Online Apply at Development Services Department →

What's Required in Fort Worth

  • Mechanical permit required for system changes ($150 fee).
  • Contractor must be registered with the city.
  • Manual J load calculations required for new sizing.
  • Electrical permit mandatory for new power connections.
  • Exterior units must meet zoning setbacks.
  • Venting and drainage must meet current mechanical codes.

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

Yes. Fort Worth 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 $156–$156, and the permit is issued by the Development Services Department. 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 Development Services Department before work starts; it's a five-minute call.

How to Get a HVAC Permit in Fort Worth

1

Step 1: Register Contractor

Mechanical contractors must be registered in Fort Worth.

2

Step 2: Apply Online

File for the mechanical permit through the Accela portal.

3

Step 3: Pay Fees

Standard $150 residential fee plus tech surcharge.

4

Step 4: Installation

Replace the unit according to safety and efficiency codes.

5

Step 5: Final Inspection

Schedule a mechanical inspection via the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

$150 for residential up to 2,500 sq. ft..
Yes, you must schedule inspections through the official portal.
Yes, if the wiring is modified, a separate $150 permit is needed.
Yes — furnace and AC replacements require a mechanical permit in Fort Worth, even like-for-like swaps. Fees typically run $156–$156; your contractor normally pulls the permit.
Adding or altering ductwork is mechanical work that typically requires a permit in Fort Worth. Confirm the scope with the Development Services Department before starting.