What's Required in Fort Worth
- A mechanical permit is required to replace or relocate AC, heat pump or furnace equipment, or to change ductwork.
- Minor part replacements and portable heating or cooling units need no permit.
- The fee is a $33.08 application fee plus mechanical item fees by equipment size.
- Mechanical permits go only to Texas-licensed contractors or homestead owner-occupants.
- HVAC contractors must hold a TDLR air conditioning and refrigeration license.
- New wiring or a new disconnect needs a separate electrical permit.
- A permit expires after 180 days without an approved inspection.
Do you need a permit to replace an AC or furnace in Fort Worth?
Yes. Fort Worth's residential permitting page says changing, moving or repairing mechanical equipment requires a mechanical permit. That covers a central heating and air conditioning system, ductwork and exhaust fans. The Nuts & Bolts brochure says the same. A like-for-like swap of a condenser, furnace or air handler in the same spot is permitted work in Fort Worth.
The Administrative Code exempts only small items. These include replacing a minor part that does not alter the equipment's approval or make it unsafe, such as a capacitor or blower motor, plus portable heaters, portable cooling units and portable evaporative coolers. Self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds of refrigerant or less, or motors of 1 horsepower or less, are also exempt.
How much is an HVAC permit in Fort Worth?
An equipment change-out is filed as a standalone mechanical permit. The city's permit guide describes that as not part of a larger project, with additional fees once the equipment is counted. Under Fee Ordinance 26-28781, effective October 1, 2026, the permit is the $33.08 application fee plus item fees from the mechanical schedule:
- Furnace up to 100,000 BTU input: $6.10 (over 100,000 to 400,000 BTU: $10.34)
- Condensing unit up to 2 tons: $6.10; over 2 to 3 tons: $10.34; over 3 to 5 tons: $16.46
- Added duct outlets: $1.01 each, $6.57 minimum
Worked examples: a 2-ton condenser alone is $33.08 + $6.10 = $39.18. A 4-ton condenser with an 80,000 BTU furnace is $33.08 + $16.46 + $6.10 = $55.64. The ordinance also lists a $16.87 technology fee for all applications and permits. If it is added, that job is $72.51. New wiring for the unit is an electrical permit. The electrical schedule charges $6.10 for an air conditioner of 3 to 5 tons, plus the application fee.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a capacitor, contactor or blower motor | No permit | Minor part that does not alter the equipment's approval |
| Portable AC unit or space heater | No permit | Portable heating and cooling units are exempt |
| Replace a 2-ton condenser only | Mechanical permit, $39.18 | $33.08 + $6.10 |
| Replace a 4-ton AC and an 80,000 BTU furnace | Mechanical permit, $55.64 to $72.51 | $33.08 + $16.46 + $6.10, plus $16.87 if the technology fee applies |
| Add supply registers or new duct runs | Mechanical permit | $1.01 per outlet, $6.57 minimum |
| New circuit or disconnect for the condenser | Electrical permit | $6.10 item for a 3 to 5 ton air conditioner |
| Owner-occupant replacing their own system | Homestead mechanical permit | Allowed only at your primary residence |
Who can pull an HVAC permit in Fort Worth?
Mechanical permits are issued only to companies or people holding the required Texas state license. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation says contractors who install, repair or maintain air conditioning, refrigeration or heating systems must have a TDLR license. Mechanical contractors register with the city on its contractor registration form, which lists no fee for mechanical registration. The one exception is the homestead permit. An owner may do mechanical work in a house they own and occupy as a primary residence, shown by an appraisal-district homestead exemption or by proof of ownership with matching ID.
Inspections
Apply in Accela Citizen Access. Mechanical inspections include rough (ductwork, exhaust and vents), ceiling (wrapped ducts), duct and a final with all equipment installed and functional. A simple change-out usually needs only a final. Requests made before 6:30 a.m. are scheduled the same day. The reinspection fee is $66.15. A permit expires after 180 days without an approved inspection.
How to Get a HVAC Permit in Fort Worth
Choose a licensed contractor
Hire a TDLR-licensed air conditioning contractor registered with the city, or confirm you qualify for a homestead permit.
Apply for a standalone mechanical permit
The contractor applies in Accela Citizen Access and lists each unit's tonnage or BTU input.
Pay the fees
Pay the $33.08 application fee plus the equipment items, and an electrical permit if new wiring is needed.
Install the equipment
Replace the equipment and any ductwork as permitted. Keep concealed duct work open until it is inspected.
Pass the final inspection
Schedule the inspection in Accela. Requests before 6:30 a.m. are scheduled the same day.