Service overview
You need a Mechanical Permit to install devices regulated by the Philadelphia Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. This includes:
- Heating, venting, and air conditioning.
- Ductwork.
- Commercial kitchen hoods.
- Equipment and piping that use natural gas.
You don’t need a Mechanical Permit for:
- Small appliances.
- Ordinary repairs or maintenance to mechanical systems and portable equipment.
Boiler installations are regulated by the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues Mechanical Permits.
EZ permits
Some kinds of mechanical work are eligible for EZ permits, which do not require you to submit plans. This includes:
- New installations in one-or-two-family dwellings.
- Replacing appliances in one-or-two-family dwellings.
- Ductwork in a tenant space where the equipment capacity is less than 2,000 cubic ft. per minute.
- Relocating registers and diffusers with no change in air-flow rates or building occupancy.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply. Authorized agents may include:
- Design professionals.
- Attorneys.
- Contractors.
- Licensed expediters.
Requirements
Permit application
The permit application must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.
- If the property was recently sold, submit a copy of the settlement sheet or deed with the application.
- You must apply for all permits under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
Contractor
A licensed contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:
- Have an active license.
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Have current insurance on file with L&I.
Sheet metal work must be performed by a registered sheet metal technician or apprentice employed by the contractor.
Plans
If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.
Plans are not required if the work is eligible for an EZ permit.
Forms and documents
- Exhaust fan, makeup air fan, listed kitchen hood specifications: For commercial kitchen exhaust systems only
- Energy conservation compliance documentation: COMcheck Report, ASHRAE 90.1 compliance reports, or energy cost budget
- Commercial construction
- COMcheck Compliance Certificate signed by the design professional (to the plans examiner)
- Commissioning Compliance Checklist (to field inspector)
- Residential construction
- HVAC Equipment Design Form (one-or-two-family)
- HVAC Equipment Design Form (multi-family)
- Duct and Envelope Testing Certificate (to field inspector)
- Commercial construction
- HVAC design form: For one-or-two-family dwellings and any townhouse
- Ventilation calculations: May be requested by plans examiner if rates shown on plans are questionable
- Asbestos Inspection Report: Required if a building was constructed prior to January 1, 1981 and the cost of work exceeds $50,000.
- This report must be completed by a licensed inspector.
- Report shall be accompanied by laboratory sample reports and analyses.
- This isn’t required if a report was filed with an associated building permit.
Related permits
- If the project requires a Building Permit (for new construction, additions, alterations), it must be issued prior to a Mechanical Permit.
- Any new plumbing or alterations to plumbing that serves mechanical systems may require a Plumbing Permit.
- If any component of the system requires electrical power you need an Electrical Permit.
- Paint spray booths and large boilers may require a permit from the Philadelphia Department of Health.
- Kitchen hoods and paint spray booths may require a Fire Suppression Permit.
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
You can apply online using eCLIPSE. If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment. You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person. Permit and License Center Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.Online
In person
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost
Fee types that may apply
Filing fee
- $100
This fee is nonrefundable and must be turned in with your application. The fee will be credited toward the final permit fee.
Permit fee
- Per register or diffuser served by ductwork: $13.90
- Minimum Fee: $174, except $174 flat fee for new ductwork in one-or-two-family dwellings
- Appliances (if submitted separately): $145 each, except $63 for each appliance in one-or-two-family dwellings
- Kitchen hoods: $145 each
- For the relocation of HVAC diffusers or registers with flexible connectors: $69 for the first 20, plus $3.40 per each above 20
- For direct vent heating apparatuses or warm air heating apparatus installation connected to a flue or chimney: $69 per unit, except $63 for each apparatus in one-or-two-family dwellings
- For the installation of ductwork within a single-tenant space and the capacity of the equipment is equal to or less than 2,000 cubic ft. per minute: $69 per installation
- Fuel Gas work: 2% of contract costs (minimum $174)
Surcharge fees
- City surcharge: $3 per permit
- State surcharge: $4.50 per permit
Record retention fee
- Per page larger than 8.5 in. x 14 in.: $4
Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Fee: $1050
- $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.
To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
- Applications with plans are reviewed within 20 business days.
- The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Applications without plans are reviewed while you wait.
- You are limited to three applications per ticket.
- Applications without plans must be made by a licensed contractor or include a signed statement on the contractor’s letterhead verifying involvement with the project.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.
A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.
Online
If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
- Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
- Applications with plans are processed within 20 business days. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Applications without plans are processed within 5 business days.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.
Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.