Knowledge Base

An HVAC permit is required prior to the installation, erection, enlargement, repair, alteration, removal, conversion, or replacement of any mechanical system.

Note: to obtain a HVAC Permit, you MUST first have an HVAC license for the City of Pittsburgh.

• Installation of condenser units, fan coil units, or similar mechanical devices on the exterior of buildings or in exterior property areas requires Zoning approval prior to the issuance of the HVAC permit.

Step 1: download the appropriate permit application

• HVAC - Residential (1 or 2 family dwellings)
• HVAC - Commercial or multi-family dwellings (3 or more)

Step 2: if your application requires Zoning approval, bring the completed application, a plot plan showing unit location(s), and a check or money order for the filing fee to:

        200 Ross Street - 3rd Floor

       Pittsburgh, PA 15219

        (Zoning hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM until 3 PM)

Step 3: bring the completed Zoning application and HVAC application to Room 320 at Ross Street. Follow the posted drop-off instructions and the completed permit will be mailed to the license holder.

HVAC applications that do not require zoning approval may be mailed to:

Department of Permits, Licenses, & Inspections [Bureau of Building Inspections]

200 Ross Street - Room 320

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Fees (effective 1/1/2014)

• Residential (single or two-family dwellings only)
  • Fee includes a $4.00 State Education and Training Fee; additional fees may apply.
  • New installations - single family: $76
  • New installations - two family: $148
  • Repair and alterations - single family: $43
  • Repair and alterations - two family: $82
• Commercial (all other than single or two-family dwellings)
  • Repair, alterations or new installations
    • Up to $1,000 cost: $72 (includes a $4.00 State Education and Training Fee)
    • Each additional $1,000.00 up to $1M: $11
    • Each additional $1,000.00 over $1M.

Note: HVAC permits are not required for the following:

• Portable heating appliances
• Portable ventilation equipment
• Portable cooling units
• Steam, hot water, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the Mechanical Code
• Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
• Portable evaporative cooler
• A self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 (ten) pounds or less of refrigerant or actuated by motors of 1 (one) horsepower or less.