California / San Bernardino County
HVAC Permit in San Bernardino County, California
Permit required
Yes, a permit is required
Before replacing or installing an HVAC system, air conditioning condenser, furnace, wall heater, rooftop unit or fireplace at an existing building in the unincorporated county.
Issued bySan Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
San Bernardino County requires a Mechanical permit for mechanical work on an existing building or structure, and "Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and Structural Repairs" appears on the county's published list of items requiring a permit with no exemption threshold. The Mechanical application's typical-project list is explicit about what counts: HVAC, HVAC - Change Out, HVAC - Roof Mounted, Rooftop AC, Air Conditioning Condenser - Remove and Replace, Furnace - New, Furnace - Replacement, Furnace - Propane, Heater, Heater - Wall, Fireplace - New and Fireplace - Replacement. The county publishes no like-for-like changeout exemption; a changeout has its own fee line.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before replacing or installing an HVAC system, air conditioning condenser, furnace, wall heater, rooftop unit or fireplace at an existing building in the unincorporated county.
What an HVAC permit costs in San Bernardino County
How San Bernardino County compares in California
No California jurisdiction we have verified sets a size threshold for this permit, so what actually differs between them is the fee.
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda County | Permit required | ...permit scope, 'Mechanical Permit 18% of Building Permit Fees, $140.00... |
| Contra Costa County | Permit required | Land Development Fee Schedule S-002 D.6, "Mechanical Permit (Other) $75.00... |
| Fresno County | Permit required | Section 2510 Mechanical Code Fees, FY 2026-27: Issuing each permit $42.77 |
| Los Angeles | Permit required | ...equipment per LADBS Fee Sch.3 (7/2017), for example a gas furnace at $19... |
| Los Angeles County | Permit required | ...of Los Angeles Code, Ord No. 2013-0051), effective July 1, 2026: $41.35... |
| Orange County | Permit required | Mechanical Permit Application Flat Fee: $400 for FY 2024-25, $420 for FY... |
| San Bernardino Countythis page | Permit required | ...mechanical fees effective July 1, 2026: "HVAC change out only" $156.00... |
How to apply in San Bernardino County
In San Bernardino County, a residential HVAC (mechanical) permit application must identify the covered equipment and scope of work, since installing, altering, or replacing a heating or cooling system is regulated work that cannot start until the application is submitted and the permit issued. The equipment itself must be picked by a real sizing calculation rather than a rule of thumb.
What most HVAC permit applications include:
- For San Bernardino County, a mechanical permit is required before anyone may install, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a heating, ventilating, or air conditioning system regulated by the code, and the work may not begin until the application is submitted and the permit is issued (IRC R105.1).
- For San Bernardino County, the application identifies the specific equipment being installed, such as a furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner, since the unit must be installed according to its listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions (IRC M1401.1).
- For San Bernardino County, the proposed equipment location must leave the clearances needed to clean coils and replace filters, blowers, motors, and controls after installation (IRC M1401.2).
- For San Bernardino County, the application carries the equipment sizing basis: ACCA Manual J building loads and Manual S equipment selection, or another approved sizing method, not a rule of thumb (IRC M1401.3).
- For a split system, the work covered by the permit includes refrigerant suction line insulation, since the piping is inspected against that standard once installed (IRC M1411.6).
General submittal guidance from International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 edition, Chapter 1 (Permits) and Chapter 14 (Heating and Cooling Equipment and Appliances). Source. San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division sets the exact checklist for San Bernardino County.
Where to apply in San Bernardino County:
San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division
- County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415
- Phone: 909-387-8311
HVAC Permit in San Bernardino County compared with nearby California localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each California schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino County | Permit required | Any size | ...residential mechanical fees effective July 1, 2026: "HVAC change out only" $156.00... | |
| Alameda County | Permit required | Any size | ...of a building permit scope, 'Mechanical Permit 18% of Building Permit Fees, $140.00... | |
| Contra Costa County | Permit required | Any size | Land Development Fee Schedule S-002 D.6, "Mechanical Permit (Other) $75.00 minimum."... | |
| Fresno County | Permit required | Any size | Section 2510 Mechanical Code Fees, FY 2026-27: Issuing each permit $42.77 | |
| Los Angeles | Permit required | Any size | ...piece of equipment per LADBS Fee Sch.3 (7/2017), for example a gas furnace at $19... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In San Bernardino County, mechanical work gets a rough in inspection after the ductwork, refrigerant lines, and gas piping are in but before they are covered or concealed, followed by a final inspection that confirms the equipment operates correctly and its clearances, combustion air, and condensate disposal are in place. A straight equipment changeout with no new ductwork commonly gets a single final inspection instead of a separate rough in trip.
- In San Bernardino County: rough inspection of the mechanical and gas systems must be made before the work is covered or concealed, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and before the framing inspection (IRC R109.1.2).
- In San Bernardino County: where a cooling coil is added to an existing warm air furnace, the rough in confirms the coil is not installed upstream of the heat exchanger unless the furnace is listed for it, and that the blower can handle the added static pressure (IRC M1411.2).
- In San Bernardino County: the rough in and final both confirm the appliance access opening and working space are large enough to service the unit (IRC M1305.1).
- In San Bernardino County: at final inspection, the inspector verifies the equipment has adequate combustion air, with openings kept clear for the distance the code requires (IRC M1402.3).
- In San Bernardino County: final inspection also checks that the condensate line drains to an approved point of disposal with the required slope and does not create a nuisance (IRC M1411.3).
- In San Bernardino County: for a straight equipment changeout with no new ductwork, many permit offices require only a single final inspection, while a new installation still gets a rough in inspection before the final (common local inspection practice).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the San Bernardino County permit portal or by phone at 909-387-8311.
Inspection sequence from International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 edition, Section R109 (Required Inspections) and Chapter 14 (Heating and Cooling Equipment and Appliances). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your HVAC Permit checklist for San Bernardino County
- Confirm the requirement. Yes, a permit is required. Usually needed: Before replacing or installing an HVAC system, air conditioning condenser, furnace, wall heater, rooftop unit or fireplace at an existing building in the unincorporated county.
- Budget the fee. County Code 16.0204(d)(1) sets residential mechanical fees effective July 1, 2026: "HVAC change out only" $156.00, "Wall heater, floor furnace, radiant heat and all other heating elements" $156.00, and "All other residential mechanical work not listed in Section 16.0204(d)(1)" $156.00. The ordinance states "All mechanical permits include two inspections. Additional inspections will be charged a re-inspection fee." A $57.00 intake processing fee under 16.0204(h)(1) is applied to each mechanical permit, and where a mechanical plan must be submitted the plan review fee is $244.00. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In San Bernardino County, a residential HVAC (mechanical) permit application must identify the covered equipment and scope of work, since installing, altering, or replacing a heating or cooling system is regulated work that cannot start until the application is submitted and the permit issued. The equipment itself must be picked by a real sizing calculation rather than a rule of thumb. Start at the San Bernardino County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division. Phone: 909-387-8311. Address: County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415.
- Plan for inspections. In San Bernardino County, mechanical work gets a rough in inspection after the ductwork, refrigerant lines, and gas piping are in but before they are covered or concealed, followed by a final inspection that confirms the equipment operates correctly and its clearances, combustion air, and condensate disposal are in place. A straight equipment changeout with no new ductwork commonly gets a single final inspection instead of a separate rough in trip.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need an HVAC permit in San Bernardino County?
- San Bernardino County requires a Mechanical permit for mechanical work on an existing building or structure, and "Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and Structural Repairs" appears on the county's published list of items requiring a permit with no exemption threshold. The Mechanical application's typical-project list is explicit about what counts: HVAC, HVAC - Change Out, HVAC - Roof Mounted, Rooftop AC, Air Conditioning Condenser - Remove and Replace, Furnace - New, Furnace - Replacement, Furnace - Propane, Heater, Heater - Wall, Fireplace - New and Fireplace - Replacement. The county publishes no like-for-like changeout exemption; a changeout has its own fee line. Always confirm with the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division before starting.
- How much does an HVAC permit cost in San Bernardino County?
- County Code 16.0204(d)(1) sets residential mechanical fees effective July 1, 2026: "HVAC change out only" $156.00, "Wall heater, floor furnace, radiant heat and all other heating elements" $156.00, and "All other residential mechanical work not listed in Section 16.0204(d)(1)" $156.00. The ordinance states "All mechanical permits include two inspections. Additional inspections will be charged a re-inspection fee." A $57.00 intake processing fee under 16.0204(h)(1) is applied to each mechanical permit, and where a mechanical plan must be submitted the plan review fee is $244.00. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for an HVAC permit in San Bernardino County?
- You can apply through the San Bernardino County permit portal or contact the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull an HVAC permit themselves in San Bernardino County?
- Under California law (Business & Professions Code 7044(a)-(b); Business & Professions Code 7031.5): California exempts an owner from contractor licensing under section 7044 when they personally perform all the work on their own property, or any work they do not perform themselves is done by their own employees paid only wages, and none of the improvements are intended or offered for sale. It also exempts an owner who directly contracts with licensed contractors for each trade, as long as no more than four of the single-family residential structures involved are intended or offered for sale in a calendar year; this route does not apply if the owner instead contracts with a general contractor for the construction. A homeowner may also improve their own principal residence without a license, as long as the work is done before any sale, they have actually resided there for the 12 months before completion, and they have not used this exemption on more than two structures more than once in any three-year period. Selling a self-built structure within one year of completion creates a rebuttable presumption that it was built for sale, which defeats the exemption, and selling five or more structures within a year makes that presumption conclusive. Separately, every city or county that requires a permit must also require the applicant to file a signed statement giving their contractor license number or the basis of their claimed exemption; a false or missing statement carries a civil penalty of up to $500. Confirm how San Bernardino County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in San Bernardino County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | It depends | floor area of a detached residential accessory structure | ...Deck, Carport, Patio Cover": for Construction Type VA/VB the base cost is $691 at... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...fees effective July 1, 2026: "Meter change out and upgrades only" $195.00, "New... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of a fence or block wall | ...flat fee: "Chain link, wood and/or wrought iron fencing: A) Residential" is $117.00... |
| Patio Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Deck, Carport, Patio Cover": for Construction Type VA/VB the base cost is $691 at... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Any size | ..."Fixture or traps including water drainage piping and backflow protection": $156.00... |
| Pool Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...July 1, 2026 for "Swimming pools accessory to single-family dwellings": $647.00... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...1, 2026: "Re-roofs: A) Residential (with detached or attached garage)" is $234.00... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | floor area of a detached residential accessory structure | ...is "U Accessory-Barn or Shed": for Construction Type VA/VB the base cost is $3,091... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...systems for single family residential - roof mount system": plan review $215.00... |
HVAC Permit in other California localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not San Bernardino County documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this HVAC permit page for San Bernardino County was verified. 2 official sources: lus.sbcounty.gov, wp.sbcounty.gov; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare HVAC Permit requirements across California localities