HVAC Permit in Detroit, Michigan

Frequently asked questions

Do you need an HVAC permit in Detroit?

BSEED requires a mechanical permit for any heating, cooling, gas piping, air distribution or exhaust system, whether new or an alteration, and whether the work is done by the owner or a contractor. The department publishes a list of mechanical work that is exempt, which is limited to portable and minor items: a portable gas heating appliance or portable gas burner with input under 30,000 Btu per hour, portable ventilation appliances, a portable cooling unit, a portable evaporative cooler, replacement of a minor part that does not make the appliance unsafe, self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or motors of 1 horsepower or less, and gas piping limited to 10 feet and 6 fittings when changing or relocating a gas meter. Work must be performed by a City of Detroit licensed Mechanical Contractor. Always confirm with the City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) before starting.

How much does an HVAC permit cost in Detroit?

BSEED Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, modified 7/18/2025, GAS FIRED EQUIPMENT: INSTALLATION PERMITS, HOMEOWNER, "Central heating units, conversion burner, floor furnace, Each" $203; INSTALLATION PERMITS (NEW OR REPLACEMENT), "Burner with input rating not exceeding 500,000 BTU, Each" $142 and "Alterations to existing burner, furnace installation, Each unit" $148; INSTALLATION AND ALTERATION PERMITS, SPACE HEATING, "Installation of ductwork, Flat" $200 and "Duct Alteration Installation, Flat" $105; "Gas Piping System Permit, Each system" $127. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

How long does an HVAC permit take in Detroit?

In Detroit, an HVAC permit typically takes about 1 day for a mechanical permit after the application is submitted. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.

Where do you apply for an HVAC permit in Detroit?

You can apply through the Detroit permit portal or contact the City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull an HVAC permit themselves in Detroit?

Under Michigan law (MCL 339.2403(b), (c); MCL 339.2401(a)(iii), (b)(ii)(A); MCL 339.5737(3)(g); MCL 339.6107(2)(d); MCL 339.5819): Yes. A Michigan homeowner may pull the building permit and do the work on their own home without a residential builder license, because the licensing article both defines the trade to exclude them and exempts them outright. MCL 339.2401(a)(iii) says a residential builder is a person that erects a residential structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property, and MCL 339.2403(b) exempts an owner of property with reference to a structure on the property for the owner's own use and occupancy. Own use and occupancy is the condition, so the exemption does not cover building to sell, and MCL 339.2403(c) limits owners of rental property to maintenance and alteration of that property. The statute sets no cap on how many times a homeowner may use the exemption; the only frequency rule in the article catches purchase, substantial rehabilitation, and resale of the same structure more than twice in 1 calendar year, and MCL 339.2401(b)(ii)(A) exempts work for the person's own use and occupancy from even that. Homeowners can also pull their own trade permits: electrical work in a single family home and accompanying outbuildings owned and occupied or to be occupied by the person doing the work (MCL 339.5737(3)(g)), their own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer in their single-family dwelling if a permit is secured (MCL 339.6107(2)(d)), and a heating or refrigerating system if the owner affirms in the permit application that they are or will become the owner and occupant (MCL 339.5819). Confirm how Detroit applies this before you apply.