Do You Need a HVAC Permit in Seattle?

Short answer
Yes

Furnaces and heat pumps need a mechanical (furnace) permit in Seattle, and split systems with refrigerant piping also need a refrigeration permit, which only a licensed contractor can get. New circuits or panel work add an electrical permit.

Source: Seattle SDCI: Furnace & Refrigeration Permits

An outdoor heat pump unit mounted beside a house
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Seattle HVAC Permits at a Glance

Permits, last 12 months
12,661
Issued, last 30 days
1,243
Median application to issue
0 days
Median declared job value
$8,500
Issuing office
Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)
Rule last checked
October 30, 2026

Permits Issued per Month

907 Nov 1139 Dec 867 Jan 851 Feb 1143 Mar 1097 Apr 1025 May 1228 Jun 1167 Jul 1001 Aug 940 Sep 1243 Oct
Seattle HVAC permits issued per month, Nov 2025 to Oct 2026. Lighter bar = current month to date.

Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to HVAC work. Data from Seattle Building Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.

What Seattle's Rules Say

  • Mechanical/furnace permit for furnaces and heat pumps.
  • Refrigeration permit for split systems; licensed contractor required.
  • Electrical permit if circuits or panel work are involved.

Seattle HVAC Permit Fees

We have not verified Seattle's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) sets the fee when you apply.

Busiest Areas for HVAC Permits

ZIP codePermits (12 mo)
981151,361
981031,123
98117944
98118811
98125749
98116599

How to Get a HVAC Permit in Seattle

  1. Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
  2. Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
  3. Apply with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) through the official department website.
  4. Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.

Recent Seattle HVAC Permits

IssuedAddressWork
2026-10-284337 Sw Fletcher StReplace gas furnace
2026-10-285615 Sw Winthrop StGas furnace replacement
2026-10-284009 Dayton Ave N80 to 80 furnace swap low voltage wiring thermostat
2026-10-28463 Lynn StInstall 2 air handlers and heat pumps.
2026-10-28811 Ne 78Th Streplace gas furnace
2026-10-28463 Lynn StInstall 2 air handlers and heat pumps.
2026-10-283804 S Hanford St80K BTUS FURNACE CHANGEOUT IN THE BASEMENT
2026-10-289237 Evanston Ave N3 TON CONDENSER INSTALL ON THE LEFT SIDE YARD AND A 36K BTUS AIR HANDLER INSTALL IN THE BASEMENT
2026-10-289237 Evanston Ave N3 TON CONDENSER INSTALL ON THE LEFT SIDE YARD AND A 36K BTUS AIR HANDLER INSTALL IN THE BASEMENT
2026-10-286542 43Rd Ave NeMini split system

Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.

Seattle HVAC Contractors: Get Weekly Permit Lists

Contractors: get new permits for your trade and city every Monday. Join the waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a HVAC permit in Seattle?

Yes. Furnaces and heat pumps need a mechanical (furnace) permit in Seattle, and split systems with refrigerant piping also need a refrigeration permit, which only a licensed contractor can get. New circuits or panel work add an electrical permit.

How many HVAC permits does Seattle issue?

Seattle issued 12,661 permits matching HVAC work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 1,055 a month. The busiest month was Oct 2026 with 1,243.

How much does a HVAC permit cost in Seattle?

We have not yet verified Seattle's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) when you apply.

How long does it take to get a HVAC permit in Seattle?

Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 0 days over the last 12 months.

Who issues HVAC permits in Seattle?

The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI).

Related Permit Guides

Written and maintained by the Home Permit Guide Editorial TeamPlaceholder profile

Last updated

This is a placeholder editorial profile. A named reviewer with verifiable experience will be added here. Until then, every rule on this page links to the official government source it was checked against. Read our editorial policy.

Sources

Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.

  1. Seattle SDCI: Furnace & Refrigeration Permits (linked above) (seattle.gov)
  2. Seattle SDCI: Mechanical Permit (seattle.gov)