Mechanical Permit

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Overview

A mechanical permit is required to install or replace a furnace, duct work, air conditioner, humidifier, gas piping, air-to-air exchanger, fireplace, wood stove, chimney, chimney liner, vent connector, bathroom/kitchen exhaust fan or to alter any aspect of the heating, ventilation or air conditioning system.

A registered Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor must perform all HVAC work* including installations, replacement and service work. EXCEPTION: A homeowner (who resides at the property) may install non-HVAC equipment* after obtaining a mechanical permit. Permits are not required to service or repair any component of the system.

* HVAC equipment does not include residential bathroom fans and kitchen hoods, water heaters, process heating equipment and space heaters such as masonry fireplaces and chimneys, factory-built fireplaces and venting systems, decorative gas fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves.

Permit Fee

Fees are charged to offset the cost of providing plan review and inspection services. The City of Wauwatosa's permit fees are one of the lowest in the Milwaukee metro area. Permit costs are usually comprised of two components: plan review and inspection. The charge for a plan review is $75 for new commercial construction and $50 for all others. Exception: this fee does not apply to the replacement of a furnace, boiler, or air conditioner. An inspection fee is $50 per unit for the first three tons of cooling or the first 150,000 BTU of heating and $16 per ton of cooling or each 50,000 BTU of heating thereafter.

Application Process

To apply for a mechanical permit, you can apply online using this self-service portal. You can upload any needed documents and process payments online.