Mechanical Permit

Build Henrico Permitting Instructions

• Register for and login to your customer account on the Build Henrico website.
• Select “Permits” on the Build Henrico home page.
• Select “Mechanical Permit” under Trade Permits to create your permit application and follow the online application instructions. Upload the following applicable documents to be included with your permit application:
  • Mechanical Plans** – Heating, Air Conditioning and Ventilation Equipment & Systems; Ductwork; Kitchen & Hazardous Exhaust Systems; Refrigeration Systems; Gas Piping Systems (Natural, LPG & Medical); Boilers & Water Heaters; Fireplaces & Mechanical Appliances; Fuel Storage Tanks, etc.
  • Owner’s Affidavit –  Statement that applicant is either the owner or owner’s agent, i.e., exempt from being a licensed contractor
  • Site Plan (Plot Plan)**  –  Drawings showing the location of the proposed work on the property including the location of any outside equipment in relation to property lines, easements, etc.

** not required with mechanical permit applications associated with single family dwellings

Document Submission Standards

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Legacy Permitting Instructions

Please mail or hand deliver the following documents along with the permit fee to the Department of Building Construction and Inspections:

Permit Application:

Mechanical – Commercial
1 copy of Mechanical Permit Application (please fill in Master Tradesman Card No., Master Tradesman Signature, Master Tradesman Printed Name and Virginia Contractor’s License No.)
2 copies of mechanical plans (if not approved under the building permit and not a like for like replacement of HVAC)
Site Plan (Plot Plan) –  Drawings showing the location of the proposed work on the property including the location of any outside equipment in relation to property lines, easements, etc.

Mechanical – Residential
1 copy of Mechanical Permit Application (please fill in Master Tradesman Card No., Master Tradesman Signature, Master Tradesman Printed Name and Virginia Contractor’s License No.)
1 copy of Owner’s Affidavit if owner is acting as contractor
Site Plan (Plot Plan)**  –  Drawings showing the location of the proposed work on the property including the location of any outside equipment in relation to property lines, easements, etc.

** not required with mechanical permit applications associated with single family dwellings

Elevator – Residential
1 copy of Mechanical Permit Application (please fill in Virginia Contractor’s License No.)
1 copy of Owner’s Affidavit if owner is acting as contractor
2 copies of elevator plans

Permit Amendment
1 copy of Mechanical Permit Application with AMEND in the description of work
Additional permit fee is required if there is additional estimated cost

Permit Cancellation
1 copy of Request for Permit Cancellation
Note: You must enter a reason for the cancellation. If a refund is requested, you must add the request to the reason for cancellation. The refund rate is 100% if the permit has not been issued, or 75% of the permit fee if the permit has been issued.

Legacy Documents
Mechanical Permit Application
Owner’s Affidavit
Request for Permit Cancellation
Mechanical Resubmittal Form
Elevator Resubmittal Form

Fees

The fee for a mechanical permit is based on the cost of labor and material for the mechanical installation or alteration.  The current fee is calculated as follows:

Commercial new or existing: $100 for the first $5000 of estimated cost + $7 per additional $1000 or fraction thereof.  In addition to the permit fee, there is a 2% state levy.  The total fee owed at the time of application is the permit fee plus the state levy (permit fee times .02).  A permit fee calculator is available at https://henrico.gov/bldg/fees/fee-calculator-commercial/.

Existing one- and two- family dwellings: $100 for the first $5000 of estimated cost + $6 per additional $1000 or fraction thereof.  In addition to the permit fee, there is a 2% state levy.  The total fee owed at the time of application is the permit fee plus the state levy (permit fee times .02).  A permit fee calculator is available at https://henrico.gov/bldg/fees/fee-calculator-residential/.

New one- and two- family dwellings (flat fee): $100 + 2.00 (2% state levy) = $102.00

When is a mechanical permit needed*

1. First time installation of any mechanical appliance
2. Replacement of any gas or oil fueled mechanical appliance
3. Chimney re-lines

When is a mechanical permit not needed*

1. Replacement of above-ground existing LP-gas containers of the same capacity in the same location and associated regulators when installed by the serving gas supplier
2. Replacement of mechanical appliances provided such equipment is not fueled by gas or oil in Group R-2 where serving a single-family dwelling and in Groups R-3, R-4 and R-5

*This is not a comprehensive list.  Please call the Department of Building Construction and Inspections at (804) 501-4360 with any questions.