HVAC/Mechanical Permit
Required for installing, replacing, or significantly modifying heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in Wisconsin. Covers furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, and ventilation systems. Residential HVAC falls under the UDC; commercial systems under SPS 363–364. Wisconsin requires HVAC credentials through DSPS for most installations.
When Is a HVAC/Mechanical Permit Required?
- New furnace or boiler installation
- Central air conditioning installation
- New ductwork installation or major modifications
- Heat pump installation (air-source or ground-source)
When Is a HVAC/Mechanical Permit NOT Required?
- Replacing filters, thermostats, or humidifiers
- Portable space heaters and window AC units
Related Permits You May Also Need
Required Licenses
The following professional licenses may be required to obtain or work under this permit type in Wisconsin.
HVAC/Mechanical Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for hvac/mechanical permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | $60 + $5 per unit | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Madison | $55 + $4 per unit | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Green Bay | $45 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Kenosha | $50 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Racine | $45 + $3.50 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Appleton | $40 + $3.50 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Waukesha | $50 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oshkosh | $35 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Eau Claire | $35 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Janesville | $30 + $2.50 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Allis | $42 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of La Crosse | $34 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sheboygan | $32 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wauwatosa | $44 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fond du Lac | $31 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Brookfield | $48 + $4 per unit | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of New Berlin | $44 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beloit | $28 + $2 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Greenfield | $42 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Franklin | $43 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oak Creek | $42 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Manitowoc | $29 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Bend | $34 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sun Prairie | $38 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fitchburg | $38 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Stevens Point | $29 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Neenah | $32 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Muskego | $42 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Menomonee Falls | $44 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Mequon | $50 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie | $40 + $4 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Marshfield | $28 + $2 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wisconsin Rapids | $27 + $2 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Superior | $26 + $2 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of De Pere | $34 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Menasha | $31 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beaver Dam | $27 + $2 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Watertown | $29 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Two Rivers | $26 + $2 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Grafton | $36 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Hartford | $30 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Baraboo | $26 + $2 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Platteville | $23 + $2 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of River Falls | $29 + $3 per unit | 5-10 days | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — HVAC/Mechanical Permit
Do I need a permit to replace my furnace in Wisconsin?
Yes. Replacing a furnace in Wisconsin requires an HVAC/mechanical permit in virtually all municipalities. The inspection verifies proper venting, gas connections, combustion air supply, and clearances to combustible materials. Permits typically cost $50–$200 for a straight replacement.
Can a homeowner install their own furnace in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires HVAC work to be performed by a credentialed HVAC contractor. Homeowner exemptions for HVAC are more limited than for electrical work. While you can pull the permit yourself for your owner-occupied single-family home, the work should be performed by a qualified technician.
Is a permit required for installing a mini-split system?
Yes. Mini-split (ductless) heat pump systems require both an HVAC permit (for the refrigerant lines and indoor/outdoor units) and potentially an electrical permit (for the dedicated circuit). Both inspections must pass before the system is considered compliant.
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.