What's Required in Phoenix
- No permit for in-kind replacement of an outdoor refrigeration unit up to 5 tons, same location, equal or lower weight (2024 PBCC 105.2 Mechanical item 8)
- Permit required for indoor unit replacements, capacity increases, relocations, added systems, new ductwork or roof support
- Permit and licensed trade work for gas furnaces and gas lines (TRT 00823; ARS 32-1121.D)
- Changing the class of refrigerant requires a permit
- Fee: Table A on $4,500 (replace furnace or A/C), $2,000 (evaporative cooler) or $6,600 plus (rooftop with new support); 100% plan review over $5,000 when reviewed
- 2024 IMC, IFGC and IECC with Phoenix amendments; 2023 NEC with HVAC GFCI deferred to March 1, 2027
- Mechanical work by city-licensed journeyman/apprentice, ROC contractor, or owner-occupant; owner-builder under ARS 32-1121.A.5
- Emergency replacements: permit application within 72 hours; final inspection of equipment, registers, vents and combustion air
Do You Need a Permit to Replace an AC Unit in Phoenix?
Usually not for a straight swap. The 2024 Phoenix Building Construction Code, effective August 1, 2025, exempts repair or replacement in kind of refrigeration units not over 5 tons of refrigeration capacity, when located outdoors, on the condition that the replacement equipment shall be in the same location and equal to or less than the weight of that which is replaced. The same item says repair or replacement of refrigeration systems located inside a building shall require a permit, so an indoor air handler, furnace or package unit in a closet or attic is permitted work even when it is like for like. The city's permit guide puts the trigger in homeowner words: no permit for repairs or replacement of existing evaporative coolers or air conditioners without changing the unit size, capacity or location, but a permit for adding or relocating air conditioners, evaporative coolers or furnaces and for installing or repairing gas lines or gas-fired equipment. The exemption also assumes the ductwork, roof framing and electrical connections stay as they are.
Phoenix HVAC Permit Rules by Scenario
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing an outdoor condenser or rooftop package unit, same tonnage (5 tons or less), same spot, same or lighter weight | None | 2024 PBCC 105.2 Mechanical item 8; Permit Guide TRT 00823 |
| Replacing an indoor air handler, furnace or attic unit | Mechanical permit | 2024 PBCC 105.2 Mechanical item 8 (indoor systems require a permit) |
| Going up in tonnage, moving the unit, or a heavier rooftop unit | Mechanical permit; structural review for new roof support | Permit Guide TRT 00823; Valuation Guide TRT 00001 |
| Adding a mini-split or a second system | Mechanical and electrical permits | Permit Guide: adding or relocating air conditioners |
| Replacing a gas furnace or running a new gas line | Mechanical/gas permit; licensed trade only | Permit Guide TRT 00823; ARS 32-1121.D |
| Changing to a different class of refrigerant | Mechanical permit | 2024 PBCC 105.2 Mechanical (refrigerant class change requires a permit) |
| Portable or window unit | None | 2024 PBCC 105.2 Mechanical items 1-3 |
How Much Does an HVAC Permit Cost in Phoenix?
Zero for an exempt swap. When a permit is needed, the 2026 Development Fee Schedule (Appendix A.2, effective January 20, 2026) prices it on valuation, and the city's Miscellaneous Construction guide sets residential heating and cooling values: replace furnace or air conditioner, A/C or gas pack, $4,500; install evaporative cooler $2,000; rooftop A/C replacement with new support needed, $6,600 plus. Table A charges $195 on the first $1,000 plus $12 for each additional $1,000 or fraction. A permitted $4,500 replacement is therefore $195 + 4 x $12 = $243, and because the valuation is under $5,000 a counter review of 15 minutes or less carries no plan review fee. A rooftop unit that needs new structural support is $6,600: the permit fee is $195 + 6 x $12 = $267, and since the valuation exceeds $5,000 and the support is reviewed, the residential plan review fee of 100% adds $267, about $534. A new evaporative cooler is $195 + $12 = $207. If your contractor's invoice is higher than the city's figure, the higher number sets the fee: a $9,000 system change-out would be $195 + 8 x $12 = $291.
Codes and Inspection
Phoenix enforces the 2024 International Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code and Energy Conservation Code with local amendments, plus the 2023 NEC. One notice matters for change-outs: the city has deferred enforcement of the 2023 NEC 210.8(F) GFCI requirement for HVAC equipment until March 1, 2027, so a GFCI-protected condenser circuit is not yet required at inspection. The final inspection covers heating registers, return air grilles, gas vents, combustion air and the HVAC equipment itself, and remote video inspections are offered for many home projects. Emergency replacements that need a permit may be done first, with the application submitted within 72 hours.
Who May Do the Work
Under the 2024 code, permitted mechanical work must be performed by a City of Phoenix licensed journeyman mechanical systems installer or an apprentice under supervision, by a state-licensed contractor, or by the owner-occupant of a single-family home on their own house. Arizona's contractor law separately exempts owner-builders under ARS 32-1121.A.5, but its small-job exemption never covers work connected to a gas supply. Residential permits are filed in SHAPE PHX; they expire 24 months after issuance, and work started without one draws an investigation fee of at least $250 plus a doubled permit fee.
How to Get a HVAC Permit in Phoenix
Compare old and new equipment
Outdoor, 5 tons or less, same capacity, same spot, same or lighter: no permit. Anything else: file.
Apply in SHAPE PHX
Residential Construction Permit/Plan Review Application, Repairs, Replacements or Remodel work type; contractor ROC number or owner-builder statement.
Pay the Table A fee
$243 on the $4,500 replacement valuation, or more if your invoice is higher; plan review only if plans are reviewed.
Install to the 2024 codes
Mechanical, fuel gas and energy code with Phoenix amendments; GFCI for HVAC not enforced until March 1, 2027.
Final inspection
Request by 2 p.m. the business day before; remote video inspection may be available.