Mechanical Permit
Via Mail
In PersonApplication for a mechanical permit. This includes mechanical and elevator installations or alterations for commercial and residential uses.
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.us/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.us/bldg/fees/fee-calculator-residential/.
New one- and two- family dwellings (flat fee): $100 + 2.00 (2% state levy) = $102.00
How to Receive this Service
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)
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
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 Cancelation
1 copy of Request for Permit Cancelation
Note: You must enter a reason for the cancelation. If a refund is requested, you must add the request to the reason for cancelation. The refund rate is 100% if the permit has not been issued or 75% of the permit fee only if the permit has been issued.
When is a mechanical permit needed:
- First time installation of any mechanical appliance
- Replacement of any gas or oil fueled mechanical appliance
- Chimney re-lines
When is a mechanical permit not needed:
- 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
- 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.