Mechanical Permit

Only a City-licensed contractor can apply for this permit. 

In order to ensure public safety through compliance with the International Construction Code (ICC) as adopted by the City of New Orleans as well as all other related state and parish regulations, permits must be obtained by licensed mechanics for work to be performed in the City of New Orleans. A mechanical permit is required if you plan to install, repair, replace, or alter any mechanical or gas-fired apparatus or equipment, such as air conditioning systems, electric or gas heaters, electric or gas furnaces or heaters, or gas lines. Fees are based on a several factors related to complexity of the work to be completed including, but not limited to the type equipment being installed, number of connections, and how many pieces of each type of equipment will be installed.

Fees

Required Documents

City of New Orleans Mechanical Permit Applications are divided into the following 3 sub-types: 

  1. HVAC Permit Applications (requires a Class A City of New Orleans Mechanical A/C license to apply)
  2. Gasfitting Permit Applications (requires a Class A City of New Orleans Mechanical Gasfitter license to apply)
  3. Elevator/Lift Permit Applications

Apply online at the One Stop App or submit applications to the Department of Safety & Permits, 1340 Perdido St, Suite 800, New Orleans, LA 70112

Adoption of new codes by the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council (LSUCCC) has necessitated substantive and operational changes. The most significant substantive changes for mechanical and fuel gas permits are as follows:

  1. Mandatory application of the 2015 International Residential Code excluding Chapter 11.
  2. Mandatory application of the 2009 International Residential Code only Chapter 11.
  3. Building envelope air tightness and insulation installation shall be demonstrated to comply with one of the following methods as chosen by the contractor, design professionalor homeowner [IRC N1102.4.2 LSUCCC Amendment]:
    • Option 1: Blower Door Test by certified personnel – If this option is used, then blower door test shall be performed by individuals certified to perform blower door tests by a nationally recognized organization [IRC N1102.4.2.1 LSUCCC Amendment]. City of New Orleans blower door test report forms shall be submitted to and approved by the Mechanical Division of the Safety and Permits prior to final building inspection and certificate of occupancy. Tested air leakage shall be between 5 and 7 ACH at 50 pascal.
    • Option 2: Visual Inspection by certified personnel – If this option is used, then visual inspections shall be performed by individuals certified to perform such inspections and approved by City of New Orleans Chief Building Official prior to date of inspections. Such inspections shall encompass all items listed in IRC Table N1102.4.2. These inspections may need to be conducted at different stages of construction in order complete all inspections areas prior to being covered. Once walls are closed a visual inspection is no longer possible or accepted.
  4. Duct testing shall be performed by individuals certified to perform duct sealing tests by a nationally recognized organization that trains and provides certification exams for the proper procedures to perform such test. Written test reports from the City of New Orleans shall be submitted to and approved by the Mechanical Division prior to occupancy [IRC N1103.2.2].Duct testing shall not be required if the air handler and all ducts are located within conditioned space.
  5. Every dwelling unit with forced air heating equipment shall be provided with at least one programmable thermostat. [IRC N1103.1.1].
  6. Wood burning fire places shall have outdoor combustion air visible at rough in inspection prior to wall closure. [IRC N1102.4.3].
  7. Manual “J”, “S" and "D" worksheet calculations shall be completed prior to the installation of HVAC system on new construction and substantial renovations. This will be verified by affidavit on One Stop permits.

Required forms necessary for submitting blower door test results, duct leakage results, or visual air envelope results are available in our office located at 1340 Poydras St, Suite 800, New Orleans, LA 70112 and online below as well as at the One Stop website www.nola.gov/onestop

For questions about the Mechanical Permit process, please contact City of New Orleans - Mechanical Inspection (504) 658-7100 

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