Mechanical Permit

Duration 

Permit is valid for six (6) months of inactivity. After six (6) months, contractor must reapply for permit. 

Restrictions 

• Can only be obtained by an electrical contractor with a Class “A” Mechanical License from the City of New Orleans 

Fees

• Varies based on components of work. Please see the HVAC Permit Application,  Gasfitting Permit Application, or Elevator/Lift Permit Application for more information

Required Documents

• Apply online at the One Stop App
• Blower door test results, duct leakage results, or visual air envelope results (if applicable).
  • Blower Door Test Results Form
  • Duct Leakage Results Form
  • Visual Air Envelope Results Form
• For some mechanical permits, a Building Permit might be required

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

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

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.

For questions about the Mechanical Permit process or for technical and/or code inquiries, please contact the Mechanical Inspections Division at (504) 658-7153.

You May Also Need

• Mechanical License
• Building Permit

User Guides

• Building Permit Guide