HVAC Permits in California
Complete guide to HVAC permit requirements, energy code compliance, and building department information for contractors working in California.
California Energy Code Requirements
Understanding the energy efficiency standards that govern HVAC installations in California
Current Energy Code
2022 Title 24
Current Standard
Statewide energy efficiency requirements for HVAC systems, equipment, and building envelope performance.
Common Requirements
Important Note
Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements beyond the state energy code. Always verify specific compliance needs with your local building department.
HVAC Permits by City in California
Los Angeles
Zone 3BLos Angeles County • 325 ZIP codes
San Diego
Zone 3BSan Diego County • 148 ZIP codes
San Bernardino
Zone 3BSan Bernardino County • 85 ZIP codes
Orange
Zone 3BOrange County • 84 ZIP codes
Riverside
Zone 3BRiverside County • 70 ZIP codes
Sacramento
Zone 3BSacramento County • 56 ZIP codes
Fresno
Zone 3BFresno County • 52 ZIP codes
Kern
Zone 3BKern County • 47 ZIP codes
Alameda
Zone 3CAlameda County • 46 ZIP codes
Sonoma
Zone 3CSonoma County • 36 ZIP codes
Humboldt
Zone 4CHumboldt County • 36 ZIP codes
Contra Costa
Zone 3BContra Costa County • 34 ZIP codes
Tulare
Zone 3BTulare County • 32 ZIP codes
San Mateo
Zone 3CSan Mateo County • 30 ZIP codes
Placer
Zone 3BPlacer County • 29 ZIP codes
San Jose
Zone 3CSanta Clara County • 28 ZIP codes
Monterey
Zone 3CMonterey County • 28 ZIP codes
Marin
Zone 3CMarin County • 28 ZIP codes
San Francisco
Zone 3CSan Francisco County • 27 ZIP codes
San Joaquin
Zone 3BSan Joaquin County • 27 ZIP codes
Mendocino
Zone 3CMendocino County • 27 ZIP codes
Santa Clara
Zone 3CSanta Clara County • 26 ZIP codes
Shasta
Zone 3BShasta County • 26 ZIP codes
Ventura
Zone 3CVentura County • 23 ZIP codes
Santa Barbara
Zone 3CSanta Barbara County • 23 ZIP codes
Stanislaus
Zone 3BStanislaus County • 23 ZIP codes
San Luis Obispo
Zone 3CSan Luis Obispo County • 22 ZIP codes
Siskiyou
Zone 5BSiskiyou County • 22 ZIP codes
El Dorado
Zone 4BEl Dorado County • 22 ZIP codes
Calaveras
Zone 4BCalaveras County • 19 ZIP codes
Merced
Zone 3BMerced County • 18 ZIP codes
Butte
Zone 3BButte County • 18 ZIP codes
Santa Cruz
Zone 3CSanta Cruz County • 17 ZIP codes
Yolo
Zone 3BYolo County • 15 ZIP codes
Imperial
Zone 2BImperial County • 14 ZIP codes
Solano
Zone 3BSolano County • 14 ZIP codes
Lassen
Zone 5BLassen County • 14 ZIP codes
Lake
Zone 4BLake County • 13 ZIP codes
Trinity
Zone 4BTrinity County • 13 ZIP codes
Tehama
Zone 3BTehama County • 13 ZIP codes
Tuolumne
Zone 4BTuolumne County • 12 ZIP codes
Yuba
Zone 3BYuba County • 12 ZIP codes
Plumas
Zone 5BPlumas County • 12 ZIP codes
Madera
Zone 3BMadera County • 11 ZIP codes
Inyo
Zone 4BInyo County • 10 ZIP codes
Amador
Zone 4BAmador County • 10 ZIP codes
Modoc
Zone 5BModoc County • 10 ZIP codes
Sutter
Zone 3BSutter County • 9 ZIP codes
Nevada
Zone 5BNevada County • 9 ZIP codes
Mariposa
Zone 4BMariposa County • 8 ZIP codes
Napa
Zone 3CNapa County • 8 ZIP codes
Kings
Zone 3BKings County • 7 ZIP codes
Mono
Zone 6BMono County • 7 ZIP codes
Sierra
Zone 5BSierra County • 7 ZIP codes
Colusa
Zone 3BColusa County • 7 ZIP codes
Glenn
Zone 3BGlenn County • 7 ZIP codes
Del Norte
Zone 4CDel Norte County • 4 ZIP codes
San Benito
Zone 3CSan Benito County • 3 ZIP codes
Alpine
Zone 6BAlpine County • 2 ZIP codes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about HVAC permits and energy code compliance in California
1What energy code does California follow?
California follows the 2022 Title 24 for energy efficiency requirements. This includes specific standards for HVAC equipment efficiency, duct design, and building envelope performance.
2Are Manual J calculations required in California?
Most jurisdictions in California require Manual J load calculations for proper HVAC system sizing. Our free load calculation tool can generate the professional reports you need for permits.
3How long does it take to get HVAC permits in California?
Permit processing times vary by jurisdiction, typically ranging from 1-3 weeks. Having complete documentation including load calculations can speed up the process. Check with your local building department for specific timeframes.
4Do I need different permits for different types of HVAC work?
Yes, permit requirements vary based on the scope of work. New installations typically require mechanical permits, while simple repairs may not need permits. Replacements usually require permits if there are changes to the system capacity or ductwork.
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