Mechanical / HVAC Permit in Surprise, Arizona
Required for mechanical and HVAC work in Surprise beyond the code-permitted exemptions. Surprise adopted the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with local amendments, effective January 1, 2026. Permit-exempt mechanical work under the Surprise local amendment to IRC R105.2 includes: replacement of air-conditioning/heating equipment of equal or lesser size, same method of operation, placed in the same location as the existing equipment; replacement of gas AC, direct-vent equipment, or furnaces of equal or lesser BTU capacity placed in the same location. Work requiring a permit includes: new HVAC systems, ductwork modifications, equipment in new locations, and increases in capacity.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
- In-kind HVAC replacement (equal or lesser size, same method, same location) is permit-exempt under Surprise local IRC R105.2 Mechanical/Gas exemptions
Required documents
- Req
Permits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)
Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/HVAC permit — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Plus 0.50% administrative processing fee on valuation. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Mechanical work is permitted under the standard valuation-based building/fire permit fee. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee (where plan review is required) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Review timeline
4–8 business days
Surprise’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Rough Mechanical
Rough ductwork and mechanical rough-in inspected before walls are closed.
- 2
Final Mechanical
HVAC equipment, ductwork, venting, and all mechanical systems inspected at final.
Tips
- In-kind HVAC replacement (equal or lesser capacity, same method of operation, same location) is permit-exempt under Surprise's local amendment to IRC R105.2.
- New HVAC installations, equipment moved to a new location, or increased-capacity units require a permit.
- Surprise adopted the 2024 IMC and 2024 IFGC — verify your work against those editions and the local amendments.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace my HVAC unit in Surprise?
- If you are replacing an existing air-conditioning/heating unit with equipment of equal or lesser size, same method of operation, placed in the same location, then no permit is required under Surprise's local amendment to IRC R105.2. Installing a new system, relocating equipment, or upsizing capacity requires a permit. Source: City of Surprise Local Amendments to the 2024 IRC, Ordinance 2025-14.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Surprise Community Development Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- Currently Adopted Building Codes | City of Surprise
- Local Amendments to the 2024 International Codes and 2023 NEC (Ordinance 2025-14, effective 1/1/2026) — PDF
- Citywide Fee Schedule (Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026) — PDF
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Surprise building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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