Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Furnace in Colorado?
Quick Answer
Yes — even a like-for-like furnace swap requires a mechanical permit.
Why Even a Swap Needs a Permit
Furnace replacements involve gas connections, venting, and combustion air — all safety-critical systems. Most jurisdictions require a mechanical permit to verify the new furnace is properly vented, has adequate combustion air, and the gas connections are leak-free. This is true even for exact same-model replacements.
High-Efficiency Conversions
Upgrading from a standard-efficiency (80%) to high-efficiency (90%+) furnace changes the venting requirements: standard units use metal B-vent, high-efficiency units use PVC/CPVC. The old metal vent chase may need to be sealed. A condensate drain line is also required for high-efficiency units.
What Inspectors Check
The final inspection covers: gas piping and drip leg, venting type and clearances, combustion air supply (especially in confined spaces), condensate drain (high-efficiency units), thermostat operation, and CO detector presence on every level.
Bundled with AC?
If you're replacing both the furnace and AC unit at the same time, one mechanical permit typically covers both. The inspector will check the AC refrigerant lines, electrical disconnect, and condenser pad in addition to the furnace items.
Bottom Line
Yes, always. The permit is $40-$75 and your HVAC contractor handles it. One final inspection. Don't skip it — CO poisoning from bad venting is real.
Permit fees by city in Colorado
Verified from each city’s published fee schedule. Where a city has no separate fee listed for this project, open the city page for the current requirements and amount.
| City | Permit fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Arvada | $55.00Verified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Aurora | $201.00Verified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Boulder | $13.60Verified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Colorado Springs | $30.00Verified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Denver | Assessed on the mechanical/HVAC work's valuation using Denver's Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule (ADMIN 125/138 Table 1) — e.g. $35 for $501–$2,000 valuation, $35 for the first $2,000 plus $8/each additional $1,000 up to $25,000, scaling up through the table's brackets to $5,385 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.65/each additional $1,000 over that; quick permits carry $0 plan review fee (Table 2 valuation applies if higher than the applicant-submitted valuation)Verified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Fort Collins | $65.00 per heating applianceVerified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Lakewood | $80.00Verified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Longmont | $40.00Verified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Thornton | $30.00Verified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |
| Westminster | An additional 15% of the Building Permit Fee, plus 15% of the Plan Review FeeVerified | Mechanical / HVAC Permit → |