Mechanical / HVAC Permit in Reno, Nevada
Required for heating, cooling, ventilation, and fuel gas installations in Reno. Residential single-family uses the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC); commercial/multi-family uses the 2024 IMC. Covers furnaces, A/C, heat pumps, ductwork, gas fireplaces, and related equipment.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Furnace, air conditioner, heat pump replacement or new installation
- Ductwork installation or significant modification
- Gas fireplace insert installation (EZ permit)
- Boiler change-out (EZ permit, size-based)
- Pool heater (flat rate permit)
- A/C change-out (EZ permit: $45.00)
- Rooftop HVAC replacement (EZ permit per commercial, or valuation-based for major commercial)
- Gas piping systems (EZ permit $90.00 or IFGC permit)
Required documents
- Req
Mechanical Permit Application (via onenv.us)
Online application through ONE Regional portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A/C Change-Out (EZ permit) | $45.00 | City of Reno FY27 EZ Permits — Residential EZ Permits |
| Furnace (replacement — EZ permit) | $89.00 | — |
| Furnace (oil to gas — EZ permit) | $133.00 | — |
| Gas Fireplace Insert (EZ permit) | $89.00 | — |
| Boiler Change-Out — up to 100K BTU (EZ permit) | $90.00 | — |
| Boiler Change-Out — 100K to 500K BTU (EZ permit) | $110.00 | — |
| Gas Line / Gas Piping (EZ permit) | $90.00 | — |
| Gas Piping / System — residential (flat rate) | $200.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate — Gas Permit Types (for larger/new gas systems requiring plans) |
| Pool Heater (flat rate — commercial or residential) | $280.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate Permit Types |
| Furnace — commercial, up to 1,000K BTU (flat rate) | $246.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | — |
| Furnace — commercial, over 1,000K BTU (flat rate) | $269.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | — |
Review timeline
~1–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Reno building department
Inspection process
- 1
Gas Piping Pressure Test
Required before concealing gas piping — 11–15 inches water column held for 15 minutes minimum (NNICC manometer test requirement for Reno)
- 2
Rough-In / Equipment
Equipment installation and ductwork before walls closed — verify clearances and venting
- 3
Final
Equipment operational, combustion air verified, venting correct
Tips
- Residential single-family HVAC in Reno uses the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), not the IMC; commercial uses the 2024 IMC. Both are adopted with NNICC amendments.
- NNICC requires duct sizing per ACCA Manual D for dwelling unit ducts, based on Manual J loads.
- Gas piping in Reno requires a manometer test (11–15 inches WC for 15 minutes). The manometer test must be performed by a person holding a valid Washoe County manometer tester card (NNICC Section G2417.6.2.3).
- A/C replacement is a $45.00 EZ permit — applied for and processed quickly via onenv.us.
- Evaporative coolers are commonly used in Reno's dry climate — NNICC amendments address makeup air for commercial kitchen hoods when evaporative cooling is involved.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Reno require a manometer test for gas piping?
- Yes. Per the 2024 Northern Nevada Code Amendments, Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County require a manometer test for all new gas piping or gas system restorations. The test must hold 11–15 inches water column for at least 15 minutes, and must be performed by a holder of a valid Washoe County manometer tester card.
- How much does a furnace replacement permit cost in Reno?
- A standard residential furnace replacement is an EZ permit at $89.00. Larger commercial furnaces (flat rate permits) run $246.00 (up to 1,000K BTU) or $269.00 (over 1,000K BTU) per the FY26/27 fee schedule.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Reno Development Services — Building and Safety Division — official building department
- City of Reno FY27 EZ Permits Fee Schedule
- City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate Permit Fee Schedule
- 2024 Northern Nevada Code Amendments — IMC/UMC/IFGC amendments
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 Reno building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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