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Mechanical Permit in El Paso, Texas

A separate subcontractor permit is required for mechanical (HVAC) work under the City's technical codes; mechanical contracting must be performed by a Texas-licensed contractor.

Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source

When you need this permit

  • Separate subcontractor permits are required for mechanical work (Sec. 18.02.105.4).
  • No person, firm, or corporation may install, maintain, or repair air conditioning, cooling, refrigeration, or heating equipment without the license required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Sec. 18.02.104.6).

Required documents

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Fee schedule

Review timeline

Plan review
Not published — contact the department

How long did your Mechanical Permit permit actually take in El Paso?

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Frequently asked questions

El Paso requires a mechanical permit for: Separate subcontractor permits are required for mechanical work (Sec. 18.02.105.4).; No person, firm, or corporation may install, maintain, or repair air conditioning, cooling, refrigeration, or heating equipment without the license required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Sec. 18.02.104.6).. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of El Paso Planning & Inspections Department — One Stop Shop at (915) 212-0104 before starting work.

El Paso does not publish a plan-review timeline for this permit. Contact City of El Paso Planning & Inspections Department — One Stop Shop at (915) 212-0104 for current turnaround.

You'll need: Building Permit Application indicating mechanical scope of work; Contractor Registration Application (for the licensed mechanical contractor). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Apply through City of El Paso Planning & Inspections Department — One Stop Shop at 811 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901. Phone: (915) 212-0104, email: OSSHelp@elpasotexas.gov. Office hours: Call Center: Mon-Thu 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Lobby: Mon-Thu 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (effective Oct 30, 2023). Official information: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/planning-and-inspections.

El Paso, Texas has adopted: 2021 International Building Code (ICC) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.08; 2021 International Residential Code (ICC) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.10; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (ICC) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.70; 2021 International Mechanical Code (ICC) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.12; 2020 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.16; 2021 International Plumbing Code (ICC) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.20; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (ICC) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.24; 2021 International Existing Building Code (ICC) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.28; 2021 International Fire Code (ICC), per City's own 'Currently Adopted Codes and Amendments' summary; 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ICC) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.30; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (ICC), per City's own 'Currently Adopted Codes and Amendments' summary; Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) under the Architectural Barriers Act (Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 469) and ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009; Locally authored 'Recommended Requirements to Code Officials for Solar Heating, Cooling and Hot Water Systems' (not an ICC-numbered edition) — El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 18.32; Outdoor Lighting Code, Landscape Code, and Irrigation Systems regulations — El Paso Municipal Code Chs. 18.18, 18.46, 18.47 (locally authored, not ICC editions). Local amendments apply — see the El Paso overview page for the full list.

Sources & verification

Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-06.

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 El Paso building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

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