HVAC PERMIT

HVAC permits are required under Title 3, Subtitle 1 of the Howard County Code to assure that HVAC installations are performed by licensed personnel and that these installations are in compliance with the International Mechanical Code.

HVAC PERMIT PROCESS

A HVAC permit is required for every system installed in a new single family dwelling, new townhouse dwelling, modular dwellings and accessory dwelling units.

Permits are required for any conversion from electric, oil or gas to another energy source in single family and townhouse dwellings.

Permits are required for residential additions and alterations that require installation of a new HVAC systems in single family and townhouse dwellings.

Single family residential HVAC permit applications are immediately reviewed, processed and issued by the Licenses and Permits office located in the George Howard Building, 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

LICENSE REQUIRED TO DO HVAC WORK

To perform HVAC work in Howard County, the individual, firm or corporation must be licensed by the State of Maryland.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Each permit application shall be accompanied by a simple, accurate plan, drawn to scale on 8 1/2" x 14" (legal) paper, which includes the following:

• An information block with:
  • The specific building address (house number not just the lot number)
  • Contractor name doing business
  • Licensee name and signature
  • State license registration number
  • Scale used on the plan submitted
  • North arrow indicated on the plan
• All rooms, windows, exterior doors and other relevant construction features such as skylights, porches, attic access to equipment, etc., that may affect the integrity of the HVAC system and its installation.
• A line drawing of the HVAC system components superimposed on the plan showing the location, dimensions and relevant elements, including, but not limited to:
  • Interior and exterior HVAC equipment
  • Duct trunk lines and transitions
  • Branch ducts/run-outs, dampers and registers with cfm ratings
  • Thermostats
  • Return ducts and grills
  • Duct insulation of R5 or greater
• Manual J calculations for the proposed work which include the following information:
  • Summer and winter design conditions
  • Equipment summary including manufacturer, model number, and BTU's input and output
  • Room-by-room analysis

WORK EXEMPT FROM HVAC PERMITS

Permits are not required for any minor HVAC repairs or for duct extensions to an existing HVAC system. Examples of such minor repairs include but are not limited to:

• Fan motors
• Room heaters
• Masonry fireplaces
• Humidifiers
• Pellet Stoves without ducts
• Factory built fireplaces
• Air cleaners
• Fireplace stoves
• Portable heaters

HVAC permits are not required for replacement of the same equipment in existing single family and townhouse dwellings such as:

• Furnaces (all fuel types)
• Outdoor units
• Condensing units
• Fan coil units
• Air conditioners
• Compressors
• Evaporator coil
• Heat pumps

PERMIT FEES

HVAC permit fees are calculated in accordance with the HVAC Inspection Fee schedule. Please phone 410-313-2455 for additional information. Fees are payable to the Director of Finance, Howard County.

HVAC PERMIT EXPIRATION

An approved HVAC permit shall become invalid if the authorized work is not started within 180 days or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days. For justifiable cause, the Department may grant an extension if requested in writing by the applicant prior to the expiration of the permit.

INSPECTIONS AND APPROVAL

Included with each HVAC permit issued is an inspection and permit information guide outlining the steps required to obtain the necessary inspections and approvals.

WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE:

• Automated Inspection and Permit Request and Information
  410-313-3800 (Dial-Up System)
• General Information Regarding Issuance of HVAC Permits
  410-313-2455 (Licenses and Permits)
• General Information for Inspections and Enforcement
  410-313-1840 (Inspections and Enforcement)
• Fax 410-313-3322 (Permits) 410-313-1861 (Inspections)
• TTY 410-313-2323