A mechanical permit is required for decorative gas appliances, including fire pits or gas logs, to ensure the installation complies with the California Mechanical Code and the manufacturer instructions.

Key code requirements

1. See Gas Lines & Piping for piping requirements. 
   
   
2. Gas Safety Compliance & Pressure Testing: The permit and inspection ensure that work is performed by licensed professionals who use proper materials and conduct mandatory gas pressure testing to prevent leaks.
   
   
3. Venting Methods: Listed gas vents (Type B or L) or chimney liners must be used, extending through roof flashing with a listed cap.
   
   
4. Chimney Usage: For gas logs in a fireplace, the chimney damper must be blocked open to prevent full closure, ensuring ventilation.
   
   
5. Manufacturer’s Instructions - The installation MUST follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific venting requirements, which often override general code for decorative units. 
   
   
6. Location Constraints: Vents must terminate with proper clearance from air intakes and building openings.
   
   
7. Non-Direct Vent Units: If not a direct-vent unit, the room must have adequate combustion air.  

Be prepared to show the inspector:

• Manufacturer installation instructions

For duct replacement or alterations, see Air Conditioning & Heating.

For kitchen ducting, see Appliance Installations.

For chimney flue alterations or repairs, see Chimney Repairs.

Evaporative cooler installations must comply with the California Mechanical Code (CMC) and Title 24 energy standards. Permits are required:

Mechanical permit - Required for any permanent installation, replacement, or modification of an evaporative cooling system. 

Electrical permit - Required if the installation requires new electrical circuits.

Plumbing permit - Required if the installation entails a permanent water line connection.

Portable evaporative coolers are generally exempt from permit requirements as long as they are not permanently connected to the building's structure or fixed utility systems.

Key code requirements

1. Water Management (Title 24): "Bleed-off" systems (continuous water draining) are prohibited. A water quality management system (conductivity sensor or timer-based "pump out") is required to minimize water waste. 
   • Water inlet connection size: maximum 3/8"
     
     
2. Airflow & Ventilation: The system must provide automatic relief of supply air, often requiring attic vents or sidewall relief dampers to prevent pressure buildup. Maximum air velocity through relief dampers must not exceed 800 feet per minute (fpm) at rated airflow.
   • If the cooler shares a duct system with a heating or cooling system, backdraft dampers must be installed at the cooler supply to prevent air loss.
     
     
3. Thermostats & Controls: Automatic thermostats are required; simple manual on/off switches are not permitted for new installations.
   
   
4. Efficiency: Fans must meet efficiency standards, with single-phase motors less than 1 HP requiring, in many cases, Electronically Commutated Motors (ECMs). Manufacturers must comply with Title 20 appliance efficiency testing and certification.
   
   
5. Winter Closures: The contractor must provide a winter closure device to block outdoor air from entering the home when the unit is not in use.
   
   
6. Mounting & Placement
   • Ground Mounting: Units must be on a level concrete slab at least 3 inches above the surrounding ground.
   • Platform Mounting: If on an aboveground platform, it must be elevated at least 6 inches above the ground.
   • Wall Openings: Any openings in exterior walls must be flashed according to building code to prevent water intrusion

Exhaust fans must comply with the current California Mechanical Code (CMC) and Green Building Code (Title 24).

A mechanical permit is required for new installations or replacements.

Key code requirements

1. Listing: All fans must be listed and labeled by an approved testing agency, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
    
2. Termination: Exhaust systems must discharge directly to the outside; venting into attics or crawl spaces is prohibited. Discharge must be:
   • minimum 3 feet from property lines and openings (windows/doors)
   • minimum 10 feet from forced air intakes
     
     
3. Backdraft Dampers: All exhaust systems must be equipped with a backdraft damper to prevent outside air or pests from entering.
   
   
4. Bathroom Ventilation & Duct Material: Fans must be Energy Star certified. They must be controlled by a humidistat or designed to run continuously.
   • Flexible ducting is allowed if it meets specific CMC Chapter 6 standards, though rigid is preferred for airflow efficiency. 
     
     
5. Kitchen Ventilation & Duct Material: Local exhaust is required, with minimum air changes (5 ACH for enclosed kitchens) or specific capture efficiency ratings (70%–85%) depending on room size and fuel type (e.g., 180–280 CFM for gas ranges).
   • Kitchen range hoods must use rigid metal ducts with smooth interior surfaces.
     
     
6. Ductwork: Ducts must be sealed, supported to prevent collapse, and insulated in cold climates.
   
   
7. No Common Ducts: Multiple fans in separate dwelling units cannot share a common duct.
   
   
8. Make-up Air: When exhaust systems create negative pressure, makeup air must be supplied.
   
   
9. Airflow & Controls
   • Bathroom - Must have a humidity control (manual or integrated) and be switched separately from lighting.
     Minimum Airflow Rate: 50 CFM (intermittent) / 20 CFM (continuous)
     
     
   • Kitchen - Must have readily accessible manual or automatic controls.
     Minimum Airflow Rate: 100 CFM (range hood) / 300 CFM (mechanical fan/downdraft)
     
     
   • Laundry - Must terminate directly outside.
     Minimum Airflow Rate: 5 air changes per hour (if no window)

   Be prepared to show the Inspector:

   • Equipment installation instructions
   • HERS Testing CFCR form (Certificate of Verification)

See Furnaces at Air Conditioning & Heating.

• Go to SJPermits.org.
• Use the Application Wizard to be guided to the correct process and permit.
• You may secure multiple permits, if needed, with one application.
• SJPermits presents the fee and enables online payment; for more info, see Building Fees.
• After payment, you will be able to download the Permit Card.
• For help, first see Help for SJPermits. If you still need assistance, use Submit a Help Ticket.

PREPARE THE PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGE   

Forms may require digital signatures. See Digital Forms & Signatures for help.   

REQUIRED

• Building Permit Application - See instructions.
  
  

• Submittal Checklist - Select the appropriate checklist. It also outlines relevant forms and plans to include in the permit application package.
  Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist
  Multifamily Projects Submittal Checklist
  Commercial & Industrial Projects Submittal Checklist

• Project Plans - Use the plan instructions according to the type of property:
  Single-Family & Duplex Projects - Plan Set Instructions
  Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily - Plan Review Submittal Package

TO APPLY

This service uses online platforms. You will first apply at SJPermits and then upload documents through SJePlans. A City plan reviewer will review the plans and send comments to the ePlan Applicant through SJePlans. After the plans are approved and final fees are paid, then the building permit will be issued. Follow these instructions:

* Standard Plan Review Service *

We look forward to serving you.