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

Permits are required for the following work in residential occupancies(residential occupancy is defined as any occupancy classified as Use Group R, as defined in the Howard County Code, including, but not limited to: new single family dwellings, modular dwellings, accessory dwelling units, apartment units, hotel/motel rooms, and assisted living homes with 16 or fewer clients).

HVAC installations in new construction

Any conversion of electric to another energy source

Additions and alterations that require installatin of new HVAC systems

Replacement HVAC equipment when gas or oil fired, or when a geothermal tax credit is being sought regardless of energy source.

HVAC permit applications are reviewed, processed and issued by the Licenses and Permits Office. The mailing address is the George Howard Building, 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043. The temporary location of the Office is at 8930 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, Md, 21045. The 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:

Items 1 through 4 are REQUIRED for ALL new system submittals. For HVAC equipment replacement permits only item #4 (Manual J) is required.

1. An information block with:

The specific building address (house number not just the lot number)

Name of contractor doing the work

Licensee's name and signature

State license registration number

Scale used on the plan submitted

North arrow indicated on the plan

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Manual J calculations for the proposed work which include the following information:

Equipment summary including manufacturer,model number and BTU's input and output

Summary of heat load for each zone plus the entire dwelling

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 existing equipment (same BTU's & fuel type) such as:

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

Permits for Replacement Geo Thermal Systems are not required; however, if a tax credit is being sought a permit and Manual J calculations are required.

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