What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Panel / electrical
May require a panel upgrade
Permit likelihood
Confirm with your building department
Permit snapshot
mechanical + electrical permit
As of 2026-05-31, heat pump HVAC installations in San Francisco typically require a mechanical permit issued by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), covering the equipment, refrigerant lines, ducts, and condensate. A separate electrical permit is typically also required when a new dedicated circuit is added or the electrical panel is altered to support the new equipment — SF DBI generally keeps the mechanical and electrical filings separate, even when the work is part of a single installation. The mechanical permit application is submitted via the SF DBI plumbing/mechanical online intake; the electrical permit is filed through the Electrical Permitting and Inspection Scheduling system. California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards apply, and HERS field verification (CF-1R / CF-2R / CF-3R) may be required depending on system size and scope. Contractor licensing is typically C-20 for the mechanical work and C-10 for the electrical work, with each contractor registered with the City of San Francisco for online filing. Verify the current submission requirements, refrigerant-handling rules, and any seismic or structural review with DBI before scheduling installation.