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Do you need a permit to replace a water heater?

Whether a water heater needs a building permit is decided by the city or county, not by one national rule. Of the 19 large cities whose water heater rule we verified, 14 require a permit and 5 exempt smaller or simpler projects and require a permit above a limit.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Water Heater permit rules in major cities
  2. Building permit and zoning are separate
  3. What cities charge for a water heater permit
  4. Before you start
  5. Sources

Water Heater permit rules in major cities

Each row is the rule that applies in that city. "Depends" means the city exempts work below a limit; the limit shown is the number in the city's wording, and the conditions that go with it are on the city page.

CityPermit needed?Key limit
New York City, NYDepends on size or scope1Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes1
Los Angeles, CAYes2Like-for-like replacement exempt? No for owners/ordinary contractors; replacement of a defective water heater with an equivalent one (same gallons, BTU, vent capacity, vent not relocated/replaced) on a detached single-family dwelling by a Certified Licensed Contractor needs a Certificate of Compliance in lieu of a permit2
Chicago, ILDepends on size or scope3Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes3
Phoenix, AZDepends on size or scope4Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes4
San Antonio, TXYes5–
San Diego, CAYes6Like-for-like replacement exempt? no6
Dallas, TXYes7Like-for-like replacement exempt? no7
Jacksonville, FLYes8Like-for-like replacement exempt? no8
Fort Worth, TXYes9Like-for-like replacement exempt? no10
San Jose, CAYes11Like-for-like replacement exempt? no11
Charlotte, NCDepends on size or scope12Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes12
Columbus, OHYes13Like-for-like replacement exempt? no13
Indianapolis, INDepends on size or scope14Like-for-like replacement exempt? yes15
San Francisco, CAYes16–
Seattle, WAYes17–
Denver, COYes18Like-for-like replacement exempt? no19
Oklahoma City, OKYes20Like-for-like replacement exempt? no20
Philadelphia, PAYes21Like-for-like replacement exempt? no22
Austin, TXYes23–

Building permit and zoning are separate

A building permit checks how the water heater is built; zoning decides where it can go and how big it can be. In New York City, work that is exempt from a building permit can still need zoning approval:

  • New York City. Any exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…24

What cities charge for a water heater permit

Fee lines as each city’s schedule states them, never added up into a total; how permit fees work explains valuation formulas and minimums.

CityFeeAs the schedule states it
Houston, TXPlumbing Minimum Permit Fee$97.5625
Phoenix, AZTable A minimum - residential water heaters and fences$1 - $1,000 $98 Minimum for Residential Water Heaters and Fences*26
San Antonio, TXPlumbing - Permit Base FeePlumbing - Permit Base Fee $57.5027
San Antonio, TXWater Heater, Vent (gas/electric)Water Heater, Vent (gas/electric) $9.2027
Jacksonville, FLResidential plumbing fixture (incl. hot water tanks), eachincluding hot water tanks or boosters, and washing machines with sewer connection, for each roughing-in and fixture or plugged outlet (fee for new roughing-in includes fixture) · $11.0028
Jacksonville, FLMinimum plumbing permit feeMinimum fee for a plumbing permit, based upon the fee formulas contained above · $60.0028
Fort Worth, TX1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs: 33.0829
Fort Worth, TX3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits: 16.8729
Fort Worth, TX2. Reinspection fee2. Reinspection fee: 66.1529
Charlotte, NCAppliance/Equipment Change Out (water heaters, HVAC, kitchen appliances) via Trades Internet Permit (TIP)1.5 x the minimum permit fee (both trade permits combined) via TIP; 2 x the maximum permit fee by other means30
Columbus, OHMinor Work Permit - Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing only (1, 2, and 3 Family)Minor Work Permit - Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing only. Must be on the Approved Minor Work Permit List (includes 1 inspection) $14031
Seattle, WAPlumbing/Backflow Permit (Public Health – Seattle & King County)$137 plus $27 per Fixture32
Seattle, WAGas Piping/Medical Gas Permit (Public Health – Seattle & King County)$137 plus $27 per Outlet32
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $1.00 to $500.00$1.00 to $500.00 $20.00 033
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00$501.00 to $2,000.00 $35.00 033
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00$2,001.00 to $25,000.00 $35.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 50%33
Oklahoma City, OKGasfitting, replacement of residential appliance or fixture, eachEach appliance or fixture, bathroom wall heater, floor furnace - gas, appliance over 40k Btu, unit heater - wall, vented water · $26.50 · $50.00 · 60-29-2034
Nashville, TNPlumbing permit minimum feeMinimum fee (each permit) ... $75.0035
Nashville, TNPlumbing: hot water heaterHot water heater ... $43.0035
Nashville, TNGas/mechanical: hot water heaterHot water heater ... $21.0035
El Paso, TXPlumbing: Base fee, ea. (non-refundable)$110 plus applicable technology fee36
El Paso, TXPlumbing: electric water heater (and other listed fixtures), ea.$10.59 based on quantity plus base fee and applicable technology fee36
El Paso, TXGas: Base fee, ea. (non-refundable)$110 plus applicable technology fee36
Las Vegas, NVWater Heater26 Water Heater $0 $2237
Boston, MAPlumbing$20.00 Primary fee plus $5.00 each fixture.38
Boston, MAGas appliances$20, plus $5 per meter.39
Boston, MAGas boilers, heaters, furnaces, industrial ovens$20, plus $50 each, plus $0.09 per 1,000 BTU.39
Detroit, MIPlumbing installation permit application feeApplication Fee (Non-Refundable) Flat $7340
Detroit, MIPlumbing fixtures/appliances, eachPlumbing Fixtures, Plumbing Appliance, Plumbing Appurtenance, Plus Any Other Fixture, Drain, Water Connected Appliance or Appurtenance Not specifically Listed Each $4440
Memphis, TNPlumbing issuancePERMIT ISSUANCE $20.0041
Memphis, TNElectric water heater replacementP-1.1 ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT $7.5041
Memphis, TNGas water heater, first $1,000G-3.1.3 WATER HEATER FIRST $1000 $15.0041
Baltimore, MDFuel-burning equipment, 0 to 200,000 BTU/h per unit0 to 200,000 $3042
Baltimore, MDElectrical water heatersElectrical water heaters, new construction or replacement $20 each42
Milwaukee, WIElectrical: water heater (electrical)yf. Water heater (electrical): $25.43
Milwaukee, WIPlumbing: each fixture or appliancei. Installation and connection of each plumbing fixture or appliance: $20.44
Tucson, AZTrade Permits (single item, incl. water heater, HVAC, panel, sewer line)$150.0045
Fresno, CAPermit Issuance - All projects (administrative base fee, MPE stand-alone)Permit Issuance - All projects 27.0846
Fresno, CASimple M,P,E single or combination permitsSIMPLE M,P,E SINGLE OR COMBINATION PERMITS 111.5046
Fresno, CAWater Heater (simple plumbing item)Water Heater 111.5046
Sacramento, CAWater heater (new installation, replacement or move) (flat building permit fee)Water heater (new installation, replacement or move) $75 N/A47
Raleigh, NCMinimum Trade Permit FeeAny fee not specifically listed as an individual fee will be charged at the minimum permit fee. This also applies to a minimum building plan review fee. Which are assessed as per trade per review. $123.00 $124.00 Per Trade48
Colorado Springs, COWater Heater ReplacementWater Heater Replacement $40.0049
Colorado Springs, COWater Heater, Furnace, or Boiler Replacement, including ventWater Heater, Furnace, or Boiler Replacement, including vent $75.0049
Virginia Beach, VAGas permit$50 plus $4 per outlet/shutoff50
Virginia Beach, VAMechanical permit$50 plus $5 per $1,000 of the construction value50
Virginia Beach, VAPlumbing permit$50 plus $6 per fixture/drain50
Long Beach, CAPlumbing Permit Issuance FeePlumbing Permit Issuance Fee $104 / permit51
Oakland, CARapid Permit Filing Feed. Rapid Permit Filing Fee · 67.16 Per Permit52
Oakland, CAResidential - Plumbing - R3 - Inspection6. Residential - Plumbing - R3 - Inspection · 4.7952
Oakland, CAWater Heater (Gas or Electric) and/or Storage Tank4. · Water Heater (Gas or Electric) and/or Storage Tank · 201.48 Each52
Minneapolis, MNPlumbing permit minimum fee - Residential & CommercialMinimum Fee - Residential & Commercial $85.20 (Includes $1.00 State Surcharge)53
Arlington, TXElectrical base permit fee (not associated with building permit)Base permit fee $100.0054
Arlington, TXPlumbing: Water heater, first water heaterWater heater, first water heater $20.0054
Aurora, COFlat rate: egress window, gas pipe, residential EV charger, residential siding, water heater replacement$99 EACH • Egress Window Installation • Gas Pipe Installation or Modification • Residential EV Charger • Residential Siding Replacement • Water Heater Replacement55
Aurora, COFlat rate: tankless water heater$287 EACH • Tankless Water Heater55
Aurora, COFlat rate: furnace and water heater replacement$292 • Furnace and Water Heater Replacement55
Austin, TXResidential Change - Out Program Permits - HVAC - Each additional system$20.6956
Austin, TXInspections for Standalone Projects$73.8156

Before you start

Find your city’s water heater rule with the permit checker. What to check before you buy materials (city limits, limits in the rule, zoning and HOA rules) and the order of the steps are in how to get a building permit; what an exemption does not cover is in work exempt from a permit.

Sources

  1. 2022 NYC Construction Codes, General Administrative Provisions (Admin. Code Title 28), Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. LAMC Ch. IX Art. 4 (Los Angeles Plumbing Code), Sec. 94.103.0 Permits and InspectionsCity of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Checked November 6, 2026
  3. What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? (Full List)City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. 2024 International Building Code Administrative Provisions (IBC Chapter 1), Phoenix amendmentsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Home Remodeling FAQCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentPublished August 1, 2019Checked November 6, 2026
  6. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 4: Plumbing/Mechanical Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised May 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Chapter 52: Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (City of Dallas booklet, current through April 23,…City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentLast updated April 23, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Jacksonville (consolidated City of Jacksonville/Duval County), Public Works Department, Building Inspection DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Residential PermittingCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Fort Worth Administrative Building Code, Ordinance No. 25387-03-2022City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentAdopted March 8, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  11. Water HeatersCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 14, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Frank Cappelli Stop Work Order OSFM Decision (appeal under G.S. 160D-1114)North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Engineering and Building Codes DivisionPublished September 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  13. Typical Residential ProjectsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised March 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  14. Residential Development PermitsCity of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 6, 2026
  15. 2016 Building Standards and Procedures of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (Chapter 536 etc.)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 1, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Apply for a plumbing and mechanical permitCity and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionChecked November 7, 2026
  17. 2021 Seattle Plumbing CodeCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 6, 2026
  18. Building Permit Policy ADMIN 125 and 138: Building and Related FeesCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentRevised May 21, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  19. 2025 Denver Building Code (2nd Printing, November 2025)City and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentPublished November 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  20. Development CenterCity of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterChecked November 7, 2026
  21. Get a Plumbing PermitCity of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  22. EZ Permit Standard: Plumbing (PB_030_F)City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  23. Residential Change-Out Permit Application (One- and Two-Family Occupied Dwellings Only)City of Austin, Austin Development ServicesRevised July 7, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  24. 1 RCNY §101-14 Categories of work that may or may not require a permitCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  25. City Fee ScheduleCity of Houston, Finance Department (City-Wide Fee Schedule)Effective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  26. PDD Fee Schedule, Phoenix City Code Chapter 9, Appendix A.2City of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective January 20, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  27. FY 2027 Development Fee ScheduleCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised October 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  28. City Fees (Categorized by Departments)City of Jacksonville, City Fees page (Building Inspection Division - Section 320.409)Checked November 7, 2026
  29. Ordinance No. 26-28781City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  30. Mecklenburg County Government Fee Ordinance, Land Use and Environmental Services (revised July 1, 2026)Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners / Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA)Revised July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  31. 2026 Combined Development Related Fee ScheduleCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. Plumbing and Gas Piping Program fees (through 2026)Public Health – Seattle & King County (King County)Effective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  33. Building and Land Development Fees - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  34. Development Services Fee Changes (Fees Changing July 1, 2025)City of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterEffective July 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  35. Codes Fee Schedule (Building-Permit-Fee-Scheudle-2025.pdf)Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Department of Codes and Building SafetyPosted December 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  36. City of El Paso FY2026-2027 Adopted Budget, FY 2027 Schedule C Departmental Fee ListCity of El Paso, Office of Management & BudgetAdopted August 18, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  37. City of Las Vegas 2020 Building User Fees (Building & Fee Table)City of Las Vegas, Department of Community Development, Building & Safety DivisionEffective July 1, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  38. Building Fees 5 15 23 (ISD fee schedule)City of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  39. Gas PermitCity of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentLast updated September 11, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  40. City of Detroit BSEED Fee Schedule, Effective January 1, 2024, Modified 7/18/2025City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Revised July 18, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  41. 2022 Fee Schedule, Building Section FeesMemphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code EnforcementPublished 2022Checked November 8, 2026
  42. Section 109. Fees (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
  43. A substitute ordinance relating to increasing various fees for permits, licenses, certificates, inspections and…City of Milwaukee, Common CouncilEffective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  44. Milwaukee Code of Ordinances ch. 200, subchapter 5 (Fees)City of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood ServicesRevised November 8, 2024Checked November 8, 2026
  45. Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule (Adopted Year 1 Fee Schedule, FY27)City of Tucson, Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  46. City of Fresno Master Fee Schedule - Planning & Development Fees (effective 07/01/2026)City of Fresno, Planning and Development DepartmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  47. Building Division Fee Detail: Table A (valuation) and Table B.1 (flat fee building permits)City of Sacramento (Fees and Charges database, Community Development Department)Revised July 19, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  48. Development Fee Guide July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027City of Raleigh, Planning and DevelopmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  49. Fee Schedule - Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Appendix B: Fee Schedule, 2023 PPRBC)Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)Effective June 30, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  50. Trades Permits | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  51. Plumbing Permit & Plan Review FeesCity of Long Beach, Community Development Department, Building and Safety BureauEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  52. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee ScheduleCity of Oakland (Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building Department section)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  53. Minneapolis Plumbing Fee ScheduleCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewChecked November 7, 2026
  54. City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective October 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-288)City of Arlington, Planning & Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  55. 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Flat-Rate Fee, Revised 08/2026, Form #A175)City of Aurora, Development Services Department, Building DivisionRevised August 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  56. City of Austin Fee Schedule | Residential Building Plan Review & Inspection Permit FeesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026