FAQs • Prince George's County, MD • CivicEngage

When is a Mechanical Permit Required?: A mechanical permit is required to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a mechanical heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning system, the installation of which is regulated by the International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), or the International Residential Code (IRC), as appropriate. These pieces of equipment include, but are not limited to, furnaces, heat pumps, air-conditioning units, range hoods, cooling towers, chillers, fuel-oil tanks and piping systems, and boilers.

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Mechanical Section (Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement)

1. When is a Mechanical Permit Required?: A mechanical permit is required to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a mechanical heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning system, the installation of which is regulated by the International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), or the International Residential Code (IRC), as appropriate. These pieces of equipment include, but are not limited to, furnaces, heat pumps, air-conditioning units, range hoods, cooling towers, chillers, fuel-oil tanks and piping systems, and boilers.

2. What are the current, applicable Mechanical Codes used in Prince George's County?: The current Mechanical Codes used in Prince George’s County can be found on DPIE’s Building Codes & Bulletins page.

3. Who can apply for a mechanical permit?: Anyone applying for a mechanical permit will need a Mechanical (HVAC) contractor’s license.

5. Do I need a mechanical permit for just ductwork?: Yes, you will need a mechanical permit.

6. What kind of permit do I need if I am changing the existing unit with a new unit (same tonnage/same capacity) but not touching the ductwork or any other components?: You will need to take a mechanical trade (online) permit. Only a licensed mechanical contractor can pull this permit.

7. Can you issue permits for boilers?: No, all boiler permits must be handled by the State of Maryland. For more information, contact them by calling 410-767-233.

8. Do I need a smoke detector?: If the air distribution system is greater than 2,000 CFM, then, yes, you need smoke detectors on both supply and return air ducts.

9. Do I need a mechanical permit for walk-in coolers and freezers?: Yes, you will need a mechanical permit, and you will also need a building permit.

10. Do I need a building permit to get a mechanical permit for walk-in coolers and freezers?: Yes, you will need both permit types.

12. Where can I look up the status of my permit?: The status of your permit can be checked in ePlan.
online.

13. Can an architect sign and stamp mechanical drawings?: No. Only a State Licensed Professional Engineer (Mechanical) can seal and sign mechanical drawings.

14. Is a digital stamp and signature okay?: No, only original stamped and sealed drawings with the Principal Engineer's professional certification statement will be accepted.