HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

   Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

   Official government source

   $20–$60 (exam fee)·1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

   $20–$60 (exam fee)

   1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Denver Mechanical (HVAC) Contractor License — no Colorado state HVAC license

   Colorado has no statewide HVAC or mechanical contractor license. DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations lists only Accountancy, Architects/Engineers/Land Surveyors, Barber/Cosmetology, Combative Sports, Electrical, Landscape Architects, Nontransplant Tissue Banks, Outfitters, Passenger Tramway, Plumbing and Radon Professionals — there is no HVAC or mechanical board and no state exam. HVAC contractors are licensed locally: in Denver, Community Planning and Development issues the mechanical contractor license, which requires holding or employing someone who holds a Denver supervisor certificate. Denver does not reciprocate licenses from other counties or states.

   Official government source

   $0 for a state license (none exists). Denver's mechanical contractor license is $250, renewed every 3 years, plus $60 for the required supervisor certificate (also 3 years).·Obtain the supervisor certificate first; the Denver license is then applied for and paid through Denver e-permits once the application is approved.

   $0 for a state license (none exists). Denver's mechanical contractor license is $250, renewed every 3 years, plus $60 for the required supervisor certificate (also 3 years).

   Obtain the supervisor certificate first; the Denver license is then applied for and paid through Denver e-permits once the application is approved.

1. City and County of Denver — Mechanical Permit and Mechanical Contractor License

   Denver requires a mechanical permit for HVAC installation and replacement, issued by Community Planning and Development; some work qualifies for a 'quick permit' issued without plan review. The contractor must hold a Denver mechanical contractor license, which requires holding or employing someone who holds a Denver supervisor certificate. Denver does not reciprocate contractor licenses from other counties or states.

   Official government source

   Mechanical contractor license $250, renewed every 3 years, plus $60 for the supervisor certificate (also every 3 years). Permit fees are valuation-based per Table 1 of Denver's ADMIN 125/138 fee policy: $20 up to $500 of work, $35 up to $2,000, $35 plus $8 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000, $220 plus $8 per $1,000 up to $50,000, and so on, plus 50% of the permit fee for plan review on work over $2,000.·Quick permits for mechanical work are issued without plan review; other projects are issued after trade plan review, for which Denver publishes no fixed processing window.

   Mechanical contractor license $250, renewed every 3 years, plus $60 for the supervisor certificate (also every 3 years). Permit fees are valuation-based per Table 1 of Denver's ADMIN 125/138 fee policy: $20 up to $500 of work, $35 up to $2,000, $35 plus $8 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000, $220 plus $8 per $1,000 up to $50,000, and so on, plus 50% of the permit fee for plan review on work over $2,000.

   Quick permits for mechanical work are issued without plan review; other projects are issued after trade plan review, for which Denver publishes no fixed processing window.

Official Sources

• Denver Community Planning and Development

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