HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

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. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — HVAC Contractor License

   Michigan requires HVAC contractors to hold a Mechanical Contractor license from LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes. A qualifying individual must hold a Master Mechanical (HVAC) license. Applicants must pass a state exam (administered by PSI) and meet work-experience requirements (3 years/6,000 hours, credit available for a 2-year HVAC program). The state application does not list a specific liability-insurance minimum as a licensing condition; workers' compensation is required generally under Michigan law if you have employees.

   Official government source

   $300 initial Mechanical Contractor license fee (LARA BCC-11 application); PSI exam fee paid separately·6–12 weeks

   $300 initial Mechanical Contractor license fee (LARA BCC-11 application); PSI exam fee paid separately

   6–12 weeks

1. Detroit BSEED — Mechanical Permit for HVAC

   Detroit requires a mechanical permit for HVAC installation, issued by BSEED. HVAC contractors must hold a Michigan mechanical contractor license from LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes — Detroit does not license HVAC contractors itself (unlike electrical, which Detroit does license locally). The state license is used to obtain a BSEED Mechanical Contractors Registration, which is what allows the contractor to pull mechanical permits in the city.

   Official government source

   BSEED Mechanical Contractors Registration $23 (renewed annually). Mechanical permit fees are per unit, not a flat per-project range: burner installation or replacement $142 (input up to 500,000 BTU) or $231 (over 500,000 BTU); combination gas-oil burner $425; alterations to an existing burner or furnace $148; central heating unit, conversion burner, or floor furnace $203; ductwork installation $200; fan coil units, VAV units, and ERVs $200 each; gas piping system permit $127 per system; exhaust system $176; hot water tank $117; preliminary inspection $100 per visit. Mechanical plan review adds 7% of the permit fee. Biennial certificates of inspection are $85 or $220 per unit by input rating. BSEED Fee Schedule eff. 1/1/2024, mod. 7/18/2025.·Varies with plan review and inspection scheduling; BSEED publishes no guaranteed permit turnaround (needs_review)

   BSEED Mechanical Contractors Registration $23 (renewed annually). Mechanical permit fees are per unit, not a flat per-project range: burner installation or replacement $142 (input up to 500,000 BTU) or $231 (over 500,000 BTU); combination gas-oil burner $425; alterations to an existing burner or furnace $148; central heating unit, conversion burner, or floor furnace $203; ductwork installation $200; fan coil units, VAV units, and ERVs $200 each; gas piping system permit $127 per system; exhaust system $176; hot water tank $117; preliminary inspection $100 per visit. Mechanical plan review adds 7% of the permit fee. Biennial certificates of inspection are $85 or $220 per unit by input rating. BSEED Fee Schedule eff. 1/1/2024, mod. 7/18/2025.

   Varies with plan review and inspection scheduling; BSEED publishes no guaranteed permit turnaround (needs_review)

Official Sources

• Detroit BSEED — Mechanical Permits
• Michigan LARA — Mechanical Contractors

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