HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

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. Minnesota Mechanical Contractor Bond Requirement

   Minnesota does not license mechanical (HVAC) contractors through an exam-based license — there is no state Mechanical Contractor license and no state exam. Instead, businesses must file a $25,000 mechanical contractor bond with the Department of Labor and Industry in order to contract to perform gas, heating, ventilation, cooling, air conditioning, fuel burning or refrigeration work. Individual city or township licensing requirements may still apply on top of the state bond.

   Official government source

   $100 filing fee for the bond and $100 to renew, plus the premium charged by the surety for the $25,000 bond itself·A filed bond is valid for two years and must be renewed with a new $100 filing before it expires

   $100 filing fee for the bond and $100 to renew, plus the premium charged by the surety for the $25,000 bond itself

   A filed bond is valid for two years and must be renewed with a new $100 filing before it expires

1. City of Minneapolis Mechanical Permit

   Minneapolis requires a mechanical permit for heating, ventilation, gas and air conditioning work. Permits are issued by Minneapolis Development Review in the Community Planning and Economic Development department, and the contractor doing the work must hold a City of Minneapolis trade licence. Separate fee schedules apply to existing residential work and to new residential and commercial construction, and refrigeration and gas burner installations are priced separately.

   Official government source

   New residential and commercial HVAC: $84.20 minimum, then 1.99% of the value of work up to $50,000, or $995 plus 1.28% of the value above $50,000. Refrigeration and gas burner permits have a $85.20 minimum (including the $1 state surcharge); gas burners are $73.30 up to 399,999 Btu/hr and $291 at 400,000 Btu/hr and over. Add a state surcharge of 0.05% of the value of work.·Varies with plan review and inspection scheduling

   New residential and commercial HVAC: $84.20 minimum, then 1.99% of the value of work up to $50,000, or $995 plus 1.28% of the value above $50,000. Refrigeration and gas burner permits have a $85.20 minimum (including the $1 state surcharge); gas burners are $73.30 up to 399,999 Btu/hr and $291 at 400,000 Btu/hr and over. Add a state surcharge of 0.05% of the value of work.

   Varies with plan review and inspection scheduling

Official Sources

• Minneapolis CPED Permits
• Minnesota Department of Labor — Mechanical Contractors

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