Do I need a permit for HVAC work in
Burien, Washington?

Burien HVAC permits — the key details

Washington State Energy Code (adopted by Burien) requires all HVAC equipment replacements to meet minimum efficiency standards, and those standards vary by the climate zone your home sits in. If you're west of I-5 (zone 4C), your heat pump or air conditioner must achieve at least SEER 13 and HSPF 8.5; if you're east of I-5 (zone 5B), SEER 14 and HSPF 9.5. This isn't academic — it means a contractor can't just drop in the cheapest unit and call it legal. The permit application asks for equipment specifications (nameplate SEER, HSPF, tonnage), and the Building Department cross-checks those specs against current code before issuing the permit. If the equipment doesn't meet the zone requirement, the permit is denied and you'll either upgrade the unit or request a variance (rare, and typically denied for new/replacement systems). Equally important: ductwork must be sealed and insulated. The 2021 Energy Code requires ductwork serving heated/cooled spaces to have R-8 minimum insulation in unheated attics and basements, and all duct joints must be sealed with mastic or metal tape — not exposed screws and hope. A permit application for ductwork replacement or new runs includes a duct design drawing (HVAC contractor usually provides) showing sizes, insulation, and sealing details. The Building Department's plan review (2–5 business days for ductwork jobs) verifies that the design matches the home's heating/cooling load and meets code. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that adding a second upstairs zone or converting a space heater to central heat triggers a full duct design review; the city can't issue a permit based on a handshake and a handwritten note.