Do I need a permit for HVAC work in
Dunwoody, Georgia?

Dunwoody HVAC permits — the key details

Dunwoody operates under Georgia's standard mechanical permit framework, codified in O.C.G.A. § 43-41, combined with the 2015 IECC and the International Mechanical Code (IMC). Any work that involves 'installation, alteration, or renovation of a mechanical system' triggers a permit requirement. In Dunwoody's official interpretation, this includes: replacement of existing furnaces, air handlers, or condensers (even if the new unit matches the old tonnage); any relocation or modification of supply or return ductwork; addition of new zones or thermostats; replacement or alteration of refrigerant lines; and installation of humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or fresh-air intakes. The one gray area is 'maintenance'—Dunwoody Building Department classifies routine filter changes, freon top-offs, and coil cleaning as non-permitted maintenance. However, if a technician recommends removing and replacing a compressor, that becomes an 'alteration' and requires a permit, even though the homeowner might view it as repair. The distinction hinges on whether the work changes the system's capacity, efficiency rating, or safety characteristics. When in doubt, file the permit; the city's phone line (verify current number with Dunwoody City Hall) can clarify in 15 minutes, and a permit pull costs only $150–$300.