Do I need a permit for HVAC work in
Upper Arlington, Ohio?

Upper Arlington HVAC permits — the key details

Upper Arlington enforces the Ohio Building Code (2023 edition, based on the 2021 IBC with state amendments). Per the city's adoption, all HVAC installations, replacements, and modifications affecting system capacity, ductwork routing, or refrigerant lines require a mechanical permit. The Ohio code references IRC M1703 (Combustion and Dilution Air) and requires that furnaces and water heaters have adequate fresh-air supply — in Upper Arlington's older neighborhoods with tight, original construction, this often means a dedicated outside-air duct, which many homeowners don't anticipate. New refrigerant lines must be insulated and sealed per EPA Section 608 standards, and duct systems must pass a duct-leakage test per ASHRAE 62.2 if the system is modified by more than 25% of total ductwork. The Building Department's online portal allows permit submission, but staff recommend calling ahead (phone number available via Upper Arlington's main city office) to confirm whether your specific project — replacement, new install, or duct-only modification — triggers a full plan review or expedited processing. Straight replacements (furnace, AC unit, or both, with no ductwork changes and existing combustion-air provisions) typically take 5–7 days for plan review; new construction or major ductwork rehabs take 10–14 days.