Heat Pump Space Conditioning Systems Instant Permit

Step 1.Does my project qualify? 

• Only contractors with a C20 license can apply for and obtain this instant permit.
• The subject property shall be a detached residential single-family home, duplex, or ADU.
• The project scope shall only involve installing a new or replacement of up to 3 systems, including furnace/air handler installation and associated ducting. 
• Only heat pump systems with a noise level rating under 65 dBA are allowed in the instant permit process.
• The system(s) may not be installed on the roof or between the public right-of-way and the home, and may not be visible from the public right-of-way.
• Note: This instant permit process will calculate the minimum required distance setback for the system to be installed from the nearest property line. Inspectors will be measuring compliance with the provided distance. This instant permit will calculate total noise for clusters of heat pump systems within 10 feet of one another. Please submit an additional instant permit if there are clusters of heat pump systems that are greater than 10 feet apart.
  
  

Step 2.What do I need before I apply?

Project information such as:

• Project valuation (including labor and materials)
• Number of heat pump system(s) to be installed
• Location of where each system will be installed relative to the home and the distance between heat pump systems and existing noise producing equipment
• Whether any ducting will be replaced with the installation
• Location of condensate drain termination
• Equipment specifications: Make, model, capacity, voltage, amperage, system type, noise levels

Upload the following documents:

• A completed Residential Load Calculation worksheet (Complete the Residential Electric Load Calculator worksheet from our Building Permits Forms page)
• Equipment Specifications
• CF1R form completed by a HERS rater

Step 3.Things to Note after Permit Issuance

Please review the issued permit packet for next steps. It will include guidelines for a successful installation and the minimum required setback from the nearest property line for installation that will be inspected.

A few post-permit issuance documents must be uploaded to the permit record prior to scheduling a final inspection:

• A completed CF2R report completed by a HERS rater
• A completed CF3R report completed by a HERS rater
• A completed SB 407 Certificate of Compliance form (find this on our Building Permits Forms page)
• A completed Self-Certification for Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Alarms form (find this on our Building Permits Forms page)

Without the following documents, an inspection cannot be scheduled. Please have a printed copy of the permit packet and all other uploaded documents on site for inspection.

Step 1.Register or Login to ACA

Register - Create an Account in our User Portal, Accela Citizen Access (ACA)

Accela Citizen Access Portal

Having issues creating an account?

Follow this guide to register/create an account on the ACA Portal. 

If you are having technical difficulties with your account, please email pdsdata@paloalto.gov. 

Step 2.Obtain a Permit through the "Building" tab

Follow the steps below to create an Instant Building Permit application:

1. Click on the Building tab
2. Click on the "Create Application" text in the green banner
3. Select the "Heat Pump Space Conditioning Systems: New, retrofit, or replacement of space conditioning system (heat pump, furnace/air handler) and associated ductwork (detached single-family, duplex, and ADUs)" permit type

For step-by-step instructions with images, follow this guide(PDF, 735KB).

For additional guidance on the online permitting portal, review the ACA User Guide(PDF, 2MB). If you are having technical difficulties, please email pdsdata@paloalto.gov. 

Step 3.Check if your Project Qualifies

Complete the project qualification questions to see if your project qualifies for a heat pump space conditioning systems instant permit. If the project does not qualify, please submit a Building Pre-Application.

Step 4.Provide Project Details

Provide details related to the project. Make sure to read everything thoroughly and provide accurate details for a smooth inspection process. 

Step 5.Upload Required Documents & Pay Permit Fees

The following are required documents that need to be uploaded prior to permit issuance:

1. A completed Residential Load Calculation worksheet (Complete the Residential Electric Load Calculator worksheet from our Building Permits Forms page)
2. Equipment Specifications
3. CF1R form completed by a HERS rater

Once your document(s) are uploaded, review your application inputs and pay for permit fees. 

Step 6.Review the Permit Issuance Email and Permit Packet for Next Steps

Please review the email and packet for further instructions. To view and download your permit card / packet:

• Open your record summary using the "View Record Details" button
• Click on the "Record Info" dropdown at the top of the record
• Select the Attachments" option in the dropdown

Please review the issued permit card / packet before completing any work to ensure accuracy or appropriate next steps. Post-permit issuance documents are required to be uploaded to the record prior to scheduling a final inspection. 

If you have a question regarding Building Permits, please call (650)329-2496 or e-mail building@paloalto.gov. If you would like to schedule an appointment with staff, please book an appointment here.