Mechanical Permits

When applying for a commercial mechanical permit, the following items are required:

Trade Permit Application (PDF)
Two (2) copies of the plans and specifications of the proposed work shall be submitted. Not all commercial projects will require a plan review. Contact our Commercial Plans Reviewer at (757) 890-3579 prior to submission for more information.

Mechanical plans and details shall include the following:

Building floor plan(s) with room designation, occupant load and CFM at each supply diffuser. (See Exhibit “A”)
Location(s) of mechanical systems components.
Supply, return and ventilation ductwork layout including sizes and material. (See Exhibit “A”)
All mechanical systems piping, including sizes and materials. (See Exhibit “B”)
Specifications shall include mechanical equipment, cooling, heating and outside air capacities, duct work and piping materials.
Insulation R-value for duct work and piping.
New buildings are required to comply with the energy conservation provisions of the Virginia Energy Code, submit documentation to support the mechanical design compliance i.e. ASHRAE 90.1, ComCheck (www.energycodes.gov/comcheck)
Mechanical plans and specification shall include the seal and signature of the design professional under whose supervision they were prepared OR if exempt under the provisions of Title 54.1-402 of the Virginia Code, the name, address and Master Tradesman card number of the Master Mechanic under whose supervision the documents were prepared shall be affixed to each page of the plans.

Energy plans for mechanical systems & equipment shall include the following:

Mechanical equipment data, plans and specifications of all mechanical work including:
- Equipment type, capacity (Btuh) and efficiency (peak and part-load).
- System design air flow rates (cfm).
- Details of equipment/system sizing.
- System and/or zone control capabilities including terminal device schedule, provisions for humidity control (where applicable) and the corresponding testing of system controls.
- Provisions for automatic setback/shutdown.
- Indicate supply and exhaust systems to have automatic shutoff or volume reduction dampers.
- Energy consumed by fans in the form of an Air Transport Factor (ATF) and pumps.
Economizers (air or water) including provisions for integrated control.
Duct construction and system static pressure(s), including provisions for sealing.
Duct and/or hydronic-piping lining and insulation materials.
Provisions for air and/or hydronic system balancing.
Boiler and water heater equipment and piping details including safety controls and distribution piping layout.