Terms and Conditions for Mechanical (HVAC) Work

General

Work on an existing building or structure

Work authorized by this permit must comply with the General Terms and Conditions for Work on Existing Buildings and Structures.

Mechanical systems and equipment

Mechanical systems and equipment installed under this permit must comply with the edition of the Chicago Mechanical Code in effect at the time when the permit application was submitted to the Department of Buildings.

Openings and penetrations

This permit does not authorize new or expanded penetrations or openings in walls or floors that separate a residential unit or non-residential unit from another unit, a shared corridor, or a stairway. This permit does not authorize installation of any piping, ductwork, or equipment in an enclosed stairway or other type of exit. Where new material is installed in an existing opening, firestopping or other protection must be installed as required by the Chicago Building Code.

Outdoor equipment

New or replacement outdoor equipment may not produce sound having a sound pressure level greater than 55 dB(A) at a distance of 100 feet from the equipment, or 70 dB(A) at a distance of 10 feet from the equipment.

Commercial kitchen exhaust

This permit does not authorize new or reconfigured commercial kitchen exhaust ductwork. This permit does allow installation of new equipment connected to existing commercial kitchen exhaust ductwork where existing exhaust is appropriately sized, and the new equipment is described in the permit application.

Rooftop equipment

Rooftop equipment must be installed in accordance with the design prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer that was submitted with the permit application.

Equipment attached to a truss

New or replacement equipment that is attached to a truss must be installed in accordance with the design prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer that was submitted with the permit application.

Fuel Gas Piping

Materials

Fuel gas piping materials must comply with the Chicago Mechanical Code.

Installation and testing

Fuel gas piping installed under this permit must comply with Chapter 4 of the International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 edition, including its requirements for inspection, testing, and purging by the person performing the work.

Refrigerant Work

Technician certification

Individuals that install, service, or repair systems or equipment containing refrigerants must be certified technicians or apprentices working under the direct supervision of a certified technician pursuant to regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This is sometimes referred to as “Section 608 certification.”

Effective November 6, 2023