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Do I need a permit to replace an AC unit in Las Vegas?
Source: Vegas HVAC Help (vegashvachelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Unincorporated Clark County
Clark County says every equipment change out needs a permit and an inspection of the final installation, even swapping a 4 ton unit for a 4 ton unit. Relocating or adding duct work in a single-family home also needs a permit, with the work left open until it is inspected. (source: Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention)
| Job | Clark County simple online permit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| A/C furnace replacement | Under 5 tons, one appliance per permit | (source: Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Condenser pump combo | Replacement, one appliance per permit | (source: Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Furnace replacement | Under 100K or over 100K, one appliance per permit | (source: Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention) checked November 2, 2026 |
City of Las Vegas
The City of Las Vegas lists heating, ventilation and air-conditioning exact change outs and repairs as an online permit with no plans. Other HVAC work needs plans submitted and reviewed. (source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
The City of Las Vegas homeowner guide says a permit is required to: (source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
- Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system.
- Install or change any part of an unvented decorative appliance.
- Install bathroom fans, dryer exhausts, kitchen range exhausts, and appliances that are required to be vented.
(source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
The City of Las Vegas has a year-round amnesty program that lets homeowners self-disclose non-permitted or non-code-compliant work in their homes without any penalties for the required plan review and permit fees. Building and Safety: (702) 229-6251. (source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Mesquite run their own building departments. Clark County says permits come from the building department in your jurisdiction, so check with your city before work starts. (source: Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention)
On this site: What license does a Las Vegas HVAC contractor need? · Who can repair or replace an AC system in Nevada? · Do I need a permit to replace an AC unit in Las Vegas? · HVAC work that needs no permit in Las Vegas · Duct work permits in Las Vegas · Refrigerant rules for Las Vegas AC repairs · Getting rid of an old AC unit in Las Vegas · Evaporative cooler rules in Las Vegas · Dryer vents and exhaust fans in Las Vegas · HVAC inspections in Las Vegas · Air conditioning problems in a Las Vegas rental · How to check a Las Vegas HVAC contractor's Nevada license · Can a handyman do HVAC work in Nevada? · What happens if an unlicensed HVAC contractor works in Nevada? · What must a Nevada HVAC contract include? · How much deposit can a Nevada HVAC contractor ask for? · The Nevada Residential Recovery Fund · How to file a complaint about a Las Vegas HVAC contractor · Cancelling a HVAC deal signed at your door in Nevada · Doing your own HVAC work in Las Vegas · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention: How Do I? (frequently asked questions) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention: Building: Simple Online Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Las Vegas Building and Safety: Online Permits List (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Las Vegas Building and Safety: When Do I Need a Permit? A Homeowner's Guide (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Las Vegas Building and Safety: Building and Offsite Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
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