Changing out a furnace or AC on the Central Coast? Here is the permit, town by town

These are the rules from the cities and the county, in plain words. The official page always has the last word.

Or call us:

Yes. Log in to Salinas Paperless Permits, start a new SIMPLE permit application and select MECHANICAL.
When the job is more than a simple change out, Salinas may require a building permit; the Permit Center takes calls and email at epermit@ci.salinas.ca.us.

Monterey County

Yes. Monterey lists mechanical work, heating and cooling systems, among the jobs that need permits, and minor mechanical work may be issued over the counter.
Beginning January 7, 2026, applications may also be filed through www.mymontereyportal.org, and only licensed contractors or building owners may take out a permit.

Monterey County

Every new installation, replacement, alteration or major repair of an HVAC system needs a building permit in Santa Barbara.
Like-for-like replacements at single-unit homes and duplexes can be permitted online through the On-Demand Permit Portal when they meet the listed criteria.
Residential units that do not qualify get an Express Mechanical Permit, issued within 5 business days once accepted for review.
Santa Barbara's Sustainability and Resilience program covers the permit fees when an existing system is upgraded to a heat pump.
Apply for Mechanical and On-Demand permits through your Accela Citizen Access account.

Santa Barbara County

At least 5 feet from the nearest property line, and at least 10 feet from the front lot line when it sits in a front yard.
No louder than 53 dB at the property line.
Check your HOA's own approval process first; condominiums submit a copy of the HOA approval letter.

Santa Barbara County

Online at www.PasoPermits.com, with the documents or plans attached. Unsure whether you need one? Email or call the Building Division.
Paso Robles has adopted the 2025 California Mechanical Code.

San Luis Obispo County

Yes. The county's Express Permits can be submitted online by a California licensed contractor, and air conditioning or heating unit replacement is one of the examples it gives.
The online Express Permit works only on parcels zoned RMF, RR, RS or RSF; other parcels go to the county counter.
That covers Templeton, Nipomo, Los Osos, Cambria, Cayucos, Avila Beach, Oceano, San Miguel, Santa Margarita, Shandon, Creston and San Simeon.