Permit Required
Do you need a permit to install a water heater?
Replacing or installing a tank or tankless water heater.
The general rule
Permit Required under the general IRC R105.1 / M1305 baseline. Replacement and new installs generally require a plumbing and/or mechanical permit and inspection.
This is a general starting point. Your city may have its own rule — always confirm locally. Verified city rules are listed below.
Verified rules by city
| City | Permit? | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | Permit Required | 2026-06-26 |
| Chicago, IL | Permit May Be Required | 2026-06-26 |
| Dallas, TX | Permit Required | 2026-06-26 |
| Denver, CO | Permit Required | 2026-06-26 |
| Houston, TX | Permit Required | 2026-06-26 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Permit Required | 2026-06-26 |
| New York, NY | Permit May Be Required | 2026-06-26 |
| Phoenix, AZ | No Permit Required | 2026-06-26 |
| San Diego, CA | Permit Required | 2026-06-26 |