Permit guides › Philadelphia › PHL-CR-05
Mechanical Permit (HVAC, kitchen hood, gas piping): Philadelphia restaurant guide
Philadelphia L&I
What it is
Approval for HVAC, ductwork, commercial kitchen exhaust hoods with make-up air, and natural-gas equipment and piping.
When a restaurant needs it
New or altered HVAC, any commercial kitchen hood, or gas piping/appliances.
How to apply
Filed in eCLIPSE with plans; a licensed contractor performs the work and sheet-metal work is done by a registered sheet metal technician.
Documents you’ll need
- Mechanical plans
- Exhaust fan, make-up air fan and listed hood specifications
- Gas piping layout if applicable
Fee
Minimum $189; kitchen hoods $158 each; $15.10 per register/diffuser; $100 filing fee credited; surcharges
Processing time
20 business days with plans (5 accelerated for $1,050)
Renewal
Expires with the job
Who files
Filed by the owner's agent (usually the design professional or licensed mechanical contractor); a licensed contractor must do the work.
Good to know
A kitchen hood permit must be issued before L&I will issue the kitchen fire-suppression (EZ) permit.
Official source
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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.