Mechanical: FAQs
When is a permit required?
For all work not listed in Exempt work.
For all work not listed in Exempt work.
For Mechanical work see SBC-4-2010 (IMC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §106 Permits
106.2 Permits not required. Permits shall not be required for the following:
1. Portable heating appliances;
2. Portable ventilation appliances and equipment;
3. Portable cooling units;
4. Steam, hot water or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment or appliances regulated by this code;
5. The replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of equipment or an appliance or make such equipment or appliance unsafe;
6. Portable evaporative coolers;
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems that contain 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or less of refrigerant, or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less; and
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
106.2 Permits not required. Permits shall not be required for the following:
1. Portable heating appliances;
2. Portable ventilation appliances and equipment;
3. Portable cooling units;
4. Steam, hot water or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment or appliances regulated by this code;
5. The replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of equipment or an appliance or make such equipment or appliance unsafe;
6. Portable evaporative coolers;
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems that contain 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or less of refrigerant, or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less; and
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Residential work see SBC-2-2010 (IRC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §105 Permits
Residential work see SBC-2-2010 (IRC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §105 Permits
How much will the permit cost?
See the fee schedule for Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Plumbing. (see matrix in Guide to Permitting for clarification)
Who can take out a permit and who can do the work?
A Rhode Island licensed contractor with the appropriate license for the type of work being performed may take out a permit and his licensed employees may perform the work.
A home owner of a single family residence, owner occupied, may take out a permit if they perform the work without help.
What inspections are required?
At a minimum a Rough Inspection is required before drywall is installed or the work is covered up in any way.
And a Final Inspection is required when the project is complete.
For Mechanical work see SBC-4-2010 (IMC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §107 Inspections.
At a minimum a Rough Inspection is required before drywall is installed or the work is covered up in any way.
And a Final Inspection is required when the project is complete.
For Mechanical work see SBC-4-2010 (IMC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §107 Inspections.
What kind of materials can be used on the job?
Only approved materials per the Mechanical Code see SBC-4-2010 (IMC 2009 with RI amendments)
Only approved materials per the Mechanical Code see SBC-4-2010 (IMC 2009 with RI amendments)
Are any other approvals or permits required other than the Mechanical Permit?
Approval from the Department of Fire Prevention and Alarm is often required (Plans for those departments are dropped off here with all other required documents). Contact all appropriate non-City authorities, (State Board of Health, etc.) as required, see Guide to Permitting for further information.
Can a permit be issued the same day or while I wait?
For most work the Permit may be obtained at the counter while you wait, however; large scale projects may require plan review, which can take from 15 to 30 business days.
For most work the Permit may be obtained at the counter while you wait, however; large scale projects may require plan review, which can take from 15 to 30 business days.
Are the codes available for reference?
Code books are available from the Rhode Island State Building Commission. They may be available at your public library (they are not available on line, except for purchase.) See State of Rhode Island Building Code Commission or NASCLA Publications, Inc.
Code books are available from the Rhode Island State Building Commission. They may be available at your public library (they are not available on line, except for purchase.) See State of Rhode Island Building Code Commission or NASCLA Publications, Inc.