CAL.Regulation
California streamlines permits and caps fees for residential heat pumps
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 222 on September 28, 2026, adding Chapter 7.5 to the Government Code as a matter of statewide concern. Cities and counties must offer asynchronous inspections of residential heat pump water heater and HVAC installations by July 1, 2027, cap permit fees at $150 and $200 respectively, and run online real-time automated permitting for qualifying swapouts by July 1, 2028. Plug-in ready window heat pump units rated 120 volts or less need no permit or inspection.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- New Government Code Chapter 7.5, starting at Section 51297.50, applies statewide, including to charter cities.California Legislative Information
- Cities and counties must adopt and offer asynchronous inspections by July 1, 2027; contractor and inspector need not attend simultaneously.California Legislative Information
- Permit fees may not exceed $150 for heat pump water heaters and $200 for heat pump HVAC systems, with exceptions for small cities and counties.California Legislative Information
- Cities and counties must implement online real-time automated permitting for qualifying swapouts by July 1, 2028.California Legislative Information
- Plug-in ready, self-contained window heat pump or air-conditioner units rated 120 volts or less need no local permit or inspection.California Legislative Information
- Governor Newsom signed SB 222 on September 28, 2026; the law takes effect January 1, 2027.Office of the Governor
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of the Governor
Filed under
RegulationCal.SB 222 — Residential heat pump water heater or heat pump HVAC systemsComplianceEnergyEnvironmentalFor practitionersFor governance