Refrigeration Permit
What Is It?
You need a City of Seattle refrigeration contractor's license to obtain a City of Seattle refrigeration permit. You can apply for a contractor’s license through the Seattle Service Portal under Licenses – Trade & Equipment. You need a refrigeration permit whenever a refrigeration system is assembled on site. The contractor or employee installing the system must have a valid City of Seattle refrigeration mechanic's license that is appropriate for the refrigerant used in the system.
You may also need to meet other requirements, including:
- Getting a separate mechanical permit
- Complying with the Seattle noise ordinance, when installing components outside of your building or if your building openings cause sound to affect a neighboring, receiving property
- Getting a refrigeration operating permit, under certain circumstances, if the system is over 50 horsepower
- Getting a business license if you are working in Seattle, even if your office is outside the city
How Much Does It Cost?
We charge a base permit fee for refrigeration installations, plus an additional amount for each compressor. All fees are subject to an additional technology fee. See our Fee Subtitle link below for fee details. Our fee for refrigeration repair or alteration permits is based on the value of the work.
How Long Does It Take?
We issue most refrigeration permits within a couple days after you apply.
Steps to Get Your Permit
Start your application. Complete the Refrigeration Permit (under Permits - Trade, Construction, and Land Use) online using the Seattle Services Portal.
You will need:
- The work site address
- Owner or tenant name, phone, and address
- Contractor name, phone, address, refrigeration contractor license number, and City of Seattle business license number
- Description of installation
- The tonnage of each compressor and number of units
You cannot complete your application without a licensed refrigeration contractor associated with your project.
Pay final fees.
Print your permit.
Request an inspection. You need a cover and final inspection for your project. These can be done at the same time, if everything is ready. The inspector will make this determination on site. If you have an associated mechanical permit, schedule your mechanical inspections at the same time as the refrigeration inspections, if possible.
You can request an inspection online on the Seattle Services Portal.
You can also call our 24-hour inspection request line at (206) 684-8900 before 7:00 a.m. on the day you need the inspection.