According to the latest data, heat pumps, along with propane and natural gas, are one of the top replacements to heating oil for Hudson Valley homeowners. When comparing 2013 to 2023, 1,846 Ulster County homeowners have adopted heat pumps, along with 304 Columbia County homeowners and 560 in Greene County.
Once homeowners have compared different heating sources and their various strengths, the next question becomes legal and logistical. What permits are you going to need to install heat pumps in your home?
When you work with Precision HVAC, we’ll help you navigate all of the necessary building, electrical and potential zoning or historic permits and considerations that you may need. Here’s a town by town breakdown of all of the main places where we work with homeowners.
Saugerties Heat Pump Permits
In Saugerties, you need a building permit to install a ductless mini-split system. Their code enforcement says that “a building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code.” Permits can be obtained in person at Town Hall at 4 High Street in Saugerties.
You also need an electrical permit. Saugerties doesn’t have its own electrical inspectors on staff, so a certified third-party inspection is required from one of the town’s approved 3rd party inspectors. They’ll certify that all of the wiring meets code before a final sign-off.
The Town does not have a specific historic district review for typical homes. If you’re in the Village of Saugerties Historic District, the Village may require approval from the Historic Review Board for exterior changes.
Ultimately, the homeowner is responsible for ensuring the proper permits are obtained, but a contractor can apply for the building permit. If you’re caught doing work without a permit, Saugerties imposes a fine of 50% of the permit fee, with a minimum of $300.
Town of Ulster Heat Pump Permits
In the Town of Ulster, a building permit is required for ductless mini-split installations. Any significant alternation or addition to a building’s systems must be permitted.
There also is an electrical inspection approval required for the wiring connections. The Town provides a list of recognized third-party inspectors.
There is no special historic district in the Town of Ulster, so as long as you follow basic zoning rules about setbacks, you should be ok. There are some floodplain considerations as well; your building permit/inspection may advise about keeping your unit above base flood elevation.
Either the homeowner or contractor can apply for your permits, but ultimately, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are completed.
Town of Woodstock Heat Pump Permits
In the Town of Woodstock, you need a building permit to install a ductless mini split in a single family home. You will need to file it with the Woodstock Building Department at 45 Comeau Drive, including details like the unit’s model, size and where the indoor and outdoor units will be mounted.
An electrical inspection is required as well. This will be handled by third-party inspection.
In Central Woodstock, you may have zoning or historic considerations with the Hamlet Preservation District. Your permit application be be referred to the Woodstock Commission for Civic Design for review before approval. This review will ensure that exterior alterations don’t detract from historic or aesthetic character. Woodstock’s Scenic Overlay Districts may also ask that equipment is screened with vegetation if it’s visible from the road.
Like in other towns, the homeowner is ultimately responsible to ensure that permits are in place, but either the property owner or an agent/contractor can file the paperwork.
Town of Catskill Heat Pump Permits
In Catskill, you need a building permit for your ductless mini-split heat pump installation. The Town Code is clear: “no person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit.” You will need to submit a Building Permit Application that describes the scope of work along with any attached requirements. They’ll review it for code compliance and zoning before issuing the permit. The fee can either bee a flat rate or by project cost/square footage.
Catskill requires that you have electrical work certified by a third-party inspector, and the certification can be provided to the Town’s code enforcement officer.
The Village of Catskill has a Historic District that may present additional but achievable requirements. Outside of the village, your outdoor condenser unit(s) must respect property line setbacks.
Either the homeowner or the contractor can apply for the permit, but ultimately, it’s the homeowner’s final responsibility.
Town of Coxsackie Heat Pump Permits
Coxsackie homeowners need a building permit to install a ductless mini-split system. The Town code says that “all new construction, renovations, alterations [and] additions” need permits. Before any work begins, a building permit application must be filed; a mini-split might need a $100 fee.
For an electrical permit, a third-party electrical inspector must provide a certificate of approval.
In the Town, there are no special historic districts or design constraints beyond ensuring it’s not in a front yard setback. In the Village of Coxsackie, there may be historic preservation rules for exterior changes in certain areas.
Usually, your HVAC contractor will submit the necessary permits on your behalf with your signature, but it’s always good to double-check.
Town of Windham Heat Pump Permits
In Windham, a building permit is required for installing a ductless mini-split system in a single-family home. Submit a brief scope (unit count/BTUs, indoor/outdoor locations, line-set route) with your application to the Building & Code Enforcement office.
Electrical work must be inspected by a certified third-party electrical inspector. Your electrician or installer will arrange this inspection and provide the approval certificate to the town before final sign-off.
Windham doesn’t have special historic review for typical single-family homes. Follow standard zoning/setback rules and mount the outdoor unit high enough for snow clearance and away from property lines/windows to minimize noise impact.
Either the homeowner or contractor can apply; most residents have their HVAC contractor handle the paperwork. The Building/Code office is by appointment; plan ahead so permits and inspections line up with your installation schedule.
City of Hudson Heat Pump Permits
Hudson requires a building permit for ductless mini-split installations. Apply through the Code Enforcement office with a simple plan showing indoor head locations, the outdoor condenser location, and manufacturer specs.
Electrical work must be inspected by an approved third-party electrical inspector. Provide the inspector’s certificate to the city to obtain your final approval/Certificate of Compliance.
If your property is in a Hudson Historic District or is a designated landmark, you’ll also need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) before the building permit can be issued. Expect the HPC to prefer low-visibility placements (rear/side yards), tidy line-set covers, and screening where practical.
Either the homeowner or contractor may file the permit; many contractors submit on the owner’s behalf. If HPC review applies, be prepared to supply photos, a simple site sketch, and product info, and allow time for a meeting on the HPC calendar.
If you’re looking to install ductless mini-split heat pumps, Precision HVAC can pull the permits, coordinate electrical inspection, and more. Give us a call at (845) 399-0669 to set up a consultation.
