Chandler water heater replacement permit: when you need one

Not for a like-for-like replacement. Chandler's Homeowner Building Permit Manual (Work Exempt from Permit, item 10) lists "Like for like replacement of residential water heaters and water softeners, furnaces, pool or spa heating equipment, evaporative coolers, water treatment systems, circuit breakers and roof coverings where the replacement roof does not increase the load imposed upon the structural frame."

The city code says it more precisely for gas. City Code 29-6.7 adds a gas exemption to IRC R105.2: "Replacement of gas water heating equipment where the replacement equipment is of equal or lesser BTU capacity and is placed in the same location as the existing equipment." For electric heaters, the same section adds Plumbing item 5: "Replacement of electric water heating equipment where the replacement equipment is of equal or lesser amperage rating and is placed in the same location as the existing equipment." It also exempts water conditioning equipment of equal or lesser capacity in the same location, and adds "special cases" items that let the Building Official allow work of a similar nature.

Chandler adopted the 2024 International Residential Code with these amendments. The ordinance took effect July 1, 2025.

• Like for like: the same kind of heater, equal or lower capacity, in the same spot.
• BTU capacity: the heater's gas input rating, printed on its label.
• Exempt: a permit is not required; the code still applies.

It covers a homeowner or licensed contractor replacing a residential water heater. It does not cover new water heater installs where none existed, moving the heater, or changing the gas or water piping to serve it. The manual says a permit is needed for work that is not on its exempt list, and adds that exemption from the permit requirements "shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the code." Exempt work must still meet the code.

The straight swap. A 40-gallon gas heater fails. The plumber installs a 40-gallon gas unit with the same BTU rating in the same closet, using the existing gas line and water connections. No permit is needed under Chandler's exemption. The installer still has to follow the code and the manufacturer's instructions.

The inspection when a permit is needed. Chandler's inspection code 742 is "Water Heater Changeout." It is the inspection booked when a changeout does need a permit, such as an upsize, relocation or new piping.

The upsize. The family adds a bathroom and the plumber proposes a bigger gas heater with a higher BTU rating. That is not "equal or lesser BTU capacity," so it falls outside the gas exemption, and the job needs a permit.

The edge case: the garage move. A homeowner wants the heater relocated from the hall closet to the garage. The gas exemption requires the new equipment to be placed "in the same location as the existing equipment," so a relocation is not exempt even if the BTU rating is the same.

1. 1Confirm the new heater's BTU rating (gas) or amperage (electric) is equal to or less than the old one, and that it goes in the same spot.
2. 2If yes, no permit is required in Chandler. The installer still follows the code and the manufacturer's instructions.
3. 3If any answer is no, apply at the Development Services permit counter (215 E. Buffalo St., 480-782-3000) or through the city's online permit portal.
4. 4For a "does this qualify?" question, call the Plan Reviewer of the Day at 480-782-3078 or email prod@chandleraz.gov. The manual points permit-or-not questions there.
5. 5If a permit is issued, schedule the inspection by phone or through the CLICS portal at least one business day ahead.

• "Exempt means no rules." Exemption from the permit does not exempt you from the code.
• "Same size tank means same BTU." The gas exemption is by BTU capacity, not gallons.
• "Moving it a few feet is fine." The exemption requires the same location.
• "A landlord can pull the permit like an owner." The manual says that if you lease or rent your home to others, a licensed contractor is required to obtain the permit.

Chandler can change its exemptions by ordinance. This page reflects the 2024 IRC amendments in City Code 29-6 as checked on the date above. The Development Services counter has the final say on any specific job.