California Legislature Passes Heat Pump Permitting Bill

California lawmakers have passed a bill meant to make it faster and cheaper to install heat pumps in existing homes. Senate Bill 222, the Heat Pump Access Act, would set a standard permitting process across the state's roughly 600 local jurisdictions, replacing the current patchwork of rules, fees, and inspection requirements that can slow down installations and add to their cost. The bill passed both chambers of the legislature and now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto it.

If signed, the law would require local governments to offer automated permitting for standard heat pump jobs, issue a single permit instead of multiple approvals, cap and clarify permit fees, and post permitting rules online. Starting July 2027, jurisdictions would have to allow inspections that don't require the contractor and inspector on site at the same time. By July 2028, they'd need a fully automated online system that issues permits in real time when requirements are met. The bill also limits how much homeowners associations can restrict heat pump HVAC systems and heat pump water heaters. It does not apply to new construction, only upgrades to existing homes.

Supporters point to data suggesting homeowners save an average of $304 a year by switching to a heat pump for heating and cooling, and $97 a year with a heat pump water heater. They also cite a survey finding over 90% of heat pump owners are satisfied with their systems. If you're considering a heat pump for your own house, this bill could eventually mean less paperwork and a quicker permitting process, though the timeline depends on how fast your local government adopts the new rules.