Two Types of Permits to Know About
When homeowners ask "do I need a permit?", they are usually thinking about a general building permit. But there are actually two distinct permit types that can apply to radon mitigation:
1. General Building Permit
Required when the work constitutes a structural alteration or a regulated mechanical system installation under the building code. For a standard sub-slab depressurization (SSD) system in an existing home, most states do not classify this as a regulated building permit trigger. You are adding a fan and running PVC pipe through a slab — not altering the structure.
Exceptions: some states treat the installation differently for new construction, additions, or homes in certain zoning classifications.
2. Electrical Permit
Required when any new electrical circuit, wiring, or outlet is installed — regardless of what it powers. Most radon mitigation fans are either plugged into an existing outlet (no permit in most jurisdictions) or wired to a dedicated new circuit (permit almost always required). This is a local permit, issued by your city, township, or county building department — not the state.
The practical rule: if your contractor needs to run new wire or add a new circuit breaker to power the fan, an electrical permit is almost certainly required. If they are plugging into an existing outlet and no new wiring is needed, most jurisdictions do not require a permit.
State-by-State Permit and Licensing Reference
The table below covers the 25 highest-radon states. "Building permit" refers to a state-level or general building permit specifically for the mitigation installation. "Electrical permit" is local and almost universally required for new circuits. "Contractor license" indicates whether the state requires certification to perform radon mitigation for compensation.
| State | Building Permit | Electrical Permit | Contractor License Required | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Not Required | Check Locally | Yes (PA DEP) | PA Guide → |
| Ohio | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | OH Guide → |
| Iowa | Not Required | Check Locally | Yes (Iowa DNR) | IA Guide → |
| Illinois | Not Required | Check Locally | Yes (IEMA) | IL Guide → |
| Minnesota | New Const. Only | Check Locally | Yes (MDH) | MN Guide → |
| Colorado | Not Required | Check Locally | Yes (CDPHE) | CO Guide → |
| Montana | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | MT Guide → |
| Indiana | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | IN Guide → |
| Michigan | Not Required | Usually Required | No State License | MI Guide → |
| Wisconsin | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | WI Guide → |
| New Jersey | Not Required | Usually Required | Yes (NJDEP) | NJ Guide → |
| Virginia | Not Required | Required | Yes (NRSB/NRPP) | VA Guide → |
| Maryland | Not Required | Check Locally | Yes (MDE) | MD Guide → |
| New York | Not Required | Usually Required | No State License | NY Guide → |
| Kentucky | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | KY Guide → |
| North Dakota | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | ND Guide → |
| South Dakota | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | SD Guide → |
| Nebraska | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | NE Guide → |
| Kansas | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | KS Guide → |
| Missouri | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | MO Guide → |
| Wyoming | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | WY Guide → |
| Utah | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | UT Guide → |
| Connecticut | Not Required | Usually Required | Yes (DEEP) | CT Guide → |
| Idaho | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | ID Guide → |
| Nevada | Not Required | Check Locally | No State License | NV Guide → |
Why Contractor Licensing Matters for Permits
In states that require licensed contractors (PA, IL, MN, CO, NJ, VA, MD, IA, CT), the permit process and the contractor verification process are intertwined. A licensed contractor in these states:
- Knows the current permit requirements for your municipality
- Is authorized to pull permits in their name
- Is accountable to a state licensing board if permits are not properly closed
- Must follow the AARST ANSI/SGM-SF installation standard as a condition of certification
In states without a licensing requirement (OH, IN, MI, WI, NY, KY, etc.), the absence of a license does not mean "no rules." It means the rules come from NRPP or NRSB national certification standards rather than a state enforcement body. A contractor who holds NRPP or NRSB certification in a non-licensing state is still bound by the same national installation standards.
The Three Questions to Ask Your Local Building Department
- "Does installing a radon mitigation system in an existing home require a building permit in your jurisdiction?" Most will say no. If yes, ask what form and fee is required.
- "If the installation requires a new electrical circuit for the fan, does that require an electrical permit?" Almost all will say yes to this one. Confirm the fee and whether your contractor must be a licensed electrician to pull it (some jurisdictions allow general contractors to pull electrical permits; others require a licensed electrician).
- "If a permit is required, what does the final inspection process look like — what will the inspector check?" This helps you and your contractor prepare for sign-off without surprises.
New Construction vs. Existing Homes: Different Rules
Everything in this guide applies to existing homes. New construction radon requirements are different — and in many states, more prescriptive.
Minnesota was the first state to require radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) techniques in its building code. Illinois, New Jersey, and several other states have followed with their own requirements. RRNC typically requires: a gas-permeable layer beneath the slab, a plastic sheeting vapor barrier, a PVC standpipe rough-in, and an electrical outlet roughed in near the standpipe — so that a fan can be added later without major work if the home tests high after occupancy.
If you are building a new home, ask your builder whether your state requires RRNC and whether the home will include a passive or active radon system rough-in.