Plumbing
Yes for water heaters, sewer/water service, and relocated fixtures. Faucet swaps usually no.
Related permits1
Documents3
- Isometric or simple riser if required
- Water heater spec / pan / T&P routing
- Backflow data if required
Prepare3
Confirm the AHJ, whether the work is permitted, and who can pull the ticket. Clear zoning, flood, and utilities before you pay for a full set.
Confirm the Authority Having Jurisdiction
City limits, unincorporated county, and special districts are different desks. Use the address, not the mailing city. If two portals look plausible, call both and ask which one issues the permit for that folio / parcel.
Owner or GC
Decide whether the work is permitted
Most structural, MEP, envelope, and change-of-use work needs a permit. Cosmetic finishes usually do not. When in doubt, ask the building department in writing and keep the answer with the job file.
Owner or designer
Line up the people who can pull the permit
Many AHJs only issue to a licensed contractor, a registered design professional, or an owner-builder who signs an affidavit. Check the state license and any local business tax receipt before you apply.
GC / trades
Apply2
Assemble a complete submittal and file it in the official portal. Pay intake. Keep the record number. A complete application is not a permit.
Assemble the submittal
Application, site plan or survey, construction drawings, product approvals, energy forms, and owner / contractor affidavits. Incomplete packages are the most common reason a file sits.
Applicant
File in the official portal
Create the account on the AHJ portal, pay the intake fee, and keep the record number. Do not start work. A complete application is not a permit.
Applicant
Review2
Answer every comment, cloud the sheets, and resubmit the set the AHJ asked for. Issuance comes after fees and a stamped job copy.
Plan review and corrections
Building, zoning, fire, flood, and trade reviewers may each comment. Answer every comment in writing, cloud the sheets, and resubmit the full corrected set the AHJ asked for.
Designer + applicant
Issuance and job-site posting
Pay remaining fees, print or download the approved set, and post the permit card where the inspector can see it. The stamped set is the only legal job copy.
Applicant
Build1
Build only what the last ticket allows. Call inspections before you conceal work. The approved set on site is the only legal job copy.
Pressure-test before concealment
Have the test on the gauge when the inspector arrives. Underground work is inspected before backfill.
Plumber
Close out2
Trade finals, then building final. Ask the department to close the file. Keep the CO / CC, as-builts, and product papers with the property.
Final inspections
Trade finals usually precede the building final. Do not conceal failed work. Bring the approved set, prior tickets, and special-inspection reports.
GC
Close the file
Ask the department to final the permit. Collect the certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion, or finaled card. Keep as-builts, product approvals, and elevation certificates with the property.
Owner + GC
Inspections3
Underground
Before backfill
- Bedding correct
- Test on
Rough plumbing
Walls open
- Test on
- Supports in
Plumbing final
Fixtures set
- T&P to approved termination
- Backflow if required
Closeout1
- Plumbing final
Watch-outs1
- Water heaters have pan, T&P, expansion, and combustion-air rules that fail more finals than the tank itself.