Plumbing Permit

Plumbing Permit Procedures

1. Who may prepare Plans, Reports, Calculations, etc?
   • Plumbing plans and calculations shall be stamped and signed in accordance with the California Business and Professions Code. The plumbing plans and calculations shall be signed by a licensed mechanical engineer. An architect or civil engineer can sign the Plumbing plans only if he or she has designed the project as the responsible designer of the plumbing system. A mechanical contractor can sign and stamp the plumbing plans and calculations and/or Title 24 energy compliance for the plumbing system only if he/she is responsible for both the design and installation of the system. Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2: 7.1
   • Plumbing Permit Expiration and Extension
2. Additions and Modifications to the California Codes
   • Adoption of the California Plumbing Code – Chapter 14, Article 7, Division 1
   • Local Additions to Plumbing Standards – Chapter 14, Article 7, Division 2
   • Additional Plumbing Regulations for Water and Energy Conservation – Chapter 14, Article 7, Division 3
   • Other Water-Conserving Plumbing Material – Chapter 14, Article 7, Division 4

A plumbing permit is not required for the following plumbing work however, exemption from the permit requirements of the Plumbing Regulations does not authorize any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the Plumbing Regulations or any other applicable local or state regulations. Learn more about exemptions from a plumbing permit. 

• Stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe; however, this exemption does not apply for the replacement of any drain pipe, soil, waste or vent pipe with new material in any part as part of the repair.
• Clearing of stoppages, or the repair of leaks in soil, waste, or vent pipes, valves, fixtures, or replacement of exposed traps in existing plumbing systems serving lavatories, sinks, laundry trays or similar fixtures.
• Replacement in kind of plumbing fixtures, unless the installation requires an alteration or replacement of drainage, waste, vent or water supply piping.

1. Single Dwelling Unit/Duplex
   • Plumbing plans are not required for one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses, as defined in the California Residential Code, and their accessory structures.
   • When plumbing fixtures are present, show all existing, proposed and relocated plumbing fixtures.  Plumbing equipment location, size, make and model of proposed water heater must be shown.   Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2A: 5.1.5 – 5.1.6
   • Energy calculations are required for all new buildings and additions to building except accessory structures or non-habitable areas. Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2A: 9.0
2. All Other Buildings and Structures, Construction Permits – Structures, Section 2: 7.0
   • Plumbing plans and calculations are required for all buildings and structures other than one-and two-family dwellings except when the installation qualifies for a no-plan permit (Simple Permit).
3. Temporary Plumbing/Gas Permits.
   • See San Diego Municipal Code Section 129.0402 and/or Section 129.0403 for all information regarding temporary Plumbing/Gas Permits.