Annapolis, MD Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2021 International Plumbing Code (amended)
- Permit issuer
- Director of Planning and Zoning
- Applicant
- Must be licensed master plumber
- Permit term
- 120 days to start; 2-year max
- Violation fine
- $200 per day (§ 17.28.150)
Summary
Annapolis requires a permit for any plumbing or drainage work, signed by a licensed master plumber, before installing, altering, or removing fixtures, piping, or connections under the city's 2021 International Plumbing Code.
No plumbing system, no bathtub, washbowl, sink or water closet, urinal or any other plumbing or drainage fixture shall be installed, altered or removed, no drainage connection of any kind shall be made and no sewer, house drain, soil pipe, waste pipe, vent pipe or water-supply pipe shall be placed, connected, altered or removed in or about any building or structure without a permit signed by the Director of Planning and Zoning or his or her designee; provided, however, that no permit is required for the repair of water leaks, where there is no interference with the original design of construction. All applications for permits shall be submitted in writing on forms prescribed by the Director of Planning and Zoning or his or her designee and shall be signed by a currently licensed master plumber.
(Ord. O-26-03 § 1 (part): Ord. O-38-01 § 1 (part): Ord. O-54-95 § 1 (part): prior code § 6-30)
(Ord. No. O-12-16 Amended, § I, 5-23-2016)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Annapolis Code § 17.28.080 requires a permit before any plumbing system, fixture, or drainage connection is installed, altered, or removed, including sewer, soil, waste, vent, or water-supply pipe work; no permit is needed to repair a water leak without changing the original design. Applications go to the Director of Planning and Zoning and must be signed by a currently licensed master plumber. The city adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code as its Plumbing Code, with local amendments such as required grease interceptors and backflow-preventer repair deadlines (§ 17.28.020). A plumbing permit is valid for work begun within 120 days and expires after two years unless tied to a building permit (§ 17.28.110).
Violations & Fines
Violating the Plumbing Code is a municipal infraction carrying a $200.00-per-day fine under § 17.28.150; the Director of Planning and Zoning enforces the code and issues citations under § 17.28.140.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for minor plumbing repairs in Annapolis?
Who can sign a plumbing permit application in Annapolis?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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