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Arlington Heights, IL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopted code
Illinois Plumbing Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890
Governing local section
§ 23-901, amended by § 23-903
WaterSense mandate
New fixtures/irrigation controllers (§ 23-902)
Hot water recirculation trigger
Over 50 ft. of supply piping (§ 890-1210)
Water heater install fee
$25.00 (§ 7-1104(a)(17))
Unpermitted work fine
$50.00-$750.00 per offense

Summary

Arlington Heights adopts the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 890) by reference in Section 23-901 for all plumbing work in the Village. Local amendments require WaterSense-labeled fixtures on new installations and, since a 2023 ordinance, hot water recirculation systems on long supply runs.

There is hereby adopted by reference the Illinois Administrative Code, Title 77: Public Health, Chapter I: Department of Public Health, Subchapter r: Water and Sewage, Part 890 Illinois Plumbing Code, for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for plumbing within the Village of Arlington Heights, as now or hereafter amended, except as modified by Section 23-903 of this Article. ... 1) Hot water systems for potable water use that exceed 50' of supply piping shall be installed with a hot water recirculation system.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 3 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Section 23-901 adopts the Illinois Administrative Code, Title 77, Part 890 (the Illinois Plumbing Code) as the Village's plumbing standard, as now or hereafter amended, except as modified by Section 23-903. Section 23-902, tied to 17 Ill. Adm. S. EPA WaterSense Program when a labeled option is available, covering both the Illinois Plumbing Code and the state's Lawn Irrigation Contractor and Lawn Sprinkler System Registration Code. Section 23-903 then locally amends the Illinois Plumbing Code itself: an ordinance effective August 21, 2023 (Ord. No. 2023-57, § 3) added a new subsection to Section 890-1210, Design of a Building Water Distribution System, requiring that any hot water system for potable use exceeding 50 feet of supply piping include a hot water recirculation system, with a pump, timer, and full-port ball valves on both sides where a gravity system will not work.

00 each. As with the rest of Chapter 23, plumbing permits are issued through the Building Division, and work performed without the required permit, or that deviates from approved plans without written Village authorization, is enforceable under Chapter 23's general penalty section.

Violations & Fines

Installing plumbing without a permit, or deviating from Village-approved plans without written authorization from the Director of Building, violates Section 23-108 and carries a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $750.00 per offense, in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy the Village may pursue, including a stop-work order under Section 23-109 that carries the same fine range for noncompliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code applies in Arlington Heights?
The Village adopts the Illinois Plumbing Code, found at 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890, by reference in Section 23-901, as amended from time to time, subject to the local modifications listed in Section 23-903.
Do new plumbing fixtures need to be WaterSense certified?
Yes, when a labeled option is available. Section 23-902 requires all new plumbing fixtures and irrigation controllers installed after its effective date to bear the WaterSense label under the EPA WaterSense Program, citing 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3730.307(c)(4).
Does a long hot water line need a recirculation system?
Yes. A 2023 amendment to Section 890-1210 requires any hot water system for potable use with more than 50 feet of supply piping to include a hot water recirculation system, using a pump and timer with full-port ball valves where gravity flow will not work (Ord. No. 2023-57).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Arlington Heights

All Arlington Heights rules

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