Austin, TX Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code
- Included appendices
- A, B, C, D, E, G, I, J, K, M, N
- Permit required by
- Sec. 25-11-32(A)(1)
- Local amendments in
- Sec. 25-12-153
- Publisher
- IAPMO
Summary
Austin has adopted the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, with local deletions and additions, as its Plumbing Code under Austin City Code Sec. 25-12-151. Plumbing work is separately permit-gated: Section 25-11-32 requires a building permit for any activity regulated by the Plumbing Code before work begins.
(A)The Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials ("2024 Uniform Plumbing Code") and Appendices A, B, C, D, E, G, I, J, K, M, and N are adopted and incorporated by reference into this section with the deletions in Subsection (B) and the amendments in Section 25-12-153 (Local Amendments to the Uniform Plumbing Code).
Full Breakdown
Section 25-12-151(A) adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, along with Appendices A, B, C, D, E, G, I, J, K, M, and N, incorporating them by reference as Austin's Plumbing Code. 0, Chapter 13, and numerous numbered sections in the 1100 through 1600 series, each replaced or supplemented by the local amendments in Section 25-12-153. Section 25-12-152 clarifies that any reference in the City Code to the 'Plumbing Code' means this 2024 UPC as locally amended, and defines 'this code' within the plumbing article to mean the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted.
As with electrical work, adopting the code text is only half the requirement: Section 25-11-32(A)(1) requires a building permit from the building official before performing any activity regulated by Chapter 25-12, Article 6, the Plumbing Code article, so plumbing installation, alteration, or repair cannot lawfully begin without that permit in hand.
Violations & Fines
Performing plumbing work without first obtaining the Section 25-11-32 permit is a violation of Chapter 25-11's general permit requirement, independent of whether the work itself would otherwise comply with the 2024 UPC. Because Section 25-12-151(B) strikes out and replaces specific UPC provisions, plumbing installations must follow the local amendments adopted in Section 25-12-153 rather than the unmodified IAPMO text, and the building official can withhold inspection approval on plumbing work that follows the deleted provisions instead of Austin's local amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code does Austin follow?
Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Austin?
Is Austin's plumbing code identical to the national Uniform Plumbing Code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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