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Harford County, MD Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Adopted code
2021 Intl. Plumbing & Fuel Gas Codes, § 202-1
Registration required
Harford County Code § 202-4
Application fee
$30 nonrefundable
First fixture (residential)
$75
First fixture (commercial)
$200
Backflow preventer permit
$250 each

Summary

Harford County adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code and International Fuel Gas Code by reference under § 202-1, and § 202-4 requires anyone doing plumbing or gas fitting work to hold a county certificate of registration. Permit fees start at a $30 application charge plus $75 for the first fixture.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Harford County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The 2021 International Plumbing Code (hereinafter referred to as the Plumbing Code), is hereby adopted and, by reference thereto, is made a part of this chapter with the same force and effect as though set out in full herein, except for such changes, amendments and revisions as are specified in this chapter... No person shall provide plumbing and/or gas fitting services in Harford County unless that person holds a valid certificate of registration issued by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4988582; v46 updated 2026-06-09; through 06-09-2026).

Full Breakdown

Section 202-1 adopts the 2021 International Plumbing Code and the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, published by the International Code Council and American Gas Association, plus the plumbing and fuel-gas chapters of the 2021 International Residential Code, each made part of Chapter 202 with the same force and effect as if printed in full, subject to the local changes specified in the chapter. A copy of each adopted code must be kept on file for public inspection in the office of the Director of Administration.

Section 202-3 states the chapter governs all plumbing and gas fitting work performed in the county, and § 202-4 bars anyone from providing plumbing or gas fitting services without a valid certificate of registration from the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, issued to applicants who already hold the required state license or certificate. Chapter 157's fee schedule at § 157-17 sets the permit costs: a $30 nonrefundable application fee applies to every plumbing permit application, then residential new installation, reconstruction or additions run $75 for the first fixture and $10 for each additional fixture, while business, commercial and industrial work runs $200 for the first fixture and $10 for each additional one.

Utility connections are itemized separately: a sewer connection is $60, a water service connection is $60, and a combined sewer-and-water connection is $120, with the same $60 charged to abandon either a sewer line or a water service. A testable backflow preventer costs $250 each, a filter or water conditioner is $125, a commercial grease or oil interceptor is $125, and a sump pump permit is $40. Commercial on-site utility work is $225 per new storm sewer, water or sewer installation, and $100 for repair or replacement of each.

Violations & Fines

Providing plumbing or gas fitting services without the certificate of registration required by § 202-4 is a violation of the chapter. Under the countywide license and permit rules of § 1-22, the county may refuse to issue, or may suspend or revoke, a certificate of registration after notice and hearing for violating the code, and a permit disapproved or withdrawn before issuance is refunded only 50% of the fee paid under § 157-3(E).

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code does Harford County use?
The 2021 International Plumbing Code and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, both adopted by reference under § 202-1, along with the plumbing and fuel-gas chapters of the 2021 International Residential Code. Copies are kept on file in the Office of the Director of Administration.
Do I need a license to do plumbing work in Harford County?
Yes. Section 202-4 requires anyone providing plumbing or gas fitting services in the county to hold a valid certificate of registration from the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, issued to applicants who already hold the required state license.
How much is a residential plumbing permit?
Section 157-17 charges a $30 nonrefundable application fee plus $75 for the first fixture and $10 for each additional fixture on residential new installations, reconstructions or additions. Commercial work costs more: $200 for the first fixture.
What does a sewer or water connection permit cost?
A sewer connection permit is $60, a water service connection is $60, and a combined sewer-and-water connection is $120 under § 157-17. Abandoning an existing sewer line or water service also costs $60 each.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harford County

All Harford County rules

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