Birmingham, AL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- International Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition
- Permit required
- Sec. 7-1-3 § 103, before plumbing work
- Underground inspection
- Before backfill (§105.9.1)
- Sewer test acceptance
- Jefferson County Environmental Services (§105.9.8)
- Master plumber notice
- 48 hours before final inspection (§105.9.4)
- Late-start penalty
- Permit fee doubled (§104.2)
- General penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 6 months jail (§1-1-6)
Summary
Birmingham enforces the International Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition, for every plumbing installation in the city, adopted at Sec. 7-1-2(c) of the Technical Code. A permit from the Building Official is required before any plumbing work begins, and the master plumber must schedule underground, rough-in, and final inspections in sequence under Section 105.9.
(c)Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition, published by International Code Council shall apply to every plumbing installation, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances within the city. ... 105.9.1. Underground Inspection. To be made after trenches or ditches are excavated, piping installed, and before any backfill is put in place. 105.9.2. Rough-In Inspection. To be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing is in place and all soil, waste and vent piping is complete, and prior to this installation of wall or ceiling membranes. 105.9.3 Final Inspection. To be made after the building is complete, all plumbing fixtures are in place and properly connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy. ... 105.9.4 Responsibility of Master Plumber. It shall be the responsibility of the master plumber to notify the office of the Building Official within forty-eight hours after the completion of the job and before the plumbing system, alterations or additions are placed in service, that the work is ready for final inspection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 3).
Full Breakdown
The Technical Code of the City of Birmingham, 2015 (adopted by Ord. No. 15-164, amended by Ord. No. 16-88) adopts the International Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition, published by the International Code Council, for every plumbing installation in the city, including alterations, repairs, replacements, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances (Sec. 7-1-2(c)). The only listed exception is a boiler or pressure vessel already subject to inspection by federal or state inspectors. Chapter 1, Administration (Sec. 1 requires the owner, agent or contractor to apply and secure the permit before work starts.
3). 8). 4 makes the master plumber responsible for notifying the Building Official within forty-eight hours after the job is complete and before the system is placed in service that the work is ready for final inspection.
Violations & Fines
Installing or altering plumbing without the required permit violates Sec. 7-1-3, Section 103. If work starts before the permit is issued, Section 104.2 doubles the fee, with an added $50.00 penalty for each repeat violation within twelve months. The Building Official may withhold further permits until earlier violations are corrected, and any Technical Code violation is punishable under the city's general penalty, Sec. 1-1-6, by a fine up to $500.00 or up to six months in the city jail, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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Plumbing Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle plumbing permits.