Cambridge, MA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- City Code Ch. 15.12
- New plumbing, up to 5 fixtures
- $50.00
- Additional fixture fee
- $5.00 each
- Unpermitted work penalty
- Triple the fee
- Late final inspection fee
- $50.00
- Fee schedule effective
- June 1, 2009
Summary
Cambridge charges permit fees for all plumbing and gas fitting work under City Code Chapter 15.12, with new plumbing installs starting at $50.00 for up to five fixtures. Starting work before a permit issues triples the fee.
15.12.030 - Plumbing and gas fitting fee schedule. Effective June 1, 2009, plumbing and gas fitting fees shall be as follows:
1. Ovens, kitchen range, space heaters, dryers $20.00 each plus gas permit
2. Heating units, each 25.00 plus gas permit
4. New plumbing up to: a. 5 fixtures 50.00 b. Above 5 fixtures 5.00
13. Failure to call for final inspections within 10 working days after completion 50.00
14. Reinspection of code violations 50.00
Full Breakdown
12, sets a schedule that Inspectional Services uses to charge for every plumbing and gas fitting permit issued in the city, effective June 1, 2009. 00 for each fixture beyond five; alterations to existing plumbing are billed the same way. 00. 00 per ton above that. 00. 010 penalizes starting plumbing or gas work before obtaining the required permit: the fee that would otherwise apply is tripled, though paying the triple fee does not excuse the contractor from complying with the code or from any other prescribed penalties.
020 can obtain a single covering permit for a set period rather than filing separately for each job, billed as if each job had its own permit. The current fee schedule was set by Ordinance No. 1326, adopted May 18, 2009, replacing the prior 1995 schedule under Ordinance No. 1169.
Violations & Fines
Commencing plumbing or gas fitting work without first obtaining the required permit triples the standard fee under Section 15.12.010. Failing to call for a final inspection within 10 working days of completing the work costs an added $50.00, and any reinspection needed because of a code violation found on-site is billed at $50.00 as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
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