Chelsea, MA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- State plumbing code, 248 CMR 2.00 et seq.
- Maximum criminal fine
- $300.00 per violation
- Violation counted
- Each day of noncompliance separately
- Enforcing official
- City plumbing inspector
- Permit validity
- 6 months from issuance (Sec. 6-31)
Summary
Chelsea enforces plumbing work under the Massachusetts state plumbing code, 248 CMR 2.00 et seq., which Code of Ordinances Section 6-28 adopts by reference and makes controlling citywide. Violating the code or an order of the city plumbing inspector is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $300.00, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation.
(a)The state plumbing code, set forth at 248 CMR 2.00 et seq., including subsequent modifications, amendments, or deletions is hereby adopted by the city for the purpose of governing public health, safety, and welfare as they are affected by all construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of plumbing; and in general, to secure safety to life and property, a copy of which code shall be kept on file in the city clerk's office. The state plumbing code is hereby adopted and incorporated as if fully set out at length herein, and the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the city.(b)Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of the state plumbing code or any order of the plumbing inspector shall be liable for a criminal fine of not more than $300.00, and shall in all other respects be subject to the provisions of section 1-8. Each day's failure to comply shall constitute a separate violation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26).
Full Breakdown
as amended, 'as if fully set out at length herein,' so any change the state makes to 248 CMR updates automatically inside city limits without a new city council vote. 5 percent administrative charge. Terms used in the adopted code are defined in Section 6-26 to mean the city's own authorized plumbing inspector, tying state terminology to the local enforcement structure. c. 40, Section 22F, and no plumbing permit is issued until that fee is paid. Permits issued under this article, per Section 6-31(d), are valid for only six months from issuance; if work has not started by the expiration date the permit is voided and a new application and fee are required, and the permittee must notify the building inspector once the work is finished.
Violations & Fines
Anyone who fails to comply with the state plumbing code or an order of the city plumbing inspector faces a criminal fine of up to $300.00 under Section 6-28(b), with the general penalty procedure of Section 1-8 also applying. Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense, so an uncorrected plumbing violation can accumulate fines daily until the plumbing inspector confirms compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chelsea have its own plumbing code, or does it use the state code?
What is the penalty for unpermitted or noncompliant plumbing work in Chelsea?
How long is a Chelsea plumbing permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chelsea
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Plumbing Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle plumbing permits.