Compton, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2019 California Plumbing Code, in full
- Permit expiration
- 365 days if work not started
- Suspension limit
- 180 days before permit voids
- Extension available
- Up to 180 days, written request
- Max misdemeanor fine
- $1,000 and/or 6 months
Summary
Compton has adopted the 2019 California Plumbing Code in full to govern every plumbing installation, alteration and repair in the city. A permit from the Building and Safety Department is required before most plumbing work begins, though narrow repair exemptions apply, and permits expire if work stalls.
Except as provided in this Chapter, the '2019 California Plumbing Code', including Appendices A, D, I, and J based on the '2018 Uniform Plumbing Code' as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted in its entirety as the Plumbing Code of the City of Compton, regulating erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, maintenance or use of plumbing systems within the City.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4952997; v15 updated 2026-07-14; through 07-14-2026).
Full Breakdown
1 adopts the 2019 California Plumbing Code, based on the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, 'in its entirety as the Plumbing Code of the City of Compton,' covering the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, maintenance or use of plumbing systems citywide. 2, carves out only two narrow plumbing exceptions: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipes (unless the concealed pipe must actually be removed and replaced, which then requires a permit and inspection), and clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, including removing and reinstalling water closets, so long as no valve, pipe or fixture is replaced or rearranged.
Every other plumbing installation or alteration needs a permit from the Building and Safety Department before work starts. 2) makes a permit invalid unless work commences within 365 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after it begins; the Building Official may grant one or more written extensions of up to 180 days each on a written request showing justifiable cause. Section 15-14 layers the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code on top of the plumbing code for water-efficiency fixtures and related green-building plumbing measures.
Conflicts between the adopted plumbing code and any older provision of the Compton Municipal Code are resolved under § 15-23 in favor of the newly adopted code, with the Building Official's determination final, subject to appeal rights.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required plumbing permit, or violating any provision of the adopted Plumbing Code, is a misdemeanor under § 15-24 punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both, unless the City deems the violation an infraction. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense, and the City may also pursue an administrative penalty or abate the condition as a nuisance through civil process under § 15-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to fix a leaking pipe in Compton?
How long is a Compton plumbing permit valid?
What plumbing code does Compton enforce?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Compton
California rules heatmap·Compare Compton to another location·View the California building safety overview
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