Concord, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Plumbing work in Concord is governed by the California Plumbing Code as adopted in Concord Municipal Code Title 18. A plumbing permit from the Concord Building Division is required for: water heater replacement (including like-for-like), sewer lateral repair or replacement, water service line replacement, new fixtures, gas line additions or alterations, backflow preventer installation, and water softener installation. Water heaters must be seismically strapped with two straps (upper and lower third), have a pan and drain if in a location where leakage could cause damage, and include an expansion tank where a check valve or PRV is present. Sewer laterals connect to Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) mains; Central San's private lateral program requires inspection and, in many property-transfer scenarios, repair to current standards. Backflow preventers must be tested annually by a certified tester and reported to Contra Costa Water District. Cross-connection control follows Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Licensed C-36 plumbers or owner-builders may pull permits. Inspections include rough, top-out, and final; trenches must remain open for inspection.