Dearborn, MI Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- From city clerk's office before work
- Technical standard
- Current Michigan Plumbing Code, adopted by reference
- Fee
- Set in Chapter 12, Section 6
- Applies to
- Any plumbing work performed in the city
Summary
Dearborn requires a plumbing license from the city clerk's office before any plumbing work begins, and adopts the State of Michigan's current Plumbing Code by reference as the technical standard for all plumbing work performed in the city.
There is hereby adopted by reference the current Plumbing Code adopted by the State of Michigan. A copy of such code shall be on file in the city clerk's office. ... No person shall engage in any plumbing work in the city unless such person has first procured a license from the city clerk's office, and paid the fee as listed in Chapter 12, Section 6.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The city adopts the current Michigan Plumbing Code by reference as its technical construction standard, with a copy kept on file at the city clerk's office. Separately, anyone doing plumbing work within Dearborn must first obtain a license from the city clerk's office and pay the fee set in Chapter 12, Section 6 of the fee schedule. The ordinance defines plumbing work broadly as anything falling under the state-adopted Plumbing Code, so the licensing requirement covers the full range of work the state code regulates, from fixture installation to drain and vent systems.
Violations & Fines
Performing plumbing work without first obtaining the required license from the city clerk's office is a code violation; work must also meet the adopted state Plumbing Code standards or is subject to correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to do plumbing work in Dearborn?
What plumbing code does Dearborn use?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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Plumbing Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle plumbing permits.