Los Angeles County, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Plumbing Code
- Permit issuer
- Chief Plumbing Inspector
- Base permit fee
- $39.99 plus per-fixture fees
- Permit expires
- 12 months if work not started
- Owner-builder exception
- Single-family dwelling only
Summary
Unincorporated LA County requires a permit from the Chief Plumbing Inspector before any gas piping, drainage, sewer, or plumbing work under the adopted 2025 California Plumbing Code. Base fee is $39.99 plus per-fixture charges, and working without one is a misdemeanor.
A person, whether acting as principal, servant, agent or employee, shall not do or cause or permit to be done any gas piping, plumbing, drainage, house sewer or private sewage disposal work regulated by this Code without first securing a permit from the Chief Plumbing Inspector authorizing him so to do.
Full Breakdown
Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code adopts the 2025 California Plumbing Code by reference for all plumbing, drainage, house sewer, and gas piping work performed on premises in the unincorporated territory of the county (§101.3). Section 103.1 bars doing or causing such work without first securing a permit from the Chief Plumbing Inspector; only registered or licensed contractors may normally apply, though the bona fide owner of a single-family dwelling they occupy may pull their own permit under §103.8.2. Issuance costs $39.99 plus per-fixture fees from Table No. I (e.g., $23.66 per fixture or water heater). Permits expire if work isn't started within 12 months or is abandoned for 180 days (§103.2).
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Title 28, including working without a required permit, is a misdemeanor under §101.10: up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. Starting work without a permit also triggers a special investigation fee under §103.12.1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to fix a leaky pipe?
Can a homeowner pull their own plumbing permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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