Dothan, AL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2021 International Plumbing Code
- License required
- City plumber's license + state master certificate
- On-site requirement
- Master or journeyman plumber on contract jobs
- Unpaid fees consequence
- Water service withheld by Dothan Utilities
Summary
In the City of Dothan, plumbing work for others requires a current city plumber's license backed by a state master plumber's certificate under Sec. 14-91. The 2021 International Plumbing Code governs installations, and Sec. 14-92 cuts off water service if inspection and connection fees go unpaid.
Sec. 14-91. - License required. (a)Before engaging in the business of or doing any plumbing installation or repair work for others in the city, each person must possess a current city plumber's license.(b)Every applicant for a license to engage in the business of or doing any plumbing work for others in the city must possess a master plumbers' certificate issued by the State Plumbers and Gasfitters Examining Board as prescribed in Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-37-1 et seq. Where contract plumbing work is being done, a master or journeyman plumber must be on site. The city inspector may require that state certificate be shown as evidence of compliance. Noncompliance will result in job shutdown. ... ... Sec. 14-92. - Payment of inspection and connection fees and charges. If required inspection fees and connection costs are not paid in full, the city water utility department (Dothan Utilities) shall not furnish water service to the building or structure until the charges are fully paid.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 14 of the Dothan City Code adopts the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) under Sec. 14-21 as part of the city's Building Codes, administered by the building official in the Planning and Development Department. Sec. 14-27 amends the IPC to insert the City of Dothan as the naming authority, to replace the code's own compliance agency with the building official under Sec. 14-2, to route violations and penalties through Sec. 14-13, and to substitute the city's own fats-oils-and-grease control provisions for IPC Sections 1003.2 and 1003.3.3.
Sec. 14-5 requires a permit before any plumbing trade work begins, priced under the valuation-based schedule in Sec. 14-6 and Sec. 14-7. Before doing plumbing installation or repair work for others, Sec. 14-91 requires a current city plumber's license, and the applicant must hold a master plumber's certificate from the State Plumbers and Gasfitters Examining Board under Code of Ala. 1975 § 34-37-1, with a master or journeyman plumber on site during contract work; the city inspector can demand the state certificate, and noncompliance shuts the job down.
Sec. 14-92 gives that licensing teeth on the utility side: if required inspection fees and connection costs are not paid in full, Dothan Utilities will not turn on water service to the building until the charges clear.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed plumbing work for others violates Sec. 14-91 and can draw misdemeanor prosecution and job shutdown once the city inspector flags missing state certification. Unpaid inspection or connection fees under Sec. 14-92 leave Dothan Utilities free to withhold water service to the building indefinitely, on top of the permit-violation fines set at Sec. 14-14 for work started without a permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to do plumbing work for other people in Dothan?
What happens if I don't pay my Dothan plumbing inspection fees?
Which plumbing code does the City of Dothan enforce?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dothan
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