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Franklin County, WA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopted code
2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, WA amended
Base permit fee
$40.00 per plumbing permit
Per-fixture fee
$10.00 per fixture on a trap
Sewer connection fee
$30.00 per building sewer
Unpermitted work penalty
Permit fee doubled
Issuing department
Franklin County Planning and Building Department

Summary

Franklin County adopts the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, with Washington's amendments, to govern plumbing work in the unincorporated county. A plumbing permit costs a $40 base fee plus per-fixture charges, and unpermitted work doubles the fee.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Franklin County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The 2021 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by reference with the following additions of Appendix chapters of A, B, E and I and deleting T-104.5, Chapters 12 and 14, as if fully set out in this chapter. ... PLUMBING PERMIT FEE TABLE 1.Permit . . $40.00

Full Breakdown

5 and Chapters 12 and 14. 27 amendments. 190's Plumbing Permit Fee Table: a $40 base permit fee, plus per-item charges such as $10 for each fixture on a trap, $30 for each building or trailer-park sewer, $20 for each water heater and vent, and $20 for each backflow-protection device installation, alteration, or repair. Solar panel installations, fire-suppression systems, and medical gas piping also run through this same fee table. Plan review runs 65% of the underlying building permit fee for most occupancy groups. 260: up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.

Violations & Fines

Installing, altering, or repairing plumbing covered by the adopted Uniform Plumbing Code without the required Franklin County permit doubles the applicable fee under Section 15.12.190, and is a misdemeanor under Section 15.12.260 punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for plumbing work in unincorporated Franklin County?
Yes. Franklin County adopts the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code under Section 15.12.050 with Washington's amendments, and the Planning and Building Department issues plumbing permits for fixture, sewer, water heater, and backflow-device installations under the fee table in Section 15.12.190.
How much does a Franklin County plumbing permit cost?
The base permit fee is $40, per Section 15.12.190's Plumbing Permit Fee Table, plus unit fees such as $10 per fixture on a trap, $30 per building sewer connection, and $20 per water heater installation, added to the base fee for the specific job.
Is a building-sewer connection covered by Franklin County's plumbing code?
No, building sewer provisions are specifically excluded from the adopted Uniform Plumbing Code under Section 15.12.050, but the county still charges a $30 permit fee for each building sewer connection under the plumbing fee table in Section 15.12.190.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Franklin County

All Franklin County rules

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