Frederick, MD Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Section 16-8 of the City Code, within Chapter 16's Plumbing and Gas provisions, allows any master plumber or gas fitter to apply for and receive plumbing or gas permits. When a company applies, one member must submit a notarized affidavit confirming registration as a master plumber or master gas fitter, and that one registration covers the company; all plumbing and gas work must then be executed by or under the immediate personal supervision of that registered individual. Permits must be secured by the master plumber or gas fitter personally, must be completed in writing in full on forms the code official provides, and must be accompanied by full payment of all fees and assessments due before the application is processed.

The section separately flags that permits are required for hydronic heat and water conditioning equipment installation, though in that specific case a master plumber or gas fitter is not required to be the one who makes the application. Under the related Section 16-11, if the code official finds the application's work description insufficient, two sets of detailed plans must go to the plumbing inspector for approval before a permit issues, and for larger-scale work the city engineer can require plans prepared by a registered professional engineer; no later alteration to approved plans is allowed without the city engineer's written sign-off.