Gilroy, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Plumbing Code
- Copper pipe grade
- Type L minimum for potable water, Sec. 604.3
- Sewer clean-outs
- Required at property line to public lateral
- Clean-out exception
- 12 ft. or less, substantially straight run
- Permit fee
- Doubled if work starts before permit
Summary
Gilroy has adopted the 2025 California Plumbing Code as its plumbing code under City Code § 6.6(b)(5), and Section 6.7(e) layers on local amendments covering copper pipe grade and sewer lateral clean-outs. A permit and fee under the City of Gilroy Comprehensive Fee Schedule are required before plumbing work begins.
(5) The 2025 California Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and the California Building Standards Commission in Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, is hereby adopted and referred to, and by this reference expressly incorporated and made a part of this chapter as though fully set forth herein. ... ... § 6.7. Amendments. ... (e) Amendments to the Plumbing Code. (1) Amend Section 604.3 to read as follows: 604.3 Copper or Copper Alloy Tube. Copper or copper alloy tube for potable water piping shall have a weight of not less than type “L.” (2) Add Section 719.1.1 to read as follows: 719.1.1 Clean-outs shall be installed on private property adjacent to property line where the private sewer system connects to the public sanitary sewer lateral. All such line clean-outs shall be extended to grade with materials according to specifications approved by the Administrative Authority and terminate within a listed and labeled box. Exception: If the lateral does not exceed 12 ft. from the back of sidewalk to the building drain clean-out, the run must be substantially straight.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 6.6(b)(5) adopts the 2025 California Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and the California Building Standards Commission in Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, incorporating Appendices A, B, C, D, I and M and designating it the "plumbing code" for the City of Gilroy, with a copy on file in the building official's office. Section 6.7(e)(1) amends Section 604.3, Copper or Copper Alloy Tube, to require that copper or copper alloy tube used for potable water piping have a weight of not less than type "L." Section 6.7(e)(2) adds Section 719.1.1, requiring clean-outs on private property adjacent to the property line where the private sewer system connects to the public sanitary sewer lateral, extended to grade and terminating in a listed and labeled box, unless the run from the back of the sidewalk to the building drain clean-out is 12 feet or less and substantially straight.
As with other trades, Section 109.2 charges a permit fee for plumbing systems or alterations under the City of Gilroy Comprehensive Fee Schedule, and Section 109.4 doubles that fee for plumbing work started before the permit issues.
Violations & Fines
A plumbing permit application using copper tube lighter than type "L" for potable water piping, or omitting the required sewer lateral clean-out under Section 719.1.1, will not pass the building official's plan review, since both amendments in § 6.7(e) are written into Gilroy's adopted plumbing code. Starting plumbing work before the permit issues doubles the fee due under § 6.7(a)(4)'s amendment to Section 109.4.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Gilroy require sewer lateral clean-outs?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gilroy
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