San Diego County, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Building official
- Governs
- Unincorporated San Diego County only
- Adopted code
- County-amended California Plumbing Code
- Exempt example
- Water heater swap by licensed plumber
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County requires a permit from the building official before erecting, installing, altering, or replacing any plumbing system regulated by the county's adopted plumbing code.
(c) Plumbing: A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following: (1) Installing a replacement water heater with no change to the unit type or servicing utilities when performed by a California licensed plumbing contractor. (2) Installing a toilet, bidet, showerhead or faucet inside a building when the installation is limited to repairing or replacing the fixture...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 91.1.105 requires any owner or agent who installs, alters, repairs, removes, converts, or replaces a plumbing system to first apply to the building official and obtain a permit. Section 91.1.105.2(c) exempts limited plumbing work: replacing a water heater of the same type by a licensed contractor, fixing or replacing a toilet, bidet, showerhead, or faucet on the supply side of the shut-off valve, stopping a simple leak, or clearing a stoppage without replacing a pipe, valve, or fixture. Any work beyond those listed exemptions needs a permit and inspection.
Violations & Fines
Plumbing work done without a required permit is unauthorized construction; the building official can withhold inspection approval, require the work be exposed or redone, and deny use or occupancy until a permit is obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a faucet in unincorporated San Diego County?
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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