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Vanderburgh County, IN Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing code
Indiana Plumbing Code (adopted by reference)
Fixture/opening fee
$6.00 each
Water heater/fixture replacement (res.)
$25.00
Contractor requirement
State Plumbing Commission license
Inspection response time
16 working hours
Enforcing agency
Joint department of building commissioners

Summary

Vanderburgh County adopts the Indiana Plumbing Code by reference to govern fixture, sewer, and water-service work under County Code Section 15.12.010(A)(3). Plumbing installation needs a permit from the joint department of building commissioners, priced under Section 15.08.080(C) at $6.00 per fixture or opening, including sanitary sewer, water service, water heater, and gas piping connections.

City-specific rules exist: Evansville has its own plumbing permits rules that differ from Vanderburgh County's county-level regulations. If you live in Evansville, check the city-specific page instead.

Building rules and regulations of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission as set out in the following articles of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code are hereby incorporated by reference in this Chapter... 3. Article 16 - Plumbing Codes. a. Indiana Plumbing Code. ... (C) Plumbing Permits and Inspection Fees (1) Fixtures and openings (each) $6.00 (2) Sanitary sewer $6.00 Water service $6.00 Water heater $6.00 Gas piping $6.00 Orifice change (when installed with subsection (C)(1) of this section) $6.00

Full Breakdown

010(A)(3), with later state amendments folding in automatically. 030(A): no plumbing installation, alteration, or repair may begin, and no materials may be stored on site, until a permit is issued, and the joint department of building commissioners will not issue one until the Area Plan Commission and the water and sewer utility department have signed off on the project. 00 for a residential job. 030(A). 090; work covered before inspection is a violation.

Violations & Fines

Uninspected or unpermitted plumbing work violates Title 15 and draws the Section 15.08.170 penalty schedule: up to $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $7,500 for a third, with each day the violation continues counted separately. A plumbing installation found dangerous or unsafe on reinspection must be corrected within ten days under Section 15.12.100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Vanderburgh County?
Yes. Section 15.08.030(A) requires a permit before any plumbing installation, alteration, or repair, and the county adopts the Indiana Plumbing Code by reference under Section 15.12.010(A)(3) to set the technical standards the joint department of building commissioners inspects the work against.
How much does a plumbing permit cost?
Section 15.08.080(C) charges $6.00 for each fixture or opening and the same $6.00 rate for a sewer connection, water service, water heater, or gas piping line; a straight water heater or fixture replacement is billed separately at $25.00 for residential work.
Who can perform licensed plumbing work in the county?
Section 15.36.030(A) requires a plumbing contractor or journeyman plumber to register with the joint department of building commissioners and hold a license or registration from the State Plumbing Commission before doing plumbing work anywhere in Vanderburgh County.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Vanderburgh County

All Vanderburgh County rules

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