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Island 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
Uniform Plumbing Code & UPC Standards
Excluded provisions
Sewer and fuel gas piping sections
Fee authority
Board of County Commissioners resolution
Appeal body
Island County Hearing Examiner (Type II)
Unpermitted work penalty
Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 / 90 days

Summary

Plumbing work in unincorporated Island County is permitted and inspected under the Uniform Plumbing Code, not a locally written plumbing code. Section 14.01A.010(A)(1)(e) adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards by reference, while specifically declining to adopt any of that code's provisions covering sewers or fuel gas piping, which the county regulates elsewhere.

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

e.Except as provided in RCW 19.27.170, the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials: Provided, that any provisions of such code affecting sewers or fuel gas piping are not adopted.

View official code

Full Breakdown

170. 07D and fuel gas piping through the standards referenced in the same section's mechanical code adoption. 010(C), with council updates automatically folded into the county's adopted code without a separate county ordinance. 020(B), rather than to a construction board of appeals.

Violations & Fines

Plumbing work performed without the required permit falls under the general Island County Building Code violation in section 14.01A.050: a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in the county jail, or both, with each day of continued noncompliance a separate offense. The county can also seek an injunction against ongoing unpermitted plumbing work under that same section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code does Island County enforce?
The Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, adopted by reference in section 14.01A.010(A)(1)(e), except for the code's sewer and fuel gas piping provisions, which the county excludes and regulates separately.
Why doesn't the Uniform Plumbing Code cover my septic system in Island County?
Because section 14.01A.010(A)(1)(e) specifically declines to adopt the Uniform Plumbing Code's sewer provisions; on-site sewage systems in unincorporated Island County are instead regulated under Chapter 8.07D, the county's separate on-site sewage system rules.
Who sets my plumbing permit fee?
The Board of County Commissioners sets plumbing permit fees by resolution under section 14.01A.030, using the same building-valuation method used for building, mechanical and mobile home permit fees rather than a fee schedule printed in the code.
Where do I appeal a denied plumbing permit?
To the Island County Hearing Examiner. Section 14.01A.020(B) routes appeals of Building Official decisions under the adopted codes, including plumbing, to the Hearing Examiner as a Type II decision under Chapter 16.19.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Island County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Island County rules

Compare Island County to another location·View the Washington building safety overview

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