Kalamazoo, MI Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Kalamazoo's Plumbing Code, Article III of Chapter 9 (City Code §§ 9-78 through 9-97), adopts by reference the most recent edition of the Michigan Plumbing Code under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act, MCLA § 125.1501 et seq. A complete copy is kept on file with the City Clerk, and § 9-79 provides that where the state code conflicts with any other provision of the Kalamazoo City Code, the Michigan Plumbing Code controls. The City Building Official doubles as the 'plumbing official' referenced throughout the adopted code, with a plumbing inspector authorized to act on the Building Official's behalf.

Under § 9-85.3, no one may work as a plumbing contractor, master plumber, journey plumber or apprentice plumber without the required state license or registration, and a licensed master plumber must be in charge of and responsible for each installation. The article carves out limited exceptions from licensure: minor repair work; installing a building sewer or water service pipe with a permit and required inspections; installing water treatment or filtering equipment tied into existing supply piping with a permit; a homeowner installing plumbing, a building sewer or a private sewer in their own single-family dwelling with a permit; and medical gas piping installed under a licensed contractor's supervision.

Section 9-85.1 amends the state code's fee subsection so permit fees 'shall be fixed by resolution of the City Commission' rather than the state schedule. If work proceeds contrary to the code, § 9-85.2 lets the plumbing official issue a written stop-work order, served in person or by mail, and work must halt until the official authorizes resumption.