Kingsport, TN Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Section 22-411 adopts the International Plumbing Code, 2018 edition, by reference, with one amendment: Sections 109.2 through 109.7 on appeals are deleted and replaced so that the board of appeals referenced in the International Building Code, 2018 edition, hears plumbing appeals, and an aggrieved party goes to court by a petition for writ of common law certiorari under T.C.A. section 27-8-101.

Section 22-442 sets the permit trigger. No person can connect plumbing work with any sanitary or storm sewer, septic tank or sewage disposal system, install fixtures or appliances in new or existing systems, structures or premises, or repair or add to existing plumbing without a plumbing permit issued by the recorder. Under Section 22-445 the recorder issues the permit only on an application issued by the building official, who can require detailed plans or drawings of the work first.

Fees are whatever the Board of Mayor and Aldermen establishes (Section 22-443), and Section 22-444 lets the building official make additional charges under the fee schedule for any addition to the job or work left out of the application.

Homeowners are not shut out. Section 22-414 says nothing in the article stops a homeowner from installing or maintaining plumbing within his own property boundaries if he does the work himself and it is used exclusively by him or his family, but he must still obtain a plumbing permit and pay the fees.

The trade is licensed: Section 22-492 bars anyone from practicing the plumbing trade without a license issued by the recorder, the license expires December 31 unless sooner revoked or renewed (Section 22-497), and applicants are examined by the mechanical, plumbing and gas board of examiners. Denied applicants or owners of a condemned installation have five days after written notice to petition the city manager, who decides within three days (Section 22-449).