Kings County, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2013 California Plumbing Code
- Appendices adopted
- A, I, and H
- Applies to
- unincorporated Kings County only
- Auto-updates
- 180 days after new edition
Summary
Kings County enforces the 2013 California Plumbing Code countywide, so any plumbing installation, alteration or repair in the unincorporated area needs a permit reviewed against that adopted state code plus county septic-setback amendments.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the 2013 edition of the California Plumbing Code, including appendices A, I, and H to said code, as published by the California Building Standards Commission, is hereby referred to, adopted and made a part of this chapter with the same effect as if fully set forth herein and is hereby declared to be the plumbing code of the county, and the provisions thereof shall apply to the unincorporated area of the county. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 180 days after the publication of any subsequent triennial edition of the California Plumbing Code, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, that subsequent triennial edition of the code shall replace the previous edition of the code as the adopted plumbing code for Kings County.
(Ord. No. 567.4, § 1, 8-25-15)
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Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Kings County Code § 5-81 adopts the 2013 California Plumbing Code, including Appendices A, I and H, as the operative plumbing code for the unincorporated area; any later triennial edition automatically replaces it 180 days after publication. Section 5-82 amends the code's septic-system setback table, and § 5-83 requires health officer review of sewage-disposal systems serving commercial, industrial and multifamily construction. Permits are issued and inspected through the county building official.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required plumbing permit is a code violation; absent a specific penalty, Kings County Code § 1-8 makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kings County require a plumbing permit?
What plumbing code edition does Kings County use?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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