Long Beach, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LBMC § 18.04.010(D)
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Plumbing Code, LBMC § 18.43.010
- Demolition requirement
- Sewer, water, gas service must be capped and inspected
- Minor-repair exemption
- Leak stops, faucet/trap swaps, short gas runs (§18.04.020(E))
- Fees
- Set by City Council resolution, § 18.06.010(D)
Summary
Long Beach requires a plumbing permit before any plumbing, water piping, gas piping or water heater work under LBMC § 18.04.010(D), enforced under the City's own adopted 2025 California Plumbing Code. A short list of minor repairs is exempt from the permit under § 18.04.020(E).
D. Plumbing permits. No person, firm or corporation shall construct, install or alter any plumbing, water piping, gas piping, water heater, water heater vents, water treating equipment, or any appliance or device regulated by this title without obtaining a plumbing permit approving the proposed quality and character of workmanship and materials. Where a building is demolished or removed from its site, a permit and inspection is required to verify that the building sewer, water and gas service is properly capped to the satisfaction of the Building Official.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
" The same subsection adds that when a building is demolished or removed, "a permit and inspection is required to verify that the building sewer, water and gas service is properly capped to the satisfaction of the Building Official," and a separate permit is required for each building or structure. provided in this chapter," together known as the Long Beach Plumbing Code. 020(E) exempts stopping leaks with no new materials, repairing (not disconnecting) a water heater, replacing exposed traps or defective ball cocks with approved parts, repairing faucets with approved fixtures, and gas piping runs of six feet or less between an approved outlet and appliance. 010(D) by City Council resolution.
Violations & Fines
Plumbing work performed without the required permit is an unpermitted structure violation under § 18.09.070 and is enforced by the Building Official as a misdemeanor under Title 18's general penalty clause; the Building Official may also order correction of noncompliant work before granting final approval or a certificate of occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a new water heater in Long Beach?
What plumbing code does Long Beach use?
Can I fix a leaky faucet without a permit?
Do I need a permit to cap plumbing before demolishing a building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California building safety overview
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How other cities in Los Angeles County handle plumbing permits.