Mobile, AL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2021 International Plumbing Code
- Permit required
- Yes, before plumbing work
- Who can apply
- Licensed master plumber (owner exception)
- Homeowner exception
- Must pass city competency test
Summary
Mobile enforces the 2021 International Plumbing Code as its own Plumbing Code, requiring a licensed plumber and permit fee for most plumbing work under City Code § 45-1.
Pursuant to Code of Ala. § 11-45-8 (1975), the 2021 Edition of the International Plumbing Code along with the amendments to the same contained in this article, has been on file in the office of the city clerk, pursuant to an ordinance adopted by the city council on November 8, 2022, is hereby adopted as the "Plumbing Code of the City of Mobile."
(Ord. No. 46-037, § 1, 6-23-87; Ord. No. 46-004, § 1, 1-16-90; Ord. No. 45-053, § 1, 10-24-95; Ord. No. 45-060, § 1, 8-25-98; Ord. No. 45-028, § 1, 6-12-01; Ord. No. 45-034-2006, § 1, 8-8-06; Ord. No. 45-009-2011, § 1, 1-18-11; Ord. No. 45-041-2015, 3-31-15; Ord. No. 45-055-2022, art. 1, 11-8-22)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67).
Full Breakdown
The City of Mobile has adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code, with local amendments, as the 'Plumbing Code of the City of Mobile' under City Code § 45-1. A permit fee must be paid at the time of application for plumbing alterations, repairs, and installations under § 11-37, and applications must be signed by a licensed Alabama master plumber, with a narrow exception letting an owner-occupant pull a permit on their own residence after passing the city's plumbing competency test (§ 45-2, subsection 106.4).
Violations & Fines
Failing to obtain a required plumbing permit brings the same escalating penalty as other building trades: 2 times the fee for a first offense, up to 5 times for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code does Mobile, Alabama use?
Can a homeowner get their own plumbing permit in Mobile?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mobile
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