Modesto, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2022 California Plumbing Code, Title 24 Pt. 5
- Permit required by
- Modesto Code § 9-2.501
- Enforcing agency
- Building Safety Division (C&ED Dept.)
- Unpermitted work fee
- Added fee under § 9-2.703
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $1,000 and/or 6 months jail
- Infraction fine
- $250 first offense, $500 repeat
Summary
Modesto adopts the 2022 California Plumbing Code by reference under Code of Ordinances § 9-2.101, and § 9-2.501 requires a permit before any plumbing or drainage installation, alteration, or repair regulated by that Code. The Building Safety Division reviews applications and inspects the work under the Building Official's authority.
That certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk of the City of Modesto, being marked and designated as the 2022 California Plumbing Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), as now existing, or hereafter amended, regulating and governing the erection, alteration, installation, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems and parts thereof for the protection of public health and safety, providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees, providing penalties for the violation thereof... be and hereby is adopted as the Plumbing Code of the City of Modesto.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
101 adopts the 2022 California Plumbing Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 5, published by IAPMO, as the Plumbing Code of the City of Modesto, with a copy on file with the City Clerk. 501 requires any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, install, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace a plumbing system or equipment regulated by the Code to first obtain a permit from the Building Official. 502 exempts limited work: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe without replacing concealed piping, and clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, including removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided no valve, pipe, or fixture is replaced or rearranged.
101) overlap, the Plumbing Code prevails. 402 directs the Building Official to receive applications, review documents, issue permits, and inspect installed plumbing systems. 705 adds an investigation fee equal to the permit fee for unpermitted work. 406 authorizes the Building Official to enter premises to inspect for compliance with the Plumbing Code.
Violations & Fines
Section 9-2.1118 makes any violation of the Plumbing Code a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both; the City Attorney may instead prosecute it as an infraction, carrying a fine of not more than $250 for a first conviction and not more than $500 for a second or later conviction within a year. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. Section 9-2.1119 adds administrative penalties under Title 1, Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to fix a leaky faucet in Modesto?
What if I replace a concealed pipe without a permit?
Who inspects plumbing work in Modesto?
What is the penalty for unpermitted plumbing work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
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