Newport Beach, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 CA Plumbing Code (2024 UPC base)
- Appendices included
- Appendix Chapters A and C
- Administered under
- Newport Beach Administrative Code, Ch. 15.02
- Appeal body
- Building and Fire Board of Appeals, Ch. 15.80
- Work-without-permit penalty
- Investigation fee = full permit fee
Summary
Newport Beach plumbing work runs on the 2025 California Plumbing Code, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, with Appendix Chapters A and C included. Permit fees, inspections and enforcement route through the same Administrative Code as every other building permit, and Building Official decisions can be appealed to the Building and Fire Board of Appeals.
The City Council adopts and incorporates by reference, as though set forth in full in this section, the 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code, including Appendix Chapters A and C, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. The various parts of this code shall constitute and be known as the “Newport Beach Plumbing Code.” A copy of the 2025 California Plumbing Code, including Appendix Chapters A and C, printed in code book form, shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Official pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 18942(e)(1) and made available for public inspection. All administrative provisions including enforcement, permit process, fees, and inspections for these chapters are contained in the Administrative Code under Chapter 15.02.
Full Breakdown
" A code-book copy is kept on file with the Building Official under Health and Safety Code Section 18942(e)(1) for public review. 4 investigation fee equal to the permit fee. 020 adds a modifications provision: where practical difficulties make strict compliance impractical, the Building Official may grant a modification on a case-by-case basis, but only after finding the modification meets the code's intent without lessening health, accessibility, life and fire safety, or structural requirements, with the decision recorded in the Building Division's files. 80.
Violations & Fines
Beginning plumbing work before a permit is issued draws an investigation fee under Section 109.4 equal to the amount of the standard permit fee, charged whether or not a permit is subsequently issued, in addition to any penalty prescribed by law. A plumbing permit that lapses after 180 days of inactivity must be reissued, typically at half the original fee if the approved plans are unchanged and the lapse has not exceeded one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code applies in Newport Beach?
Can the Building Official waive a plumbing code requirement in Newport Beach?
How do I appeal a plumbing permit denial in Newport Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Newport Beach to another location·View the California building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Plumbing Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle plumbing permits.