Stanislaus County, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 CPC, IAPMO 2024 Edition
- Governing section
- § 16.10.010
- Permit requirement
- § 16.05.020(B)
- Local amendments
- §§ 16.10.020, 16.10.050
- Repeat-violation fine cap
- $5,000 / 6 months
Summary
Stanislaus County adopts the 2025 California Plumbing Code, 2024 edition, by reference as its plumbing code, including select administrative sections and appendices on private sewage disposal, storm drainage, and installation standards. A permit from the building official is required before any plumbing work regulated by the code begins.
The 2025 California Plumbing Code, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 2024 Edition, Chapter 1 Division II Administration Sections 104.2 and Appendices A, D, H and the IAPMO IS 31-2022 section of Appendix I - Installation Standard, are adopted by reference and incorporated in this chapter as if fully set forth herein, and shall be referred to as the plumbing code for the county. A copy of said code shall be kept and maintained by the building official for use and examination by the public.
Full Breakdown
2, plus Appendices A, D, and H, and the IAPMO IS 31-2022 section of Appendix I (Installation Standard), and designates it the plumbing code of the county. The building official must keep a copy on hand for public inspection. 020(B), which requires an owner or authorized agent to apply to the building official and obtain a permit before installing, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing any plumbing system regulated by the code. 050 adds a stormwater drainage plan requirement to Appendix D for larger and higher-impact projects.
040 layers on a public-notice duty tied to Measure X, requiring the county to record specific onsite-wastewater-treatment notices with new subdivision maps and mail annual notices to affected property owners.
Violations & Fines
Performing plumbing work without the required permit, or in violation of the adopted code's provisions, is enforced under the countywide Title 16 penalty in Section 16.00.070: a misdemeanor under Section 1.36.010, with a second conviction at the same property within five years exposing the violator to a fine up to $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both, under Health and Safety Code Section 17995.1. Section 16.00.080 also lets the county treat noncompliant plumbing installations as an abatable public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code applies in unincorporated Stanislaus County?
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Stanislaus County?
Where can I see the county's septic system setback rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stanislaus County
California rules heatmap·Compare Stanislaus County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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