Philadelphia, PA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- install, alter, repair, replace plumbing
- Adopted code
- 2018 International Plumbing Code
- Issuing agency
- Dept. of Licenses and Inspections
- Must be identified
- Registered Master Plumber on file
- Default fine
- up to $300 per offense/day
Summary
Before installing, enlarging, altering, repairing or replacing plumbing systems, Philadelphia owners need a plumbing permit from Licenses and Inspections under the city's adopted 2018 International Plumbing Code, with a Registered Master Plumber identified on the application.
P-103.2 Plumbing permits required. A plumbing permit is required to install, enlarge, alter, repair or replace any plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code subject to the general permit exceptions of Section A-301.1 of the Administrative Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia adopted the 2018 International Plumbing Code, with local amendments, as the Philadelphia Plumbing Code (Subcode "P" of the Building Construction and Occupancy Code). Section P-103.2 requires a plumbing permit before installing, enlarging, altering, repairing or replacing any regulated plumbing system, subject to the general permit exceptions in the Administrative Code. The Department of Licenses and Inspections issues permits; the owner, lessee, or an agent may apply, but a Registered Master Plumber responsible for the work must be identified and confirm responsibility before the permit issues (§ P-103.3.1). Separate Water Department permits cover water service pipe and sewer lateral connections.
Violations & Fines
Doing permit-required plumbing work without a permit violates § P-103.2. Absent a code-specific penalty, the general Code fine under § 1-109 applies: up to $300 per offense, with each day a violation continues a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for a Philadelphia plumbing permit?
Is a separate permit needed for the water service line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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