Riverside, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Chapter 16.12, the Plumbing Code chapter, is cross-referenced to the general administrative rules of Chapter 16.04 (RMC § 16.12.010). Section 16.12.020 adopts the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, promulgated by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, describing it as regulating 'the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation, equipment and maintenance of plumbing systems.' The adoption carries the same force and effect as if set out in the chapter in full, except where the City has deleted or amended a section.

A certified true copy of the code is kept on file and open to public inspection in the office of the Building Official. RMC § 16.12.030 then deletes several administrative sections of Chapter 1, Division II of the state Plumbing Code -- Sections 104.3.3, 104.4.3, 104.4.4, 104.5, 106, 107, and Table 104.5 -- from local adoption, meaning Riverside substitutes its own administrative provisions for permits, fees, and appeals found in Chapter 16.04 instead of the state's default administrative chapter. As with the other Title 16 trade codes, permit applicants must satisfy the Plan Check Self-Certification Program and permit fee provisions of Chapter 16.04 alongside the substantive plumbing standards in the adopted 2025 Plumbing Code.