Sacramento, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 CPC (2024 UPC base), § 15.04.050(E)
- Local amendment
- Mandatory cathodic protection, § 15.24.030(A)
- Storm drain design rate
- 3 in/hr, § 15.24.030(C)
- Unpermitted work fee
- Up to 4x normal fee, § 15.08.080
- Civil penalty
- $250-$25,000/day, § 15.04.060
Summary
Sacramento adopts the 2025 California Plumbing Code (based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code) by reference at City Code § 15.04.050(E), then locally amends it, including a stricter cathodic-protection standard for buried gas and water piping, at § 15.24.030, with permits issued under the same Title 15 permit procedure as every other trade.
The building standards included in the following parts of the 2025 California_Building_Standards_Code, Title 24 of the California_Code_of Regulations, are adopted by reference and incorporated in this code, except as expressly amended or superseded by the provisions of this code: ... E. The CPC, which is based on and which amends the provisions of the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
Full Breakdown
050 adopts the state model code and layers city amendments on top. 24 then makes Sacramento-specific edits. 4) installers must follow when sizing galvanic anodes for buried metal water and gas piping. 3, fixing the design rainfall rate for roof drains, conductors, leaders, gutters, and storm sewers at 3 inches per hour citywide. 050.
Violations & Fines
Plumbing work performed contrary to the adopted code, or without the required permit, exposes a responsible party to a misdemeanor for each day the violation continues and civil penalties of 'not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) or more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for each day the violation continues' under § 15.04.060(A), plus a possible additional permit fee of up to four times the normal rate for work started without a permit under § 15.08.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code edition does Sacramento use?
Does Sacramento require cathodic protection on buried gas and water pipe?
Can I start plumbing work before my permit is issued?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California building safety overview
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Plumbing Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle plumbing permits.