San Benito County, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2022 CA Plumbing Code (2021 UPC base)
- Permit required
- Building Official permit before work
- Applies to
- Unincorporated San Benito County only
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County requires a Building Official permit for plumbing work and enforces the 2022 California Plumbing Code, based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, under County Code § 21.01.021(E).
California Plumbing Code, 2022 Edition, Title 24, Part 5, based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(F) California Residential Code, 2022 Edition, Title 24, Part 2.5, based on the 2021 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(G) California Green Buildings Standards Code, 2022 Edition, Title 24,
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
Title 21's Building Regulations chapter adopts the 2022 California Building Standards Code by reference, including the California Plumbing Code, 2022 Edition, based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (§ 21.01.021(E)). The same chapter's § 21.01.001 PERMIT REQUIRED definition covers anyone who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a plumbing system, requiring a written permit from the Building Official before work begins. This applies only in unincorporated San Benito County; Hollister and San Juan Bautista issue plumbing permits under their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Plumbing work without a required permit is unlawful under the county's general penalty clause: fines up to $1,000, up to six months' imprisonment, or both; each day of continued unpermitted work is a separate offense (§ 1.01.007).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in unincorporated San Benito County?
Which plumbing code does the county enforce?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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