Santa Clarita, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Plumbing Code, based on 2024 UPC
- Effective date
- New permits on or after January 1, 2026
- Right-of-way sewer work
- Needs permits from City Engineering, County Sanitation
- Refund cap
- Up to 80% if no work started
- Unpermitted work fee
- Investigation fee equal to 2x the permit fee
- Water softeners
- Dry-well and salt-based self-regenerating types prohibited
Summary
Santa Clarita adopted the 2025 California Plumbing Code, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, as the local Santa Clarita Plumbing Code under Municipal Code Section 20.01.010. It applies to new permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2026, and covers plumbing and drainage systems, house sewers, and private sewage disposal, with the Building and Safety Division issuing permits and collecting fees.
There is hereby adopted by reference that certain code known and designated as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5, further described and referred to as the 2025 California Plumbing Code published by the California Building Standards Commission and based on the Uniform Plumbing Code®, 2024 Edition, prepared by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. ... Such code shall become and be the Santa Clarita Plumbing Code, regulating plumbing and drainage systems, house sewers, private sewage disposal, drainage systems, and prescribing conditions under which such work may be carried on within the city and providing for the issuance of permits and the collection of fees therefor. The City Plumbing Code shall become effective for new permit applications received by the city on or after January 1, 2026.
Full Breakdown
010. A. A. County Sewer Maintenance District, and Caltrans, before installing, removing, altering, or repairing any sewer located in a public right-of-way. 060, both set by City Council resolution. 070 requires an investigation fee equal to twice the normal permit fee, whether or not a permit is later issued. 080. 090. 020 prohibit dry-well discharge from water softeners and salt-based or potassium-chloride self-regenerating softeners citywide, subject to narrow exceptions.
Violations & Fines
Installing, altering, or repairing plumbing without the required permit exposes the property owner to an investigation fee equal to twice the ordinary permit fee under Section 20.02.070, charged regardless of whether the work is ultimately permitted. Because Section 23.10.010 makes every code violation a misdemeanor unless a different penalty is stated, unpermitted plumbing work can also be prosecuted criminally, with a fine up to $1,000, six months in county jail, or both, under the citywide general penalty in Section 23.10.020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code does Santa Clarita use in 2026?
Do I need extra permits to connect to the sewer in the street?
Are salt-based water softeners legal in Santa Clarita?
What if I start plumbing work before getting a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clarita
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clarita to another location·View the California building safety overview
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