Seattle, WA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- WAC ch. 51-56 as of 3/15/2024
- Enforcing agency
- Seattle Dept. of Construction & Inspections
- Clerk File
- 323098
- Max penalty
- $500 civil fine/forfeiture (SMC 22.506.010)
Summary
Seattle's Plumbing Code is chapter 51-56 WAC as in effect March 15, 2024, plus City Council amendments and a locally drafted Chapter 1, adopted by SMC 22.502.016 and filed with the City Clerk under Clerk File 323098. SMC 22.500.040 applies the code to the erection, installation, alteration, addition, repair, relocation, replacement, maintenance, or use of any plumbing system, so nearly every plumbing job in the city needs SDCI permit review.
The Seattle Plumbing Code consists of: (1) all of chapter 51-56 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) in effect on March 15, 2024, except Sections 51-56-008 and 51-56-0100; (2) amendments and additions to chapter 51-56 WAC adopted by the City Council by ordinance; and (3) Chapter 1, which is composed of all local provisions.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 44 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The Plumbing Code sits in Title 22, Subtitle V of the Seattle Municipal Code. 040 reaches the erection, installation, alteration, addition, repair, relocation, replacement, maintenance, or use of any plumbing system. 016). 030 frames the code as an exercise of the City's police power enacted for the public generally, placing the obligation to comply on the owner or occupier of the premises rather than on the City itself. 04 of the Seattle Criminal Code, punishable by a civil fine or forfeiture of up to $500 upon conviction.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of the Plumbing Code subtitle is prosecuted under Chapters 12A.02 and 12A.04 of the Seattle Criminal Code, with a civil fine or forfeiture of up to $500 per SMC 22.506.010. As with other Title 22 permits, work started before the required fee is paid is separately unlawful under SMC 22.900A.070, exposing the project to a stop-work order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code does Seattle use?
What is the penalty for a plumbing code violation in Seattle?
Does the Plumbing Code cover repairs, not just new installations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
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