Simi Valley, CA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Plumbing code
- California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition (Part 5, Title 24)
- Local status
- Primary Plumbing Code of the City of Simi Valley
- Latest amendment
- Ord. No. 1366, effective December 18, 2025
- Permit issuer
- Building Official, under Chapter 7 of the Building Code
- Exempt work
- Stopping drain, waste or vent leaks; clearing stoppages; minor leak repairs
- Permit lapse
- 12 months unstarted, or 180 days suspended
- Work without permit
- Investigation Fee added to the permit fee
- Appeal deadline
- 15th day after the Building Official's written determination
Summary
Simi Valley enforces the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, as its Primary Plumbing Code, and the Building Official issues the permits. Section 8-5.04 exempts only two kinds of work: stopping leaks in drain, soil, waste or vent pipe, and clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures without replacing or rearranging them. Section 8-14.01 was last amended by Ord. No. 1366, effective December 18, 2025.
The California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, together with those omissions, amendments, exceptions and additions thereto, is hereby adopted and enacted as the Primary Plumbing Code of the City of Simi Valley, and made part of this Code by reference with the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein. ... A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following: (a) The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that should any concealed trap, drainpipe, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this Title. (b) The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, including the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 14 of the Simi Valley Building Code adopts the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, which is Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, together with the city's omissions, amendments, exceptions and additions. Section 8-14.01 makes it the Primary Plumbing Code of the City and incorporates it by reference with the same force as if printed in full. One copy of the 2025 code is filed for public examination in the Offices of the City of Simi Valley. The section's history shows Ord. No. 1346, effective January 5, 2023, as amended by Ord. No. 1366, effective December 18, 2025, so the 2025 edition reference is already in force.
The permit duty sits in Chapter 5. Section 8-5.01 bars anyone from erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting or demolishing a building, structure or building service equipment without a separate permit for each one from the Building Official. Section 8-5.04 then carves out two plumbing exemptions. The first covers stopping leaks in drains, soil, waste or vent pipe, but if a concealed trap, drainpipe, soil, waste or vent pipe is defective and must be removed and replaced with new material, that is new work and a permit and inspection are required. The second covers clearing stoppages and repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, including removing and reinstalling water closets, as long as the repair does not involve or require replacing or rearranging valves, pipes or fixtures.
An exemption is not a pass on the code. Section 8-5.02(b) says exemption from permit requirements does not authorize any work that violates the technical codes or other laws and city ordinances. Section 8-5.03(b) adds that items exempt from a building permit, such as a one-story shed of 120 square feet or less that contains no plumbing work, still need separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits unless this Title exempts them too.
Permit applications go on a form furnished by the Building Official under Section 8-6.00 and must describe the work and the land. The Building Official can waive plan submittal under Section 8-6.01(d) when plan review is not necessary. Fees come from the Schedule of Service Charges set by City Council resolution under Section 8-8.01.
Violations & Fines
Starting permit-required plumbing work without a permit triggers a special investigation under Section 8-8.04 before any permit can be issued, and an Investigation Fee from the Schedule of Service Charges is collected on top of the permit fee whether or not a permit is ever issued. Paying it does not excuse anyone from any other penalty prescribed by law. Under Section 8-7.08 the Building Official can suspend or revoke a permit issued in error or on incorrect, incomplete or fraudulent information, in writing, stating the cause and the time period. Reinspection fees under Section 8-9.09 apply when work is not ready for inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to clear a clogged drain or fix a leaking pipe in Simi Valley?
Does Simi Valley adopt the newest California Plumbing Code?
How long does a Simi Valley plumbing permit stay valid?
Can I appeal a Building Official decision on my plumbing work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
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