Spalding County, GA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Sec. 8-1001(1)(d) adopts the International Plumbing Code, alongside the International Building, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, National Electrical, Fire, Energy Conservation, Residential, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes, as Construction Codes under O.C.G.A. § 8-2-20(9), enforcing whichever edition the Georgia Department of Community Affairs has most recently adopted, including all appendices. Sec. 8-1003(1)(f) confirms the International Plumbing Code, as amended by the state department, governs every plumbing installation, alteration, repair, replacement, equipment, fixture, and appurtenance connected to a water or sewerage system. Sec. 8-1006(1)(a) requires any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who wants to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a plumbing system regulated by the Construction Codes to first apply to the department of community development and obtain a permit; a permit cannot be issued to an owner who is neither a licensed contractor nor the occupant of the residential structure being altered.

Sec. 8-1006(1)(d)(D) exempts only two narrow categories from that requirement: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes, unless a concealed pipe must be removed and replaced with new material, which is treated as new work requiring a permit; and clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, and reinstalling previously approved fixtures, as long as the work does not involve replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures. Sec. 8-1006(7)(b) doubles the usual permit fee as a penalty for anyone who begins plumbing work before the permit is issued, and Sec. 8-1006(4)(a) gives the department 45 days to act on a complete application.