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Taunton, MA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing sections
City Code §§ 96-31, 96-32, 250-1, 250-4
Enforcing officer
Inspector of Plumbing, appointed by Building Commissioner
Adopted code enforced
Mass. State Plumbing Code, 248 CMR 10
Residential application fee
$52
Commercial plumbing fee
1.5% of contract plus 4% ($104 min)
No-permit penalty
Triple the normal fee

Summary

Every plumbing job in Taunton needs a permit under City Code § 250-1, and the Inspector of Plumbing appointed under § 96-31 enforces the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code, 248 CMR 10. Residential work starts with a $52 application fee plus itemized fixture charges, and any plumbing done without a permit is billed at triple the normal fee.

§ 96-31. Appointment; duties. ... The Building Commissioner shall appoint one or more qualified inspectors of plumbing, whose tenure of office and duties shall be in accordance with the provisions of MGL c. 142, § 13, and who shall enforce the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code, 248 CMR 10. § ... 250-1. ... Fee schedules for certain permits. ... No person shall undertake, authorize, allow, or cause any work referenced in §§ 250-2 through 250-6, inclusive, to be done without first applying for and obtaining permits therefor. § 250- ... ... 4. Plumbing inspections and permits fee schedule. ... Use or Application Type of Permit Description Fee ... Residential Plumbing Application fee $52 ... Residential Plumbing ... Work performed without a permit Triple fee

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4508986; v12 updated 2025-09-22; through 09-22-2025).

Full Breakdown

Article VI of the Taunton Code establishes the Inspector of Plumbing, appointed by the Building Commissioner under § 96-31, whose tenure and duties track MGL c. 142, § 13, and who enforces the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code, 248 CMR 10. Section 96-32 backs the inspector's authority by requiring that plumbing work be left uncovered and accessible until an inspector has examined and approved it. 5% of the contract price plus a 4% permit surcharge, with a $104 minimum, and a $52 reinspection fee. 20 for a replacement appliance, with a $52 reinspection fee if the first visit fails.

Both commercial and residential schedules impose the same penalty for skipping the permit process altogether: triple the normal fee is charged for any plumbing work performed without a permit, on top of whatever inspection and reinspection charges already apply.

Violations & Fines

Section 250-4 charges triple the normal permit fee for any commercial or residential plumbing work performed without a permit, and a $52 reinspection fee applies each time work fails inspection. Section 96-32 separately requires that plumbing work stay uncovered and accessible until an inspector examines and approves it, giving the Inspector of Plumbing grounds to require an installer to reopen concealed work before signing off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces the plumbing code in Taunton?
The Inspector of Plumbing, appointed by the Building Commissioner under City Code § 96-31, with tenure and duties set by MGL c. 142, § 13, and authority to enforce the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code, 248 CMR 10.
How much is a residential plumbing permit in Taunton?
Section 250-4 sets a $52 application fee, plus itemized charges such as $31.20 for a testable backflow preventer, $10.40 per fixture, and $41.60 for an underground service connection.
What happens if I do plumbing work without a permit?
Section 250-4 charges triple the normal permit fee for any commercial or residential plumbing work performed without first obtaining a permit, in addition to standard inspection charges.
Can a plumber cover up finished work before inspection?
No. Section 96-32 requires that all plumbing work be left uncovered and convenient for examination until an inspector of plumbing has inspected and approved it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Taunton

All Taunton rules

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