Tuscaloosa, AL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2021 International Plumbing Code
- Deleted appendices
- A, B, D, F
- Water test standard
- 5-foot head allowed (Secs. 312.2, 312.6)
- Owner exemption
- Owner-occupied plumbing work, still inspected
- Appeal deadline
- 5 days to chief building official
Summary
Tuscaloosa enforces the 2021 International Plumbing Code as its adopted plumbing code, with local amendments on pressure testing and fixture requirements. Most plumbing work requires a licensed plumber and a city permit, with narrow owner and utility-employee exemptions.
Sec. 6-80. - Adoption of code. In accordance with the provisions of Code of Ala. 1975, § 11-45-8(c), the International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, prepared by the International Code Council, Inc., except such sections and portions thereof as are hereinafter modified, is hereby referred to and adopted by reference as the Plumbing Code of the City of Tuscaloosa, as fully as if set out at length herein, and from and after the effective date of the ordinance from which this section derived, shall govern as far as code or ordinance can, to all the subjects to which they relate within the corporate limits of the city and within its police jurisdiction, and shall constitute and generally be referred to as the "Tuscaloosa Plumbing Code."
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 6-80 adopts the International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, prepared by the International Code Council, by reference under Code of Ala. 1975, Sec. 11-45-8(c), as the 'Tuscaloosa Plumbing Code,' governing plumbing work citywide and in the police jurisdiction. Sec. 6 similarly allows a five-foot head of water on gravity sewer tests. 1 is amended so that service sinks are not required for Business, Mercantile, or Storage occupancies (though any installed must still meet IPC standards), and drinking fountains are not required at all under the city amendment.
Sec. 6-84 exempts limited categories from needing a plumbing license, including a property owner performing plumbing work on a building he or she owns or occupies, maintenance employees working only on their employer's premises, and utility company employees performing utility-scope work, but all such work remains subject to inspection and approval under state law and city ordinance. Sec. 6-85 gives an aggrieved permit applicant five days from notice of a plumbing official's decision to file a written appeal with the chief building official, who must hold a hearing within ten days, with a further appeal available to the board of adjustments and appeals.
Violations & Fines
Performing plumbing work without the required license or permit, or violating any Plumbing Code provision, is a misdemeanor. Sec. 6-84 conditions the licensing exemptions on the work still being subject to inspection and approval, so unpermitted or uninspected work by an exempt party remains a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code does Tuscaloosa follow?
Can a Tuscaloosa homeowner do their own plumbing work?
Does Tuscaloosa require drinking fountains or service sinks in commercial buildings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tuscaloosa
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