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

Section 8-3 adopts the 2018 International Plumbing Code, with accompanying Georgia amendments, as the standard for plumbing work anywhere in unincorporated Walker County. Section 8-13 requires anyone who wants to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace a plumbing system regulated by the adopted codes to first apply to the Code Official and obtain a permit, using the same application the county uses for building, electrical, gas and mechanical work; the application need only describe the proposed work and its location unless the Code Official calls for drawings or specifications under § 8-14.

A plumbing permit becomes invalid if work does not begin within 6 months of issuance or is suspended for 6 months once started, per § 8-18(a), though the Code Official may grant 90-day extensions for justifiable cause. Section 8-20(3) then walks the permit holder through 3 required plumbing inspections: an underground inspection after trenches are dug and pipe is laid but before backfilling, a rough-in inspection once the soil, waste and vent piping is complete and before walls are closed, and a final inspection after all fixtures are connected and the structure is ready for occupancy, with the code directing inspectors to section 311 of the International Plumbing Code for required pressure tests. Beginning plumbing work before the permit is in hand carries its own separate penalty under § 8-19(b).