Worcester County, MD Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Section BR 2-102 adopts the State Plumbing Code and puts it in force in Worcester County. Where the County subtitle conflicts with the State Plumbing Code, the County provisions govern. The permit and inspection provisions do not apply in any area where a duly constituted municipal government enforces the State Plumbing Code itself, so work inside a town with its own enforcement follows that town.

Under § BR 2-101, "provide plumbing services" means to install, maintain, extend, alter or remove piping, a plumbing fixture, a plumbing appliance, a plumbing appurtenance or other plumbing apparatus. The definition carves out automatic sprinkler and standpipe work used only for fire protection, strictly agricultural uses not connected to any other system, and minor repair and maintenance of existing facilities.

Section BR 2-103 requires the permit from the Department before work starts. In a bona fide emergency with imminent danger to life and property, work can begin first, but the permit must be obtained within twelve hours of the next time the Department is open for business. Fees for permits and inspections are set by resolution of the County Commissioners, collected by the Department and paid to the County's general fund. If the Commissioners contract with a private inspection agency, the contract sets the inspection fees and the agency can collect them directly. Every job is inspected by a duly designated County inspector or inspection agency, which files a report with the Department. Under § BR 2-103(g), no plumbing can be used until it has passed a final inspection. Inspectors are appointed by the Commissioners and qualified under state law (§ BR 2-104), and they hold the rights of entry needed to ensure compliance (§ BR 2-105).