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Plan (required) Plumbing/Gas Permit

This permit is required for the alteration, addition or replacement of a plumbing system or portion of a plumbing system within or on any structure or premises and to comply with the minimum standards necessary to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare unless exempted in San Diego Municipal Code §129.0403.

Plan Your Project

What You Should Know

  • Plumbing Permit Procedures 
  • Who may prepare Plans, Reports and Calculations
    Plumbing plans and calculations shall be stamped and signed in accordance with the California Business and Professions Code. The plumbing plans and calculations shall be signed by a licensed mechanical engineer. An architect or civil engineer can sign the Plumbing plans only if he or she has designed the project as the responsible designer of the plumbing system. A mechanical contractor can sign and stamp the plumbing plans and calculations and/or Title 24 energy compliance for the plumbing system only if he/she is responsible for both the design and installation of the system. Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2: 7.1
  • Single Dwelling Unit/Duplex
    • Plumbing plans are not required for one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses, as defined in the California Residential Code, and their accessory structures.
    • When plumbing fixtures are present, show all existing, proposed and relocated plumbing fixtures.  Plumbing equipment location, size, make and model of proposed water heater must be shown.  Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2A: 5.1.5 – 5.1.6
    • Energy calculations are required for all new buildings and additions to buildings except accessory structures or non-habitable areas. Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2A: 9.0
  • All Other Buildings and Structures, Construction Permits – Structures, Section 2: 7.0
    • Plumbing plans and calculations are required for all buildings and structures other than one-and two-family dwellings except when the installation qualifies for a no-plan permit (Simple Permit).
  • Temporary Plumbing/Gas Permits.
  • If your project includes a building construction plan, you will need to submit for a Building Permit and include your plumbing plans in your submittal.
  • Your project may require a historic review to determine conformance with the historic resources regulations if your project is located:
    • On a site with a designated historic resource
    • Within a designated historic district
    • On a site containing a structure of 45 years or more.
  • Please review  Information Bulletin 581 for additional information.

Fees

Exemptions

A plumbing permit is not required for the following plumbing work however, exemption from the permit requirements of the Plumbing Regulations does not authorize any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the Plumbing Regulations or any other applicable local or state regulations. Learn more about exemptions from a plumbing permit. 

  • Stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe; however, this exemption does not apply for the replacement of any drain pipe, soil, waste or vent pipe with new material in any part as part of the repair.
  • Clearing of stoppages, or the repair of leaks in soil, waste, or vent pipes, valves, fixtures, or replacement of exposed traps in existing plumbing systems serving lavatories, sinks, laundry trays or similar fixtures.
  • Replacement in kind of plumbing fixtures, unless the installation requires an alteration or replacement of drainage, waste, vent or water supply piping.

Compliant Outdoor Expansion

Apply for a Permit

Step 1

Review the User Guide on How to Apply for a Permit Online

Step 2

Read the PDF icon requirements for PDF file uploads.

Not following the PDF requirements will delay project review and approval.

Step 3

Prepare:

  1. Complete or obtain a plumbing plan for your project. The plumbing plan and calculations shall be stamped and signed in accordance with the California Business and Professional Code. View the Requirements and Resources section below for more information.
  2. Project Contacts Information (DS-345)

Step 4

Your PDF documents MUST meet our upload requirements. See Step 2 for more info.

Validate your PDF documents with Scout™

Step 5

When submitting plans with your application, you must check the plan sheet numbers before uploading your files.

Verify Sheet Numbering on Plans with ePlanSNAPP

Step 6

Apply for the permit

You will be required to upload all the documents and plans from Step 3 at the time of application. Submitting without all the requirements will result in delays.

Requirements and Resources

Permits & Inspections