Iowa, Franklin County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Franklin County, Iowa Plumbing Permit Requirements

Franklin County, Iowa, handles building and safety regulations, including plumbing permits, through its Environmental Health Department and Zoning Department. For properties in unincorporated areas, these county-level departments are the primary point of contact for permit requirements.

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Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Iowa, including Franklin County.

Iowa Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State Statutes and Plumbing Codes

The state of Iowa regulates plumbing installations through the Iowa State Plumbing Code, which is established under the authority of Iowa Code Chapter 105. The state has adopted the 2024 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), as the base technical standard. This adoption is codified in the Iowa Administrative Code (specifically Chapter 25), which includes state-specific amendments to the model code. Local jurisdictions in Iowa are prohibited from adopting other plumbing codes, though they may adopt additional amendments provided those requirements are stricter than the state-adopted code.

Regulatory Board and Agencies

The primary state entity responsible for the regulation and licensing of plumbing professionals is the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB). The board operates under the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). The PMSB is tasked with licensing individuals at various levels—including apprentices, journeypersons, masters, and contractors—and overseeing the enforcement of state laws and technical standards related to plumbing and mechanical systems.

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Select a City in Franklin County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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