New York, Chemung County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Chemung County Plumbing Permit Requirements

In Chemung County, New York, plumbing permit requirements are primarily handled by the Chemung County Sewer Districts for work involving the sewer system. For general building and safety regulations, including plumbing, individual towns within the county may have their own specific requirements and enforcement officers.

County-Level Jurisdiction

Sewer Permits: A Sewer Permit is required from the Chemung County Sewer Districts for connecting to the main sewer line or performing repairs on an existing sewer lateral.
Design and Approval: New sanitary sewers and extensions must be designed by a New York State-licensed professional engineer. Plans and specifications need approval from the Sewer Districts before a permit is issued.
Insurance: Contractors must have a Commercial General Liability Insurance policy on file with the Chemung County Sewer Districts, with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence. The policy must name the County of Chemung, Chemung County Sewer District Number 1, and Chemung County Elmira Sewer District as additional insured. Proof of NYS Workers' Compensation and Disability and Paid Family Leave Benefits is also required.
Property Line Clean-Outs: These are mandatory on all lateral lines. A new clean-out is required for repairs within 20 feet of the property line closest to the public sewer main.
Backflow Preventers: All subsurface drainage fixtures must be protected by a backflow preventer, check valve, or shut-off valve to prevent sewage backup. This is a requirement of both the New York State Building Code and the Chemung County Sewer Districts.
Highway Excavation Permits: If work impacts the municipal or highway right-of-way, a permit from the appropriate municipality is necessary.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties in unincorporated areas, the specific town's Code Enforcement Officer is typically responsible for enforcing local regulations and the New York State Building Codes. For example, the Town of Chemung has a Code Enforcement Officer who reviews building permit applications, performs inspections, and enforces building codes, including those related to plumbing. Requirements for obtaining a building permit in the Town of Chemung include providing owner and property information, details on lot lines, and contractor insurance. For new homes, septic system permits from the Chemung County Board of Health may be required before a building permit is issued.

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New York Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Plumbing Codes and Legislation in New York State

Plumbing regulations in New York State are primarily governed by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code). This code is applicable in every municipality of the state, with the notable exception of New York City, which maintains its own independent building and plumbing codes. The state-level plumbing requirements are incorporated by reference into Title 19 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (19 NYCRR).

As of the most recent updates, New York State has adopted the 2025 Plumbing Code of New York State. This code is a derivative work based on the 2024 edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) published by the International Code Council (ICC), with specific modifications and amendments developed to suit New York State requirements. For one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not exceeding three stories, plumbing systems are governed by the Residential Code of New York State, which is based on the International Residential Code (IRC).

Primary State Board and Agencies

The development, maintenance, and administration of these standards are overseen by the following entities:

State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council (Code Council): This body is responsible for the adoption and amendment of the Uniform Code, including the Plumbing Code of New York State.

New York State Department of State (DOS), Division of Building Standards and Codes (DBSC): The DBSC provides technical support, administers the statutory functions of the Code Council, and oversees the enforcement framework for the Uniform Code across the state.

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Select a City in Chemung 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.

New York, Chemung County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Chemung County Plumbing Permit Requirements

County-Level Jurisdiction

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

Resources to Learn More

New York Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Plumbing Codes and Legislation in New York State

Primary State Board and Agencies

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Chemung County

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