Ohio, Madison County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Madison County Plumbing Permit Requirements

In Madison County, Ohio, plumbing permits are handled by the Madison County Public Health Department. For commercial work, a plan review by Franklin County Public Health is required before a permit can be issued. Homeowners residing in the property may obtain a residential permit for work on their own home. All plumbing contractors performing work in Madison County must register with Madison County Public Health. This registration requires a completed form, a surety bond of $5,000, proof of liability insurance of at least $250,000, and a copy of your state plumbing/contractor license if performing commercial work.

Madison County has adopted the State of Ohio Plumbing Code, which can be found in Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4101:3. Plumbing inspections are performed by Franklin County Public Health.

Unincorporated Areas

Madison County has countywide zoning codes that apply to the unincorporated areas of the county. The Madison County Zoning Department monitors zoning and development issues for 13 of the 14 townships within these unincorporated areas. For specific building and zoning permit procedures, it is recommended to contact the Madison County Department of Building and Zoning directly.

Permit and Inspection Process

Permits for all plumbing work (commercial and residential) are issued by Madison County Public Health.
Permit fees are paid directly to Madison County Public Health.
Plumbers must register with Madison County Public Health before applying for a permit or performing work.
Plan reviews for commercial work are performed by Franklin County Public Health and must be approved before applying for a permit.
Plumbing inspections are performed by Franklin County Public Health.
A permit is required for the residential installation of a shower or bathtub, and for all commercial work. Permits are not required for residential faucet or toilet replacements.

Resources to Learn More

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

Ohio Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Ohio Plumbing Code and Legislation

The state of Ohio regulates plumbing systems through the Ohio Plumbing Code (OPC), which is codified under Chapter 4101:3 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC). As of March 1, 2024, the state enforces the 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code, which incorporates the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as its foundation, supplemented by specific Ohio amendments. These amendments are designed to address state-specific requirements, safety standards, and local environmental conditions.

Regulatory Agencies and Enforcement

The primary agency responsible for the formulation, adoption, and amendment of the Ohio Plumbing Code is the Ohio Board of Building Standards (BBS), which operates under the Ohio Department of Commerce. While the BBS sets the technical standards, enforcement is typically handled at the local level. Municipal, county, and township building departments are certified by the state to exercise enforcement authority, which includes conducting plan reviews, issuing permits, and performing inspections to ensure compliance with the code.

Additionally, the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) is responsible for the licensing of plumbing contractors, ensuring that those performing regulated work meet the necessary professional qualifications. For specific issues such as public water mains and sewer lines beyond a structure's service connection, jurisdiction may fall under the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and local utility authorities.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Madison 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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