Lakewood, Washington Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Lakewood, Washington Plumbing Permit Ordinances
In Lakewood, Washington, plumbing permits are overseen by the City's Planning and Public Works Department. All permit applications, including those for plumbing work, must be submitted online through the city's Online Permit Center.
The City of Lakewood adopts by reference the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council.
Specific Local Zoning or Fee Nuances:
- Permit Fees: Permit fees are generally based on the valuation of the project. The City of Lakewood provides a detailed fee schedule, which can be found in their Master Fee Schedule. A 2.9% convenience fee is applied to payments made by credit/debit card online or in person.
- Plumbing Specifics: Permits are required for all plumbing installations or modifications. This includes work on water service lines, fixture installations, gas piping, drain/waste/vent work, and water heater replacements.
- Backflow Prevention: Permits are required for every backflow installation, relocation, or replacement. Fees for backflow prevention assemblies are $65.00 for the first two, and $32.50 for each additional assembly.
- Other Agencies: It's important to note that the City of Lakewood is not a full-service agency for all permits. Sewer, water, electrical, and fire safety permits, reviews, and inspections are handled by outside agencies. For electrical permits, depending on your service provider, you may need to contact the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries or Tacoma Public Utilities.
- Contractor Licensing: If a contractor is used for plumbing work, they must possess a valid City of Lakewood business license and a state contractor's license.
Resources to Learn More
Because Lakewood is located within Pierce County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Washington, Pierce County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Pierce County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Pierce County, Washington, plumbing permits are generally required for the installation, relocation, or alteration of plumbing and gas piping systems. Pierce County is the permitting agency for unincorporated areas within the county and for areas within the Pierce County sewer service area.
Jurisdiction
Pierce County's Building & Roads department, specifically the Permitting Division, handles permit applications, including those for plumbing. For properties in unincorporated areas, Pierce County is the responsible jurisdiction for issuing permits.
Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas
- A permit is required for most construction projects in unincorporated Pierce County.
- Plumbing permits are specifically listed as an application type available through Pierce County.
- While homeowners can perform some plumbing tasks on their own property in Washington State, permits are often necessary for projects such as installing a new water heater or making significant changes to the plumbing system.
- Permits are generally required for installing or replacing residential plumbing and mechanical fixtures, and these permits can often be issued immediately after payment.
- The permit application process involves researching the parcel, creating a site plan, submitting the application, tracking its status, paying fees, and scheduling inspections.
- Building permits, which would encompass plumbing work, are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
- Certain structures or work may be exempt from permit requirements, but specific exemptions for plumbing are not detailed in the general search results. However, for agricultural structures, plumbing and mechanical permits are still required even if the structure itself is exempt.
General Washington State Requirements
- In Washington State, a plumbing license is required to perform plumbing work unless you are the property owner working on your own residence.
- Licensed plumbers must meet specific training and experience requirements, and there are different types of plumbing licenses available (e.g., Trainee, Journey Level, Specialty).
- Plumbing projects requiring a permit may also necessitate inspections by a certified inspector to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations.
- Failing to obtain necessary permits can lead to fines or issues when selling a property.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Washington:
Washington Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Plumbing Codes and Legislation in Washington State
The state of Washington regulates plumbing systems through the adoption of the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), which is published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). This model code is adopted by reference and modified by state-specific amendments to create the Washington State Plumbing Code, codified under Chapter 51-56 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). These regulations are established under the authority of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 19.27, which governs the State Building Code.
Primary State Agencies
Two primary state entities oversee the plumbing regulatory framework in Washington:
- Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC): This council is responsible for the adoption, maintenance, and amendment of the state building codes, including the Washington State Plumbing Code. They regularly review and update these codes to ensure they remain consistent with state safety and health standards.
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I): This department is the primary authority for the administration of plumber certification, plumbing contractor licensing, and enforcement of professional standards. While the SBCC sets the technical code, L&I manages the workforce and business regulations associated with the plumbing trade, as outlined in RCW Chapter 18.106 and WAC Chapter 296-400A.
It is important to note that while the state sets the minimum standards, local jurisdictions (cities and counties) are responsible for issuing permits and conducting inspections. Local authorities may also adopt additional, stricter amendments to the state code.
Resources to Learn More