Kentucky, Daviess County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Daviess County, Kentucky Plumbing Permit Requirements

In Daviess County, Kentucky, plumbing installations are regulated by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) and require permits. The Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission (OMPC) handles building plan review, permits, and inspections for unincorporated Daviess County. For specific county-level permits related to roads, driveways, or excavation, the Daviess County Engineering Department and the Daviess County Road Department are involved.

A plumbing installation permit is generally required for:

All new plumbing installations.
Existing plumbing installations where a fixture, soil, or waste opening, or conductor is to be moved or relocated.
New or replacement house sewers.
New or replacement water services.
The addition of a backflow prevention device to an existing water service.
New or replacement water heater installations.
Taking over a plumbing installation originally permitted to another master plumber or assuming responsibility to correct and test an installation made by someone else.

Permits are typically not required for the repair of leaks, cocks, valves, or the cleaning out of waste or sewer pipes.

All plumbing work must comply with the Kentucky State Plumbing Code and be performed by a plumber licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. However, homeowners may be issued a permit to perform plumbing work on their own personal residence if they meet specific requirements, including performing the work themselves and filing an affidavit.

Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties in unincorporated Daviess County, the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission (OMPC) is the primary authority for building plan review, permits, and inspections. Additionally, county-specific permits for driveway access, encroachments, cut/fill work, and drainage issues are handled by the Daviess County Engineering Department and the Daviess County Road Department. These county-level approvals are often required in parallel with the OMPC permit process.

Resources to Learn More

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

Kentucky Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Kentucky Plumbing Statutes and Codes

Plumbing in Kentucky is primarily governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 318, which establishes the legal framework for the practice of plumbing, licensing requirements, and the authority to promulgate the state plumbing code. The technical standards for plumbing installations, materials, and methods are set forth in the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, which is codified under 815 KAR Chapter 20 of the Kentucky Administrative Regulations.

Unlike some other building codes that may adopt a specific edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) by reference, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code is a distinct set of regulations developed and maintained by the state. While it incorporates industry standards, it is specifically promulgated by the state department to address local, climatic, and regulatory conditions within the Commonwealth.

Regulatory Agencies

The primary state agency responsible for the administration, oversight, and enforcement of plumbing standards and licensing in Kentucky is the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), specifically through its Division of Plumbing. This division is responsible for:

Issuing and renewing licenses for master and journeyman plumbers.
Reviewing and issuing plumbing construction permits.
Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.
Administering the state plumbing examination through the State Plumbers Examining Committee.

While the DHBC maintains state-level authority, certain local jurisdictions may be authorized to administer and enforce the state plumbing code within their boundaries, provided they adhere to state regulations and employ qualified inspectors.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Daviess 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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