Plymouth, Massachusetts Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Plymouth, Massachusetts Plumbing Permit Ordinances
The authority having jurisdiction for plumbing permits in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is the Inspectional Services Department, specifically the Building Department.
Before applying for a building permit, an approved zoning permit from the Zoning Board/Zoning Division is a prerequisite.
Plumbing permit fees are categorized by residential and commercial/industrial use, with additional charges for fixtures and appliances. For residential plumbing, the permit fee is $75.00, which includes the first fixture, with each additional fixture costing $15.00. A water heater installation or replacement costs $35.00. For commercial and industrial plumbing, the permit fee is $150.00.
A plumbing permit is required for all projects involving new or replacement rough plumbing connections, whether or not in conjunction with other work.
All exterior plumbing work requires a separate water and sewer permit application.
Re-inspection fees are $75.00 if the site is not ready for inspection or if issues arise.
The Town of Plymouth has adopted the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025), and also adheres to the MA Stretch Energy Code.
Permits expire if construction has not commenced within 6 months of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 12 months. Renewal fees typically range from 25-50% of the original permit fee.
The Inspectional Services Department is generally available to answer public inquiries from Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. After 9:30 a.m., inspectors are in the field.
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Because Plymouth is located within Plymouth County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Massachusetts, Plymouth County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Plymouth County, Massachusetts Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Massachusetts, plumbing permits are handled at the local municipal level, not by the county. Each town or city has its own building department or inspectional services department responsible for issuing permits and enforcing building codes. Plymouth County itself does not have a county-level Building & Safety Division that directly oversees permit requirements for individual properties. Therefore, to obtain information on plumbing permit requirements, you will need to contact the specific town or city within Plymouth County where the property is located.
The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) provides the overarching framework for building permits, including those for plumbing. Generally, any work involving new or replacement rough plumbing connections requires a permit. Licensed plumbers are typically required to pull plumbing permits, and homeowners are generally not permitted to do so.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
Massachusetts does not have unincorporated areas in the same way some other states do. All land in Massachusetts is part of a city or town, each with its own municipal government and building department. Therefore, there are no special rules for properties in unincorporated areas within Plymouth County, as all properties fall under the jurisdiction of a specific municipality.
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The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Massachusetts:
Massachusetts Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Massachusetts Plumbing Code and Legislation
Unlike many states that adopt national model codes such as the International Residential Code (IRC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC), Massachusetts maintains its own state-authored plumbing code. The governing regulation is 248 CMR 10.00: Uniform State Plumbing Code. This code is specifically designed to meet the Commonwealth's unique requirements, including those for the biotech, research, and pharmaceutical industries, and it is harmonized with other state regulations and agencies.
Regulatory Authority
The primary agency responsible for setting, maintaining, and enforcing these standards is the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, which operates under the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure. The Board is established under Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) Chapter 142, which provides the statutory framework for the supervision of plumbing and the licensing of plumbing professionals in the state. The Board is responsible for licensing, conducting examinations, granting variances, and overseeing the periodic updates to 248 CMR 10.00.
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