Texas, Johnson County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Johnson County, Texas Plumbing Permit Requirements

Johnson County, Texas, has specific regulations for plumbing work, particularly in unincorporated areas. The county's Development Services department handles permits for new development, including mobile homes, in these unincorporated regions as part of its floodplain management responsibilities. This may involve reviewing surveys and elevation certificates.

County-Level Jurisdiction and Unincorporated Areas

Johnson County issues building permits exclusively for properties located in unincorporated areas. If your property is within an incorporated city, that city's building department is responsible for permits.
The Development Services department is the primary point of contact for permits in unincorporated areas. They issue Development Permits for new construction, including mobile homes, and permits for On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSFs).
Permits for road bores, pipelines in road right-of-ways, and subdivision development are also handled by this department.

State Plumbing License Requirements

While Johnson County manages local permits, plumbing work in Texas generally requires a state-issued license. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) issues various plumbing licenses, including Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber. Each license has specific experience and training requirements. Homeowners are permitted to perform plumbing repairs on their own homesteads without a license, but permits and inspections may still be required by local authorities.

Resources to Learn More

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

Texas Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State Statutes and Codes

Plumbing regulation in Texas is primarily governed by the Plumbing License Law, which is codified under Chapter 1301 of the Texas Occupations Code. This statute mandates that plumbing work be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber, with specific exceptions for homestead owners. Regarding technical standards, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) adopts plumbing codes to ensure the proper design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems. While the state adopts specific codes as a baseline, Texas law allows municipalities and political subdivisions to adopt and amend plumbing codes to address local concerns, provided those amendments do not substantially vary from state rules or laws. Consequently, local jurisdictions may choose between recognized standards, such as the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and apply their own local amendments.

Primary State Board

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is the primary state agency responsible for the regulation of the plumbing industry in Texas. Its authority includes the licensing and examination of plumbing professionals, the enforcement of the Plumbing License Law, the adoption of plumbing codes for areas not otherwise regulated, and the oversight of continuing professional education for licensees.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Johnson 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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