Permit Requirements

Plumbing Permit Requirements in Los Angeles

California Plumbing Code compliance, plan check thresholds, and LADBS plumbing requirements in LA.

Los Angeles Plumbing Permit Requirements Overview

Plumbing work in Los Angeles must comply with the California Plumbing Code (based on the Uniform Plumbing Code with California amendments) as adopted and enforced by LADBS. Plumbing permit requirements ensure that drain, waste, vent, and water supply systems are safely designed and installed.

Projects Requiring a Formal Plumbing Plan Check

LADBS requires a formal Plumbing Plan Check before issuing a permit for the following types of plumbing projects:

• Drainage and vent systems for buildings with fixtures discharging 217 or more drainage fixture units
• Drainage pumps and ejector systems
• Combination waste and vent systems
• Gas systems with more than 10 outlets
• Medium or high pressure gas systems
• Methane gas extraction systems
• Rainwater piping systems with more than 10 interconnected drains or a rainwater pump
• Reclaimed or recycled water piping systems
• Water supply systems requiring 2-inch or larger supply mains
• Swimming pool water circulating systems
• Subsurface drainage piping

California Plumbing Code Compliance Requirements

• All plumbing materials must be listed and approved for their intended use
• Drainage piping must maintain proper slope (typically 1/4 inch per foot for horizontal runs)
• All fixtures must be properly vented to prevent trap siphoning
• Cleanouts must be installed at required intervals for drain and sewer systems
• Water heaters must be seismically anchored per Los Angeles Building Code requirements
• Backflow prevention devices must be installed where cross-connection risks exist
• Gas piping must be pressure tested before being concealed or connected to appliances
• Water supply systems must be sized to provide adequate pressure and flow to all fixtures

Sewer Connection Requirements in Los Angeles

Projects involving new connections to the Los Angeles city sewer system — or reconnections after plumbing work — require coordination with both LADBS (for the plumbing permit) and the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering (BOE), which issues sewer permits (S-Permits) for sewer lateral work. Sanitation fees apply for new sewer connections and are assessed by the Bureau of Sanitation.

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