Permits are required before starting work. Permits are available to owners of single-family dwellings and duplexes provided the owner or a member of the immediate family installs the work, and the owner resides or intends to reside in such dwelling.
Permits become null and void if such work authorized is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if such work is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days.
All work shall comply with the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Plumbing Regulations of the Long Beach Municipal Code.
No work shall be covered without first having been inspected and approved.
Permits shall be issued to duly licensed contractors.
However, a homeowner can obtain a permit to do the construction, alteration or repair of a one or two-family dwelling and accessory buildings or facilities thereto if:
The owner resides or intends to reside in the dwelling, showing proof of residence;
The plumbing work is performed by the owner, and
The owner signs a statement that no person will be employed in a manner as to become subject to the workers' compensation laws of the State of California. When a permit is taken out, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A California Driver's License, State of California Identification Card, or other positive identification will meet this requirement. Contractors working in the City of Long Beach are required to have a Long Beach business license. If a contractor has employees, proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance must be shown at the time of permit issuance. Contractors working alone may waive this requirement, but must show a pocket copy of their State Contractor’s License.
Before any plumbing is commenced, a permit authorizing the quality and character of the workmanship and materials of such work shall be obtained from the Building Official to do so.
A plumbing permit shall be obtained for each separate building, except that one permit fee only shall be required for plumbing to be installed in a dwelling and accessory buildings located on the same lot or premises, and which such accessory building does not contain sleeping quarters, or house more than two passenger-carrying automobiles, provided, that such plumbing is installed at the same time as the plumbing with the accompanying dwelling.
Exception:
A separate plumbing permit shall not be required for any plumbing work involving a Group R, Division 3 or Group U occupancy for which a combined permit has been obtained.
No permit shall be required in the following cases:
The stopping of leaks or the repair of defects in any plumbing, provided that no new materials are used;
The repair of a water heater other than its vents; provided that the water heater is not disconnected;
The replacement of exposed traps serving fixtures, provided that approved traps are used and are properly installed;
The replacement of defective or unapproved ball-cocks in water tanks, provided anti-siphon ball-cocks are used and properly installed;
The replacement of defective or unapproved faucets serving sinks, lavatories and bathtubs, provided approved type faucets are used and are properly installed;
The replacement of an electric water heater, providing the rough plumbing is not altered. Any gas piping not more than six feet in length between an approved gas outlet and any gas-fired appliance, provided that any such gas-fired appliance is in the same room as the gas outlet.
Inspections Required
Concealing of work:
No person shall fail, neglect or refuse to leave and keep any plumbing, as regulated by this chapter, open, uncovered and convenient for inspection until such plumbing has been inspected and approved by the Building Official or an authorized Plumbing Inspector, and any obstruction whatsoever, which interferes with a complete and thorough inspection of any plumbing, shall be removed upon notice so to do, and shall be left and kept removed until such plumbing has been inspected and approved.
Drainage of Vents
Under slab or underground drainage and vent piping within a dwelling must be cast iron soil pipe, approved plastic or type "DWV" copper tube. Drainage and vent piping installed more than 6 inches above ground or concrete may be galvanized steel pipe. Drainage piping must slope or grade at least 1/4 inch per foot.
The aggregate area of vents through the roof must equal the size of the building drain.
Plumbing fixtures must be an approved type and must be properly trapped and vented.
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Who Can Obtain Permits?
