Plumbing Permit in Flagstaff, Arizona
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Flagstaff, governed by the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and locally amended by the City of Flagstaff (max 1.3-gallon flush water closets; 12-inch minimum roof vent termination above grade). Minor plumbing work can use the Over-the-Counter permit.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of any plumbing system, fixture, water heater, gas piping, or sewer/water service line
- Governed by the 2018 IPC as adopted by City of Flagstaff (Resolution 2019-26 / Ordinance 2019-16), amended locally for maximum flush volumes and vent terminations
- Backflow preventers and grease/oil interceptors must be applied for as a full Building Permit, routed to City of Flagstaff Water Services Industrial Waste Section for review
- Tile shower enclosures must be applied for as a Building Permit, not an Over-the-Counter permit
- Replacement waterline material must be specified on the Over-the-Counter application per EPA 40 CFR 141.84(b)(2) and the ADEQ Lead and Copper Rule
- Apply through the Citizen Access Portal, or use the Over-the-Counter Permit Application for qualifying minor plumbing work
Required documents
- Required
Over-the-Counter Permit Application (PDF, Rev. 06/10/2025)
Used for plumbing fixture/appliance work not requiring a full building permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Over-the-Counter Base Fee | $29.90 | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application (Rev. 06/10/2025); base fee plus itemized fixture charges below |
| Water Heater w/vent | $15.70 | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application |
| Water Closet (toilet), Lavatory, Shower, Kitchen Sink/Disposal, Bathtub/Shower Enclosure, and most individual fixtures | $12.50 each | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application |
| Water/vent/drain piping | $6.05 | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application |
| Yard Line Replacement (water/gas/sewer) | $15.70 | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application |
| Gas Piping System, 1 to 5 outlets | $7.80 | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application |
| Gas Piping System, over 5 outlets | $1.45 per additional outlet | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application |
| Gas Pressure Test, No Repair/Work Done | $18.90 | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application |
| Hydronic Water Boiler >100K BTU, Residential only | $23.20 | City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application |
Review timeline
0–0 business days
Flagstaff’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Underground/Slab
Before concrete pour — verify pipe slope, materials, and cleanouts
- 2
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before walls closed
- 3
Final
All fixtures connected, water heater verified, no leaks
Tips
- Water closets in Flagstaff are capped at a 1.3-gallon maximum flush volume (dual-flush average capped at 1.28 gallons) — a stricter local amendment to the 2018 IPC/IRC.
- Replacing a water heater via the Over-the-Counter permit costs $29.90 base + $15.70 for the water heater/vent.
- Backflow preventers, grease/oil interceptors, and tile shower enclosures cannot use the Over-the-Counter process — they require a full Building Permit.
- reviewTimelineDays is 0 (no plan-review period): a qualifying Over-the-Counter plumbing permit is issued at the counter with no two-stage plan review. The City's ARS 9-835/9-836 timeframes documents (Residential Building Permits Plan Review Process and Timeframes; Commercial Plan Review) and the Over-the-Counter Permit Application itself contain no plan-review timeframe for OTC trade permits because they are not plan-reviewed. Only if the work triggers a full Building Permit (e.g., backflow preventer, grease/oil interceptor, tile shower enclosure) is it reviewed under the 'Small Residential Plans' track (35 working days overall). Source: City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application (Rev. 06/10/2025) and Residential Building Permits Plan Review Process and Timeframes (PDF).
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Flagstaff?
- Yes. Using the Over-the-Counter permit process: $29.90 base fee plus $15.70 for the water heater and vent. Source: City of Flagstaff Over-the-Counter Permit Application (Rev. 06/10/2025).
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Flagstaff Building Safety Section (Planning & Development Services, Community Development Division) — official building department
- Over-the-Counter Permit Application (PDF) | City of Flagstaff
- 2019 Amendments to the Adopted Codes (PDF) | City of Flagstaff
- Residential Building Permits Plan Review Process and Timeframes (PDF) | City of Flagstaff
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Flagstaff building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Other permits in Flagstaff
Plumbing Permit in other cities
Compare plumbing permit fees across Arizona →
Related guides
Project checklist — coming soon
Describe your project once and get every permit, document, and fee it triggers in Flagstaff — in one checklist. Leave your email and we'll tell you when it's ready.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.