Plumbing Permit (Trade Permit) in Tucson, Arizona
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Tucson, governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted by the City of Tucson (effective 1/1/2026). Issued as a Trade Permit, priced per item rather than by valuation.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- Plumbing permit (Trade Permit) required for new fixtures, new piping, water heater installation/fuel-type change, sewer/building drain repair-replacement, and water service line repair-replacement
- Governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted by the City of Tucson — not the Uniform Plumbing Code
- Toilet REPLACEMENT in the same location does NOT require a permit; a NEW toilet location (new plumbing/increased wastewater flow) DOES require a permit
- Fixing a leak or clearing a clog in accessible piping does NOT require a permit; repairs requiring pipe/valve replacement or rerouting (especially concealed piping) DO require a permit
- Installing or replacing a water softener requires a plumbing permit
- Septic system installation and sewer connections may require both a City permit (Development Package) and Pima County Wastewater approval
- Falls under the Express Lane (Residential Trade: 24-hour performance goal) for standard trade-scope plumbing work
Required documents
- Required
Trade Permit Application
Submitted online through Tucson Development Center (TDC) Online, specifying item category and quantity (e.g., water heater installation, sewer line repair)
- Optional
Gas Piping Template
Required with the application if installing or replacing gas piping; identifies size and length of all piping
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Permit — first item (e.g., water heater installation, sewer line/building drain repair-replace, water service line repair-replace) | $150.00 | City of Tucson FY27 Fee Schedule (Section 4-02.9.1); includes up to 1/2 hour of staff review and permit processing plus 2 inspections |
| Trade Permit — each additional item beyond the first | $50.00 per additional item | City of Tucson FY27 Fee Schedule (Section 4-02.9.2) |
| Residential electric/gas reconnect (includes plumbing/gas piping review if applicable) | $135.59 | City of Tucson PDSD Residential Permits page; covers administrative and inspection costs for reconnecting service after 6+ months shutoff |
| Digital Filing Fee | 1% of the total fee, minimum $18.54 | City of Tucson FY27 Fee Schedule (Section 4-01.5.1) |
Review timeline
1–1 business days
Tucson’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, no leaks; may be completed via Remote Video Inspection for most residential work
Tips
- Tucson/Pima County use the International Plumbing Code (IPC), not the Uniform Plumbing Code used by many other Mountain West jurisdictions.
- A like-for-like toilet swap in the same location needs no permit, but relocating a toilet or adding a new fixture location does.
- Water heater installation (tank, tankless, or solar; new install or fuel-type change) always requires a Trade Permit and inspection, even a straight replacement.
- Include the Gas Piping Template with any application involving new or replacement gas piping.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Tucson?
- Yes. Installing a new tank water heater, switching fuel type, or replacing a tank-style water heater all require a Trade Permit and inspection ($150 first item + $50 per additional item). Tankless/on-demand water heaters also require a permit and detailed plans due to higher fuel/power demands. Source: City of Tucson PDSD Building Permit Exemptions page and FY27 Fee Schedule.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Tucson Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD) — official building department
- FY27 Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule (PDF) | City of Tucson
- Do I Need a Permit? (Exemptions) | City of Tucson PDSD
- Residential Permits | City of Tucson PDSD
- Building Codes | City of Tucson PDSD
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 Tucson building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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