Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Unincorporated Davis County?

Yes. Unincorporated Davis County requires a plumbing permit for all water heater installations and replacements, including like-for-like swaps. A licensed plumber or the homeowner (owner-occupied only) can pull the permit.

How much does a plumbing permit cost in Unincorporated Davis County?

In Unincorporated Davis County, plumbing permit fees follow the city fee schedule: Plumbing Permit — Valuation-based per Davis County fee schedule ($200 minimum); Plan Review — 65% of permit fee; State Surcharge — 1% of permit fee. See the Fee schedule section above for the amounts that apply to your project.

Plumbing Permit in Unincorporated Davis County, Utah

Required for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs including water heaters, re-pipes, and fixture additions in Unincorporated Davis County.

Verified 2026-06-27 · Source

When you need this permit

New plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers)
Water heater installation or replacement
Water line or sewer line replacement
Gas line installation or modification
Backflow prevention device installation

Required documents

Req
Plumbing Plan
Isometric drawing showing fixture locations, pipe sizes, and drainage
Req
Contractor License
Valid Utah plumbing contractor license (DOPL)
Opt
Water Heater Specs
Manufacturer specs for water heater installations

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Plumbing Permit	Valuation-based per Davis County fee schedule ($200 minimum)	—
Plan Review	65% of permit fee	—
State Surcharge	1% of permit fee	—

Review timeline

~3–7 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Davis County building department

Inspection process

1
Underground/Slab
Before concrete pour — verify pipe slope, materials, cleanouts
2
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before walls closed — pressure test required
3
Final
All fixtures connected, water flowing, no leaks, proper venting verified

Tips

Water heater replacements in Unincorporated Davis County require a permit even for like-for-like swaps.
Unincorporated Davis County follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC) — PEX and copper are both accepted.
Gas line work requires a separate gas permit in addition to the plumbing permit.
Tankless water heater installations may require a gas line upgrade — check BTU requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Unincorporated Davis County?: Yes. Unincorporated Davis County requires a plumbing permit for all water heater installations and replacements, including like-for-like swaps. A licensed plumber or the homeowner (owner-occupied only) can pull the permit.
How much does a plumbing permit cost in Unincorporated Davis County?: In Unincorporated Davis County, plumbing permit fees follow the city fee schedule: Plumbing Permit — Valuation-based per Davis County fee schedule ($200 minimum); Plan Review — 65% of permit fee; State Surcharge — 1% of permit fee. See the Fee schedule section above for the amounts that apply to your project.

Sources & verification

Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-27.

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 Unincorporated Davis County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related guides

Water Heater Basement Finish

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