Codes & permits
Plumbing rules depend on where you are
New York City, the suburban counties and New Jersey each license plumbers and issue permits differently. Start with the jurisdiction your property is in.
| Topic | New York City | Westchester County | Nassau County | Suffolk County | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who licenses plumbers | NYC Dept. of Buildings (Licensed Master Plumber) | County Board of Plumbing Examiners (countywide master plumber license) | Villages, towns and cities; reciprocity arrangements exist | County Consumer Affairs master plumber license; some towns license separately | NJ State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers |
| One license for the whole area? | Yes, all five boroughs | Yes, countywide | No | Partly | Statewide license |
| Who issues permits | NYC DOB (DOB NOW: Build) | City, town or village building department | Village or town building department | Town or village building department | Municipal construction official |
| Can owners do their own work? | No: LMP required | Confirm locally | Confirm locally | Confirm locally | Single-family owner in own dwelling is exempt from licensing; permits still apply |
| Plumbing code | NYC Plumbing Code | NY State Uniform Code + local | NY State Uniform Code + local | NY State Uniform Code + local | National Standard Plumbing Code (UCC subcode) |
| Periodic gas inspections | Local Law 152, every 4 years (not 1–2 family) | Confirm locally | Confirm locally | Confirm locally | Per UCC fuel gas subcode |
Guides by jurisdiction
- 01 NYC plumbing permits explained New York City
- 02 How to verify a NYC Licensed Master Plumber New York City
- 03 Local Law 152 gas piping inspections New York City
- 04 Plumbing permits in New Jersey New Jersey
- 05 Who can legally do plumbing work in New Jersey? New Jersey
- 06 Plumbing permits in Nassau County Nassau County, NY
- 07 Plumbing permits in Westchester County Westchester County, NY
Sources & review
Last reviewed . General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and individual buildings differ.
- NYC DOB, Plumbing Permits
- Westchester County Dept. of Consumer Protection, plumbing licensing law
- Village of Lynbrook, Plumbers Registration Application (Nassau village licensing & reciprocity)
- Suffolk County Consumer Affairs, Licensing
- N.J.A.C. 13:32-1.4, Scope of practice
- NYC DOB, Periodic Gas Piping Inspections