Plumbing Permit in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a plumbing permit in Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids requires a plumbing permit for plumbing work beyond fixture swaps, and names the exemption explicitly: replacing a faucet, sink, toilet or similar fixture does not need one. Work that does need a permit includes adding lines and pipes in walls and floors, adding or working on a water heater, and upgrading water services. There is a jurisdictional handoff to watch for: any underground plumbing work outside the building footprint requires a separate inspection permit issued by the Water System, and only a City-licensed contractor can perform that work. A homeowner of a single-family home may pull a plumbing permit for their primary residence at the Development Center, while properties with 2 or more units and landlord-owned rentals require a licensed and registered plumbing contractor. Always confirm with the City of Grand Rapids Development Center, Building Inspections Division before starting.

How much does a plumbing permit cost in Grand Rapids?

FY 2027 Planning, Design and Development Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees: "Application (Includes 1 inspection) $52.00" plus per fixture fees, most of them $5.00 each, covering items such as "Water Closet/Toilet", "Lavatory", "Bath Tub-Shower", "Sink-Kitchen", "Floor Drain/Floor Sink/Trench Drain" and "Gas Piping per Opening". "Water Heater" is $21.00, and water distribution runs from "Water Distribution 3/4\" $6.00" up to "Distribution System Over 2\" $36.00". Working prior to permit adds an "Admin Fee (working prior to permit) $173.00". See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

How long does a plumbing permit take in Grand Rapids?

In Grand Rapids, a plumbing permit typically takes 1 to 2 business days. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.

Where do you apply for a plumbing permit in Grand Rapids?

You can apply through the Grand Rapids permit portal or contact the City of Grand Rapids Development Center, Building Inspections Division directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull a plumbing permit themselves in Grand Rapids?

Under Michigan law (MCL 339.2403(b), (c); MCL 339.2401(a)(iii), (b)(ii)(A); MCL 339.5737(3)(g); MCL 339.6107(2)(d); MCL 339.5819): Yes. A Michigan homeowner may pull the building permit and do the work on their own home without a residential builder license, because the licensing article both defines the trade to exclude them and exempts them outright. MCL 339.2401(a)(iii) says a residential builder is a person that erects a residential structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property, and MCL 339.2403(b) exempts an owner of property with reference to a structure on the property for the owner's own use and occupancy. Own use and occupancy is the condition, so the exemption does not cover building to sell, and MCL 339.2403(c) limits owners of rental property to maintenance and alteration of that property. The statute sets no cap on how many times a homeowner may use the exemption; the only frequency rule in the article catches purchase, substantial rehabilitation, and resale of the same structure more than twice in 1 calendar year, and MCL 339.2401(b)(ii)(A) exempts work for the person's own use and occupancy from even that. Homeowners can also pull their own trade permits: electrical work in a single family home and accompanying outbuildings owned and occupied or to be occupied by the person doing the work (MCL 339.5737(3)(g)), their own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer in their single-family dwelling if a permit is secured (MCL 339.6107(2)(d)), and a heating or refrigerating system if the owner affirms in the permit application that they are or will become the owner and occupant (MCL 339.5819). Confirm how Grand Rapids applies this before you apply.