Commercial Plumbing Permits
To receive a permit to install plumbing in Hamilton County (excluding City of Cincinnati and St. Bernard), commercial plumbing installers must:
- have Ohio Contractor Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) state License (proof of license is now required to obtain permit). Call (614) 644-3495 for more information.
- be bonded and registered with Hamilton County Public Health
Norwood
The Norwood Building Department requires all plumbing contractors doing work in the City of Norwood to have an OCILB License. All workers installing plumbing must be a Norwood licensed journeyman plumber. Norwood also requires all plumbing contractors to register with the city. Call (513) 458-4510 for more information.
Obtaining a commercial plumbming permit
Submit the following:
- A complete, sealed (architect/engineer’s seal) set of drawings.
- Completed Application for Permit to Install Plumbing
You must have a building permit number before a plumbing permit can be issued. Contact your local building department for more information.
Commercial projects requiring an oil or grease interceptor must also have approval from the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). Contact MSD at 513-557-7000 for more information and instructions.
Inspection process
Once your plumbing permit has been issued, you will be required to have a series of inspections as your work progresses.
For same day inspections, contractors must call the Plumbing Division and request an inspection between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. After that time, same day inspections cannot be accommodated.
Lower Rough Inspection
Inspection of all sanitary drainage piping beneath a basement floor or underground. Approved piping must sustain 5 pounds per square inch of air or a 10 foot head of water for 15 minutes.
Upper Rough Inspection
Inspection of piping, sanitary, and water lines inside the house prior to dry wall. Inspection includes all completely installed plumbing excluding fixtures. Approved system must sustain 5 pounds per square inch of air and a 10 foot head of water for 15 minutes.
New Buildings
An MSD or Sewage Disposal permit number is required before an upper rough plumbing inspection will be conducted on new construction. Contact MSD at (513) 244-1332 or the Health District’s Water Quality Division at (513) 946-7862, to obtain a Sewage Disposal permit.
Water Line Inspection
Inspection of the water line from the water meter to the building. Must be inspected prior to final inspection. Line installation, depth, and material must be approved.
Final Plumbing Inspection
Inspection of all set plumbing fixtures: toilet, water heater, sinks, etc. System must pass a final air test.
Air Test
Plug off the sanitary sewer, cap off vent with water in all traps, apply air pressure to the entire drainage and vent systems or equivalent to at least one inch water column. Maintain for fifteen minutes.