Alabama — plumbing code & licensing
Verified
The code
| Code family | No general statewide plumbing code - local adoption (limited-scope state codes only; see notes) |
| Edition in force | 2021 IPC (DCM State Building Code, state-scope only) / 2021 IPC commercial and 2021 IRC residential (PGFB minimum standards for certified contractors) |
| Effective date | 2022-07-01 |
| Adopted by | Alabama Division of Construction Management (State Building Code, limited scope); Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (contractor minimum standards); otherwise local adoption |
| Adoption source | https://dcm.alabama.gov/bldg_code.aspx?origin=serp_auto |
| State amendments | Amendment position not yet resolved |
Licensing
| Model | state individual licensing (Apprentice / Journeyman / Master) plus business registration with a Principal Master |
| Authority | Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board |
| Licensing source | https://pgfb.alabama.gov/applicants/how-do-i-become-licensed/ |
| License classes | https://pgfb.alabama.gov/forms/ |
Permits & inspections
Not yet recorded.
How this record was verified
| Adoption | Verified |
| Amendments | Partially verified |
| Licensing | Verified |
| Permits & inspections | Verified |
Working notes
SPLIT - record plainly, do not merge: (1) The State Building Code (2021 IPC adopted Jul 1, 2022, with portions of the 2024 IBC added Mar 17, 2025) is enforced by DCM ONLY on state-owned/state-funded property, K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels/motels and movie theaters; DCM states it does not have jurisdiction over residential or commercial property except hotels/motels and movie theaters. (2) PGFB Rule 720-X-1-.02 (amended, published Aug 31, 2022; effective Oct 15, 2022) adopts minimum standards where no locally adopted code applies: 2021 International Residential Code for residential plumbing/gas and 2021 IPC for commercial plumbing by certified contractors. Other work is governed by locally adopted codes or none. No IPC-specific exception/amendment list was published on the DCM page, so amendments_url is blank. Licensing: every company must register with the board and have a Principal Master designee; Journeyman and Apprentice employees must be certified/registered with the board.
Reference only. Compiled from the cited official sources as of the date shown; adoptions and rules change. Confirm with the authority having jurisdiction before designing or permitting work.