Kentucky — plumbing code & licensing
Verified
The code
| Code family | state-written |
| Edition in force | Kentucky State Plumbing Code - the codified text of 815 KAR Chapter 20 (state-written; no model-code edition) |
| Effective date | no single date — the code is the regulation chapter itself, amended regulation by regulation |
| Adopted by | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (Division of Plumbing), under KRS 318.130 |
| Adoption source | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/020/010/ |
| State amendments | State amendments at their own official document — https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/020/ |
Licensing
| Model | State individual licensing: Master Plumber and Journeyman Plumber licenses issued by the department under KRS Ch. 318 and 815 KAR 20:030; no separate state plumbing contractor license - installation permits issue to licensed master plumbers |
| Authority | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing |
| Licensing source | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/020/030/ |
| License classes | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/020/030/ |
Permits & inspections
815 KAR 20:050: a plumbing installation permit from the department is required for new installations and specified alterations; permits issue only to a licensed master plumber or a qualifying homeowner; plumbing plans are submitted to the department for review and approval before issuance (field-inspection exceptions apply); each permit includes five inspections. KRS 318.134(1) requires the permit from the department.
How this record was verified
| Adoption | Verified |
| Amendments | Verified |
| Licensing | Verified |
| Permits & inspections | Verified |
Working notes
No single edition or chapter-wide effective date exists: the code is the regulation chapter itself, in force since 1974 and amended regulation by regulation (e.g., 20:030 last amended eff. 12-5-2023; 20:050 last amended eff. 3-1-2022), so code_effective_date is left blank rather than invented. A secondary adoption roundup described Kentucky's code as IPC-based; the official KAR text contradicts that - KRS 318.130 directs the department to establish the Kentucky State Plumbing Code by regulation, and 815 KAR Ch. 20 is that code.
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.