Glendale Plumbing Codes and Permits
Every Glendale plumbing rule we cover, sorted by topic. Each page says what the rule means and links to the official Glendale source.
- Adopted plumbing and gas codes
- 2024 IPC (Appendices B, C, E) and 2024 IFGC (Appendices A, B) with Glendale amendments (Ord. O25-51, effective 2026-01-09). Glendale does not use the UPC.
- Where the code is hosted
- Municode, Glendale Code of Ordinances (Chapter 9 Buildings; Chapter 33 Water, Sewers and Sewage Disposal)
- Permits and inspections
- Development Services Center, 5850 W Glendale Ave, 623-930-2800; inspection requests at the permit line, 623-915-3263
- Water utility and backflow program
- Glendale Water Services, 7070 W Northern Ave, 623-930-4100; Cross Connection Control 623-930-4138
Permits and Inspections
Permits and Inspections in every city- PermitVerified Oct 2026City of Glendale Technical Guideline for Grouting Tub and Shower Boxes (issued 3/12/2018, revised 2021)Glendale policy: tub and shower boxes must be grouted before the inspectionGlendale's technical guideline sets city policy that tub and shower boxes are grouted before the inspector arrives: at the plumbing top out inspection on commercial projects, and at the frame stage inspection on residential projects. Arrive with the boxes ungrouted and expect the inspection to fail or be delayed.
- Adopted CodesVerified Sep 2026Glendale City Code Sec. 9-16(a)(5) and (6), Sec. 9-21What plumbing and gas code does Glendale use?Glendale enforces the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Appendices B, C and E, and the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with Appendices A and B, under City Code Sec. 9-16. Amendments took effect January 9, 2026. Glendale adopts only the IPC, while Phoenix lets designers use either the IPC or the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Water Heaters
Water Heaters in every cityBackflow Prevention
Backflow Prevention in every city- PermitVerified Oct 2026Glendale Water Services Backflow Tester Policy (January 2025); City Code Sec. 33-91 and 33-93Do you need a permit to install or replace a backflow preventer in Glendale?Yes. Glendale requires a backflow installation permit for every new installation, retrofit and replacement of an existing assembly. You pull it at the Development Services Center, then call the permit line for an inspection after installation. The city does not accept test reports on a new or replaced assembly without the permit and inspection.
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Glendale City Code Sec. 33-90Glendale City Code 33-90: which businesses need a backflow deviceGlendale City Code 33-90 lists 51 kinds of businesses and uses that must have a backflow device at the water service connection. Restaurants, bakeries, hotels, schools, hospitals, car washes, laundries, multi-family buildings and buildings over 34 feet need a reduced pressure (RP) assembly. Shopping centers and buildings with house pumps need a double check (DC).
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Glendale City Code Sec. 33-92, 33-90(a)(22) to (24) and 33-96(b)Glendale City Code 33-92: backflow devices on fire sprinkler servicesGlendale requires a backflow device on a fire sprinkler service where Sec. 33-90 calls for one, installed at the service connection to the city's standard specification. If the city wants uninterrupted water during testing, two devices go in parallel. Modifying an existing fire-only service brings the whole system up to current rules.
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Glendale City Code Sec. 33-94 and 33-96Glendale City Code 33-94: annual backflow test, records and shutoffGlendale requires every backflow device to be tested and serviced at least once a year by a tester the city certifies. If it fails, the customer repairs or replaces it. The customer keeps records on city forms and sends a copy to the city promptly. A missing, untested or bypassed device can lead to a water shutoff after two notices.
- PermitVerified Sep 2026Glendale City Code Sec. 33-99 and 33-91Glendale City Code 33-99: backflow devices must be on your building plansIn Glendale, every backflow device the project needs must be shown and specified on the required building and engineering plans, and the city must approve the intended installation before it issues any building or engineering permit. A plan set with the device missing can hold up the whole permit.
Sewer Lines
Sewer Lines in every city- PermitVerified Oct 2026Glendale City Code Secs. 33-126, 33-127 and 33-129Glendale City Code 33-126 to 33-129: sewer tap permit and who digsIn Glendale, no one may uncover or connect to a public sewer without a written city permit, and a building connection also needs a valid city plumbing permit first. The owner pays for the building connection and exposes the main, but the city itself makes the tap. Right-of-way work needs additional permits and a specially licensed contractor.
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Glendale City Code Sec. 33-217Glendale City Code 33-217: who repairs the sewer line from the building to the streetIn Glendale the property owner is responsible for cleaning, repairing and replacing the sewer connection to the public sewer line. The exception is any repair that needs excavation of a public street, alley or sidewalk: the city does that work at no cost to the owner. The owner still handles everything on private property.
Water Supply and Pipes
Water Supply and Pipes in every city- Permit FeeVerified Oct 2026Glendale City Code Sec. 33-18, 33-24, 33-53, 33-55 and 28-134; Development Impact Fee Schedule (rev. 06-24-2026)What does a new commercial water meter cost in Glendale, and when is it set?Glendale installs the water meter before the rough plumbing inspection, after you pay the meter fee in advance. Utility impact fees follow meter size and must be paid before the building permit. On the city's June 2026 schedule, a 1 inch meter carries $11,898 in East Glendale and $0 in West Glendale.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Glendale City Code Sec. 33-28, 33-27, 33-26, 33-17 (service connection), 33-10 and 33-54Who pays for a water leak on your side of the meter in Glendale? City Code 33-28The owner. In Glendale the city repairs mains, meters and services up to the meter, and the property owner is responsible for every leak, and the damage it causes, on the owner's side of the meter. The line from the meter to the building is the owner's to maintain.
Fixtures
Fixtures in every cityCommercial Plumbing
Commercial Plumbing in every cityAlso in the library: Uniform Plumbing Code · Arizona · Valley-Wide · Maricopa County (unincorporated) · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Paradise Valley · Mesa · Chandler · Gilbert · Tempe · Surprise · Avondale · Tolleson · Litchfield Park
Need It Done To Glendale Code?
Call a licensed plumber who pulls the permit and passes inspection the first time.