The Union County Health Department is responsible for enforcing the Ohio Plumbing Code in newly built residential and commercial buildings within Union County, Ohio. The Ohio Plumbing Code sets minimum standards intended to protect the health of residents, occupants and visitors as well as the owner’s financial investment. The plumbing inspectors at the Union County Health Department work closely with licensed, bonded and insured plumber to navigate and comply with the rules.
Update for 2025/2026
The Union County Health Department discontinued use of on-site physical plumbing permit cards late in 2025 and transitioned to a sticker-based method to document plumbing inspection progression. Applicants for building permits are responsible for directing inspectors from the building department to the sticker location to verify completion of plumbing inspections. Typical locations of the plumbing inspection stickers include:
- Underground Inspection: Tag located on a plumbing stack
- Rough Inspection: Tag located in the washer box (residential), if present, or on a plumbing stack
- Final Inspection: Tag located in the washer box (residential), if present, or on another permanent fixture (mop sink, kitchen sink cabinet door, etc.)
UCHD inspectors will attempt to place tags where they are easily visible. If not in the locations above, they should be within sight of plumbing test equipment or inside the kitchen sink cabinet.
Registration, Permitting & Inspection Requirements
The Union County Health Department uses an OpenGov online portal to register licensed plumbers, process plumbing permit applications, and schedule required plumbing inspections. Please click the blue button at the top of the page to access the portal. If you have questions or concerns regarding our plumbing program, please reach out to our office at (937) 645-2046.
- Registration of Licensed Plumbing Contractors:
Plumbing contractors intending to perform work in Union County, Ohio must be registered with the Union County Health Department prior to initiating work within the county. Plumbing contractors are required to provide proof of state licensure and proof of surety bond (new or continuation). Digital copies of continuation bonds will be accepted. Physical original copies are required for new bonds. Registration is valid for the calendar year and expires on Dec. 31. Registration must be renewed each calendar year. Registration opens on or about December first of the preceding year and remains open throughout the year.
- Residential Plumbing Permits:
Submit an application and payment for residential plumbing permits through the OpenGov online portal. The portal will notify you once the application has been approved and permit issued. Underground, rough and final inspections will need to be completed by our plumbing inspector before final drywall is put up. Inspections are scheduled through the OpenGov online portal.
- Commercial Plumbing Permits:
Submit an application, payment, and upload digital plans through the OpenGov online portal. If you do not have digital plans, a plans transmittal form will be created in the OpenGov platform. This plans transmittal form along with (2) paper copies of the plans can be submitted to our office. The portal will notify you once the application and plans have been reviewed and approved and the permit issued. Underground, rough and final inspections will need to be completed by our plumbing inspector before final drywall is put up. Inspections are scheduled through the OpenGov online portal.
- Food Facilities:
A Food Plan Review by the Union County Health Department’s food safety team must be completed before plumbing plan review can start.
