Permits by Project
Do You Need a Permit for Bathroom fixtures, same location?
Bathroom fixture replacement, same location (toilet, sink, faucet, tub/shower valve).
Of the 10 areas we checked, a permit is required in 1, no permit is needed in 6, it depends on the scope in 1 and we found no official answer in 2.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Depends- When it applies
- 'New plumbing fixtures' require a permit (plumbing / Instant Plumbing Permit); in-kind replacement threshold not published on DOB pages reviewed
- Permits
- Plumbing
- Faster route
- Instant Plumbing Permit
Source: DOB How to Get a Permit; DOB Instant Permits, checked 2026-10-07
Maryland
Anne Arundel County, MD
Not confirmed- Notes
- No official answer found. fixture-only replacement not addressed on official pages reviewed.
Ask the permit office: Department of Inspections and Permits
Charles County, MD
Not confirmed- Notes
- No official answer found. no official Charles County threshold for like-for-like fixture replacement.
Ask the Department of Planning and Growth Management.
Montgomery County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- like-for-like fixture replacement, no system alteration
- Notes
- DPS: 'replacing a faucet' needs no permit. WSSC: fixture replacement except water heaters needs no permit.
Source: DPS Residential Alterations Permit Process, checked 2026-10-07
Prince George's County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- replacement of existing fixtures without moving; EXCLUDES water heaters and testable backflow devices
- Notes
- WSSC rule via DPIE guide: 'Generally, permits are not required for the replacement of existing plumbing fixtures, except water heaters, and testable backflow devices.'
Source: DPIE Homeowner's Guide to Permits, checked 2026-10-07
Northern Virginia
Arlington County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.2): fixture replacement without altering water/distribution/drainage/vent systems
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
City of Alexandria, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.2)
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Fairfax County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- LDS: 'Replacing or repairing plumbing equipment/fixtures' requires a residential plumbing permit
- Permits
- Plumbing
- Notes
- CONFLICT: USBC 108.2(14.2) exempts fixture replacement without system alteration; Fairfax LDS page states a permit is required. Reported as stated by the county.
Source: LDS Permit Library: Residential Building, checked 2026-10-07
Loudoun County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.2)
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Prince William County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- 'only fixtures such as a toilet or faucet are being replaced in their original positions... a permit is not required'
- Notes
- Tub/shower basin replacement needs a permit only if fixture, piping, or valve location changes.
Source: PWC Guidelines for Adding or Remodeling a Residential Bathroom, checked 2026-10-07
Summarized from each area’s official permit pages and codes, as of October 2026. Some Maryland municipalities issue their own permits, rules change, and many answers depend on the exact scope, so confirm with the permit office before work starts. This is general information, not legal advice.
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