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FILE · PLUMBING x DAVIS x CALIFORNIAPermit StackSpecs LedgerCostTimelineChecklistViolationsFAQ
PLUMBING x DAVIS x CALIFORNIA

Plumbing contractors in Davis, California.

Plumbing contractors operating in Davis, California, must adhere to both state-level licensing requirements and local municipal codes. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) governs the C-36 plumbing license, while the City of Davis Building Division oversees local permit issuance and site inspections. Compliance is essential to ensure public safety and avoid penalties associated with unpermitted work.

Beyond licensing, contractors must maintain active insurance and bonding, and register for a local business license. Projects involving significant plumbing modifications require plan review and inspections to confirm adherence to the California Plumbing Code. Always verify current local ordinances with the Davis Building Division before commencing any project.

State License
STATE C-36 PlumbingCSLB Issued
Permit Issuer
City of DavisBuilding Division
Avg. Plan Review
10-15 DaysVaries by scope
Typical Start-Up
RANGE $500-$1,500Fees & Bonds
FILE · PLUMBING x DAVIS x CALIFORNIA
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
05 / 2026
State AuthorityCSLB
CountyYolo
City AuthorityDavis Building Division
Statute / CodeCalifornia Plumbing Code
Federal Cert.N/A
ReciprocityNone
Track these for me→Download leaf as PDF↓
FILE PLUMBINGLOCATION DAVIS, CALIFORNIATYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED 05 / 2026STATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to DavisWhat this leaf carries beyond the California state file.
Water Efficiency Mandates
Davis enforces specific high-efficiency plumbing fixture requirements that exceed standard state minimums.
Local Business Registration
Unlike some jurisdictions, Davis requires a specific city business license regardless of where your primary office is located.
Inspection Rigor
Davis building inspectors maintain strict adherence to the California Plumbing Code for all residential and commercial retrofits.
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern Plumbing work in Davis.

Always start with the CSLB license, then secure the local city business license before applying for specific project permits.

State — Floor
CSLB
C-36 LicenseWorkers Comp
County — Overlay
Yolo County
Environmental Health (if applicable)General Business
City — Where you file
City of Davis
Building PermitCity Business License

Read it bottom-up.

Always start with the CSLB license, then secure the local city business license before applying for specific project permits.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is Plumbing and the jurisdiction is Davis, California.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · 05 / 2026
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
C-36 Plumbing LicenseRequired for all plumbing work over $500
CSLB
Verify with CSLB
3-6 months
B&P Code 7000
REQUIRED
Workers CompensationRequired if you have employees
State Fund/Private
Verify with carrier
Immediate
Labor Code 3700
REQUIRED
Contractor BondRequired for all licensees
Surety Company
Verify with agent
1 week
B&P Code 7071.6
REQUIRED
Building PermitRequired for most plumbing
City of Davis
Verify with City
1-2 weeks
Davis Municipal Code
REQUIRED
Business LicenseRequired for all businesses in Davis
City of Davis
Verify with City
1 week
Davis Municipal Code
REQUIRED
General LiabilityHighly recommended
Private
Verify with carrier
Immediate
Industry Standard
REQUIRED
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start Plumbing in Davis.

A practical floor for Davis, California. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Davis, California · Plumbing
CSLB License FeeInitial applicationVerify with CSLB
Contractor BondAnnual premiumVerify with agent
City Business LicenseAnnual feeVerify with City
Building PermitPer projectVerify with City
Plan Review FeeIf applicableVerify with City
Inspection FeeIncluded in permitVerify with City
Year-one floorVaries by project scope
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Note
Permit Valuation

Permit costs are typically calculated based on the total valuation of the plumbing work performed.

Note
Bond Costs

Bond premiums depend on the contractor's credit history and business experience.

Note
Fee Updates

City of Davis fee schedules are updated annually; check the official website for current rates.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for Plumbing contractors in Davis.

1
Day 0
Verify License/Bond
CSLB
2
Day 5
Apply for Business License
City of Davis
3
Day 10
Submit Permit Application
City of Davis
4
Day 20
Permit Approval
City of Davis
5
Day 25
Rough-in Inspection
City of Davis
6
Day 30
Final Inspection/Close
City of Davis
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
License Verification
Ensure C-36 is active and in good standing.
CSLBComplianceCSLB
ContractorIssuing authority
02
Permit Posting
Post the permit in a visible location at the job site.
PermitSiteDavis Building Code
ContractorIssuing authority
03
Code Compliance
Review California Plumbing Code for specific project requirements.
CodeSafetyCPC
ContractorIssuing authority
04
Inspection Scheduling
Call the City of Davis to schedule inspections.
InspectionProcessCity of Davis
ContractorIssuing authority
05
Safety Equipment
Ensure all job site safety protocols are met.
SafetyOSHACal/OSHA
ContractorIssuing authority
06
Final Sign-off
Obtain final inspection approval from the building official.
CloseoutPermitCity of Davis
ContractorIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Davis.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

Commonly cited
Verify with agency—

Unpermitted Work

Performing plumbing modifications without a valid permit.

PenaltyDouble fees and potential fines
Commonly cited
Verify with agency—

Code Violations

Failure to meet venting or pipe sizing requirements.

PenaltyRequired rework and re-inspection
Commonly cited
Verify with agency—

Unlicensed Activity

Contracting without a valid C-36 license.

PenaltyLegal action and civil penalties
§ 07 · Davis-specific FAQ

Questions Plumbing contractors ask about Davis.

Q01Do I need a local Davis business license?+
Yes, all contractors performing work within Davis city limits must obtain a business license from the City of Davis Finance Department.
LicensingDavisSource · City of Davis Municipal Code
Q02When is a plumbing permit required?+
A permit is required for any installation, alteration, or replacement of plumbing systems, excluding minor repairs as defined by the California Plumbing Code.
PermitsComplianceSource · Davis Building Division
Q03How do I verify a contractor's license?+
You can verify the status of a C-36 license by using the 'License Check' tool on the Contractors State License Board website.
CSLBVerificationSource · CSLB.ca.gov
Q04Are there specific water conservation requirements in Davis?+
Yes, Davis enforces strict water efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures; verify current requirements with the City of Davis Public Works Department.
WaterEfficiencySource · City of Davis Public Works
Q05Is a bond required for plumbing work?+
Yes, California law requires all licensed contractors to maintain a $2,500 contractor bond on file with the CSLB.
BondingLegalSource · Business and Professions Code 7071.6
Q06What happens if I work without a permit?+
Working without a permit can result in stop-work orders, double permit fees, and potential legal action by the City of Davis Building Official.
EnforcementRiskSource · Davis Municipal Code
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

Other trades — Davis

Electrical Contractors→General Contractors→

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Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.

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