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Form a Business

PLUMBERS AND PLUMBING

KRS tit. XXVI, ch. 318
in effect

KRS 318.010 Definitions for chapter

318.010. Definitions for chapter As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise: (1) "Department" means Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction; (2) "Journeyman plumber" means a person who engages or offers to engage, either as an occupation or otherwise, in the construction, installation, alteration, maintenance, repair, remodeling or removal, and replacement of plumbing under the supervision, direction, and responsibility of a master plumber; (3) "Master plumber" means a person who assumes responsible charge, supervision, or direction of journeyman plumbers, plumbers' apprentices, and other persons in the construction, installation, or alteration of plumbing or who engages in, offers to engage in, or advertises or otherwise represents that he is permitted or qualified to engage in the design, planning, superintending, contracting for, or responsible charge of plumbing; (4) "Plumbing" means the art of installing in buildings the pipes for distributing the water supply, the fixtures for using water and drainage pipes for removing waste water and sewage, together with fittings, appurtenances, and appliances of various kinds, all within or adjacent to the building. It shall not include the installation of on-site sewage disposal systems, except for the piping, fixtures, or other appurtenances needed within the building. It shall include: (a) The water service pipe which forms the connection between the property line and the building, other than piping serving firefighting equipment; (b) Private water supply systems; (c) House sewers which convey the waste water and sewage from the building to the property line or other points of disposal, but not including sewers located between manholes and sewers extending five (5) feet from a main or manhole on private property; (d) Storm sewers and rain water piping located within a building to a point two (2) feet outside of the building; and (e) Medical gas piping; (5) "Public building" means any building intended for public use or built with public funds and includes but is not limited to the following: schools, industrial establishments, housing projects, restaurants, food-handling establishments, private clubs, theaters including drive-ins, trailer coach parks, camping areas, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, motels, tourist courts, rooming houses, boarding houses, and other establishments furnishing public sleeping accommodations; (6) "Maintenance man" means a person employed to maintain and keep plumbing in good repair; (7) "Apprentice" means a person in the process of learning the plumbing trade who assists and is under the personal supervision of a licensed master or licensed journeyman plumber; (8) "Farmstead" means a farm dwelling together with other farm buildings and structures incident to the operation and maintenance of the farm situated on ten (10) acres or more of land which is located outside the corporate limits of a municipality; (9) "Person" means any individual, public or private corporation, political subdivision, government agency, municipality, copartnership, association, firm, trust, estate, or other entity whatsoever; (10) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction; and (11) "Code" means the Kentucky State Plumbing Code. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1670, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 157, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 354, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 392, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 49, effective July 1, 1978; and ch. 155, sec. 149, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 193, sec. 1; and ch. 299, sec. 60. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. VI, sec. 91. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 162, sec. 1. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 1, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b.

KRS 318.015 Application of chapter and of state plumbing code

318.015. Application of chapter and of state plumbing code (1) This chapter shall apply to and shall be in full force and effect in all counties of the Commonwealth. (2) The state plumbing code promulgated by the department under the provisions of this chapter shall apply to and shall be in full force and effect for all public buildings regardless of location in the Commonwealth. (3) This chapter shall not apply to farmsteads. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 102, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1671, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 61. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 1. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 1. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 2.

KRS 318.020 Apprentices, maintenance men, water company or district employees exempt

318.020. Apprentices, maintenance men, water company or district employees exempt (1) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting the employment of an apprentice to assist a journeyman plumber in his duties. (2) This chapter shall not apply to anyone who is employed or acts as a maintenance man. (3) This chapter shall not apply to persons employed by any water company, water district or sanitation district, in the laying, maintenance, and operation of its mains and other appurtenances in the conduct of its business. (4) The provisions of this chapter relating to the licensure of plumbers shall apply to all persons engaged in the practice of plumbing. History: Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 2. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 2. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 3. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b.

KRS 318.030 License and general liability insurance required

318.030. License and general liability insurance required (1) No person shall engage in plumbing or engage in or work at the trade of plumbing: (a) Unless he or she is the holder of a valid and effective active master plumber's license duly issued by the department in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; or (b) Unless he or she is the holder of a valid and effective journeyman plumber's license duly issued by the department in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (2) (a) No person, firm, or corporation shall engage in plumbing or engage in or work at the trade of plumbing unless the person, firm, or corporation maintains general liability insurance in an amount not less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and submits proof of compliance with workers' compensation and unemployment insurance laws of the Commonwealth. (b) Proof of insurance required in this subsection shall be submitted to the department prior to issuance or renewal of the active master plumber license required under this chapter. (c) No license shall be valid without insurance as required in this subsection, and insurance carriers shall notify the department upon cancellation of the insurance of any licensee required to maintain insurance. (d) The insurance required in this subsection shall not apply to an employee of a person, firm, or corporation engaged in plumbing as defined in this chapter. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1672, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 1, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 3. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 3. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 4. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b.

KRS 318.040 Qualifications -- Examinations -- Reciprocity

318.040. Qualifications -- Examinations -- Reciprocity (1) An applicant for a master or journeyman plumber's license shall: (a) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; (b) Be of good moral character; (c) Be a citizen of the United States or be a resident alien who is authorized to work in the United States; and (d) Possess all the other qualifications that may be prescribed by administrative regulations of the commissioner. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no master or journeyman plumber's license shall be issued except upon a successful passage of an examination as prescribed by the department. (3) Examinations for a license as a master plumber or journeyman plumber shall be conducted at times and places fixed by the regulations of the commissioner. Applicants for an examination shall furnish the information required by the commissioner and shall receive from the department due notice of the time and place of the examination. (4) The department shall prepare or cause to be prepared under its supervision examinations consisting of written and practical tests with such questions and tests by which the department will determine: (a) With respect to master plumber's license applicants, that applicants are qualified in view of the definitions, provisions, and purposes of this chapter to carry on responsibly, reasonably, and competently, the activities which a licensed master plumber is authorized to engage in by this chapter; and (b) With respect to journeyman plumber's license applicants, their knowledge and competency to carry on the activities which a licensed journeyman plumber is authorized to engage in by this chapter. (5) The examination papers shall be preserved by the department for a period of one (1) year. (6) The department may issue a license to any person who holds a valid license in another state if that state has a statewide plumbing code, the other state's examination is at least equal to that of Kentucky, and the other state agrees to reciprocate with Kentucky. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 103, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1673, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 202, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 45, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 50, effective July 1, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. VI, sec. 107(22). -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 5, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-4.

KRS 318.050 Fees

318.050. Fees Each application for a license as a master or journeyman plumber shall be accompanied by a reasonable fee as established by the department in an administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 104, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1674, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 193, sec. 2. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 6, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-1.

KRS 318.054 License expiration -- Notice -- Renewal and revival fees -- Evidence of completion of continuing education -- Interim period for use of recently deceased owner's or employee's master plumber's license

318.054. License expiration -- Notice -- Renewal and revival fees -- Evidence of completion of continuing education -- Interim period for use of recently deceased owner's or employee's master plumber's license (1) The initial license for a master or journeyman plumber shall expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in the following year. The department may reduce the license fee on a pro rata basis for initial licenses issued for less than twelve (12) months. Renewed licenses shall expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month of each year after the date of issuance of the renewed license. (2) The department shall require an applicant for renewal of a license to show evidence of completing the continuing education requirements established by the department in administrative regulations promulgated under KRS 318.130. (3) The department shall send each licensed master and journeyman plumber a notice advising them that the annual license renewal fee is due. The notice shall be sent to the licensee's last known address no later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the license. The annual license renewal fee shall be a reasonable fee set by regulation of the department. The fee for the renewal of a master plumber's license shall exceed the fee charged for a journeyman plumber's license. (4) A master or journeyman plumber who fails to renew a license prior to expiration may have the license renewed upon payment of the required renewal fee, a revival fee, and upon showing the completion of continuing education requirements. The revival fee for a master plumber shall be five dollars ($5) and for a journeyman plumber three dollars ($3). If the renewal and revival fees are not paid within one hundred eighty (180) days after the license expires, the license shall be automatically canceled by operation of law for nonpayment. A license may be reinstated upon payment of all delinquent renewal fees plus a revival fee of ten dollars ($10) for a master plumber and six dollars ($6) for a journeyman plumber. Upon presentation of proper evidence, the department may waive payment of any renewal or revival fee for a person serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States. (5) (a) The department shall grant an interim period of up to one hundred eighty (180) continuous calendar days to allow a company to utilize the master plumber's license of a recently deceased owner or deceased employee who procured plumbing permits for that company, provided that the company: 1. Effectuates and documents all necessary bonding and insurance policies required in this chapter; and 2. Ensures that the bonding and insurance policies remain in effect for the entirety of the interim time period extended by the department. (b) The license of a deceased master plumber shall be terminated by the department at the end of the interim period. (c) Upon termination of the deceased master plumber's license, a company shall have an employee with a current and valid Kentucky master plumber's license in order to procure permits and perform plumbing work governed by this chapter. Effective: July 14, 2018 History: Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 5, effective July 14, 2018. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 105, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1675, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 167, sec. 2, effective July 1, 2007. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 182, sec. 3, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 62. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 7, effective June 16, 1960.

KRS 318.056 Repealed, 1966

318.056. Repealed, 1966 Catchline at repeal: Qualification for license without examination. History: Repealed 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 283. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 8.

KRS 318.057 Repealed, 1986

318.057. Repealed, 1986 Catchline at repeal: License without examination. History: Repealed 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 331, sec. 63, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 4. -- Created 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 4.

KRS 318.060 Reexamination

318.060. Reexamination An applicant who fails an examination shall be eligible to take the next regular examination upon submitting a new application and paying an additional application fee. Applications shall be canceled one (1) year after receipt thereof if the applicant fails to appear for examination. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 106, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 9, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-1.

KRS 318.064 Revocation or suspension of license

318.064. Revocation or suspension of license The department may revoke or suspend any plumber's license upon proof that the licensee: (1) Has knowingly violated this chapter, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, or the rules and regulations of the department; (2) Has practiced fraud or deception in applying for or obtaining a license; (3) Is incompetent to perform services as a licensed master plumber or a licensed journeyman plumber; (4) Has permitted his or her license to be used directly or indirectly by another to obtain or perform plumbing work or services; or (5) Is guilty of other unprofessional or dishonorable conduct of a character likely to deceive or defraud the public. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 107, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1676, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 63. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 10, effective June 16, 1960.

KRS 318.066 Hearing -- Appeal

318.066. Hearing -- Appeal (1) A license shall not be suspended or revoked by the department unless a hearing has been conducted or an opportunity afforded therefor in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. (2) A licensee aggrieved by a final order of the department suspending or revoking a license may appeal to the Circuit Court of the county in which the appellant's principal office is located in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 108, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1677, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 274, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 114, sec. 77, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 51, effective July 1, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 64. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 315, sec. 56. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 249. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 11.

KRS 318.070 Repealed, 1960

318.070. Repealed, 1960 Catchline at repeal: Board to administer chapter, issue and revoke licenses. History: Repealed 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 26, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-1.

KRS 318.071 Repealed, 2017

318.071. Repealed, 2017 Catchline at repeal: State Plumbing Code Committee -- Members -- Compensation -- Terms -- Vacancies. History: Repealed 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 114, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1678, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 52, effective July 1, 1978; Ky. Acts ch. 154 sec. 32, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 155, sec. 150, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 65. -- Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 79, secs. 2, 4, and 5.

KRS 318.074 Repealed, 2017

318.074. Repealed, 2017 Catchline at repeal: Officers of committee -- Meetings. History: Repealed 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 114, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1679, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 53, effective July 1, 1978; and ch. 155, sec. 151, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 193, sec. 3; and ch. 299, sec. 66. -- Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 79, sec. 3.

KRS 318.077 Review and comment on amendments to code -- Appeals

318.077. Review and comment on amendments to code -- Appeals (1) No amendment of the code or any other related administrative regulation shall be promulgated by the department without the prior review and comment of the Housing, Buildings and Construction Advisory Committee under the requirements of KRS 198B.030(8). (2) Any person aggrieved by any administrative regulation or amendment thereto promulgated by the department, within thirty (30) days after the action has become final, may appeal to the Circuit Court. For the purposes of this subsection, "persons aggrieved" shall include any person directly or indirectly injured or threatened with injury on account of any administrative regulation or amendment thereto promulgated by the department, whether or not that person was a party to the proceedings out of which the order administrative regulation, or amendment arose. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 109, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 20, effective June 8, 2011. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1680, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 256, sec. 9, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 54, effective July 1, 1978; and ch. 155, sec. 152, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 193, sec. 4; and ch. 299, sec. 67. -- Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 79, sec. 6.

KRS 318.080 State Plumbers Examining Committee

318.080. State Plumbers Examining Committee (1) In order to conduct examinations for persons to qualify as licensed master plumbers or journeyman plumbers, the department shall appoint as examiners the following persons to a State Plumbers Examining Committee: An employee of the department and three (3) other persons who shall be licensed either as master or journeyman plumbers. The commissioner shall be an ex officio examiner and permanent commissioner of the examining committee. With the exception of the issuance of any order involving the revocation, suspension or cancellation of a master or journeyman plumber's license, the commissioner may delegate to a subordinate employee in the department the power to be present and participate, including the right to vote, as his or her representative at any meeting, hearing or other proceeding of the State Plumbers Examining Committee. Plumber examiners shall serve at the pleasure of the department. (2) The department shall appoint assistant plumber examiners who are qualified licensed master or journeyman plumbers, who shall serve at the pleasure of the department. Assistant plumber examiners shall perform duties as are delegated to them by the State Plumbers Examining Committee. (3) Plumber examiners and assistant plumber examiners shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for their necessary traveling expenses. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 110, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1681, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 55, effective July 1, 1978; and ch. 155, sec. 153, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 68. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. VI, sec. 92. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 87. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 12, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-1.

KRS 318.090 Inspectors -- Appointment -- Qualifications

318.090. Inspectors -- Appointment -- Qualifications (1) The department shall appoint and assign plumbing inspectors to each county subject to the provisions of this chapter. (2) Each plumbing inspector shall have at least eight (8) years experience as a journeyman or master plumber. At the time of his or her appointment he or she shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1682, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 5. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 5. - - Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 13. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-9.

KRS 318.100 Advertising by licensee

318.100. Advertising by licensee No person shall advertise as or claim to be a licensed master or licensed journeyman plumber within the Commonwealth of Kentucky unless that person holds a master or journeyman plumber license from the department in accordance with this chapter. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 111, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1683, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 69. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 6. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 14, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-5.

KRS 318.110 Company or individual connected with licensed plumber may engage in plumbing business -- Notice of connection

318.110. Company or individual connected with licensed plumber may engage in plumbing business -- Notice of connection A company or individual principal may engage in the business of plumbing within any county of the Commonwealth if a person connected with that company or individual principal in responsible charge of the plumbing work is a licensed master plumber. Any master plumber, in responsible charge of plumbing work for a company or individual engaged in the plumbing business, shall notify the department at any time he or she commences or severs his or her connection with the company or individual principal. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 112, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1684, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 106, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 6. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 15. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-7.

KRS 318.120 Employment of unlicensed plumber prohibited

318.120. Employment of unlicensed plumber prohibited No person or corporation who assumes responsible charge and direction of other persons in the installation of plumbing shall employ or engage any person not licensed under this chapter to perform and install plumbing. Provided, however, that this section shall not be deemed to prohibit the employment or use of an apprentice as defined in this chapter. History: Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 7. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 7. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 16. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b.

KRS 318.130 Kentucky State Plumbing Code -- Administrative regulations

318.130. Kentucky State Plumbing Code -- Administrative regulations In order to administer this chapter, the department shall promulgate and thereafter from time to time may amend a code to be known as the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, regulating the construction, installation, and alteration of plumbing and plumbing fixtures and appliances, house sewers and private water supplies, and methods and materials to be used therein within this state, using as a minimum standard the basic principles of the National Plumbing Code Coordinating Committee, as evidenced by that committee's final report of 1951 with variations thereof or additions thereto as the committee considers are warranted by local, climatic, or other conditions. The code may also designate the number of plumbing fixtures for public buildings. The department may adopt any other reasonable administrative regulation to administer this chapter if the administrative regulation has been subject to review and comment by the Housing, Buildings and Construction Advisory Committee under the requirements of KRS 198B.030(8). No rules or regulations so approved by the Housing, Buildings and Construction Advisory Committee shall become effective except upon adoption by the department, in satisfaction of the requirements of KRS Chapter 13A. The department shall furnish to the Housing, Buildings and Construction Advisory Committee proposed amendments to the code for the committee's review and comment prior to their adoption by the department. The department shall not promulgate any administrative regulations related to this chapter without granting the Housing, Buildings and Construction Advisory Committee the opportunity to comment on the administrative regulation. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 113, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 100, sec. 21, effective June 8, 2011. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1685, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 256, sec. 10, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 392, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 193, sec. 5; and ch. 299, sec. 70. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 152, sec. 147. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 79, sec. 1. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 17. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-2. Legislative Research Commission Note (10/5/90). Pursuant to KRS 7.136(1), KRS Chapter 13A has been substituted for the prior reference to KRS Chapter 13 in this statute. The sections in KRS Chapter 13 were repealed by 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 417, 36 and KRS Chapter 13A was created in that same chapter of the 1984 Ky. Acts.

KRS 318.134 Installation permits -- Requisites -- Fees

318.134. Installation permits -- Requisites -- Fees (1) No person, firm, or corporation shall: (a) Construct, install, or alter, or cause to be constructed, installed, or altered, any plumbing without first having procured a plumbing installation permit therefor from the department; (b) Use or continue to use, or permit the use or continued use of, any plumbing constructed, installed, or altered under a plumbing installation permit issued therefor where the department through a duly authorized inspector, employee, or agent, finds that the plumbing was not constructed, installed, or altered in accordance with such permit and the Kentucky State Plumbing Code. (2) All applications for plumbing installation permits shall be accompanied by plans and specifications of the proposed plumbing installation, location, and construction of the water supply system to be used. If an on-site sewage disposal system that does not have a surface discharge is proposed, a valid on-site sewage disposal permit issued by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or its designated agent shall accompany the application. (3) The department shall fix a reasonable schedule of fees and charges to be paid for plumbing installation permits and the necessary inspections incident thereto. The department shall also fix a reasonable schedule of fees and charges to be paid for necessary inspections of the construction, installation, or alteration of plumbing in public buildings. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1686, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 600, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 426, sec. 551, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 392, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 244, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 71. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 8. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 8. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 18.

KRS 318.136 Trust and agency fund

318.136. Trust and agency fund All license fees, permit and inspection fees and charges, and other moneys collected by the department, under the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations of the department adopted hereunder, shall be paid into the State Treasury and credited to a trust and agency fund to be used by the department in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. No part of this fund shall revert to the general fund of the Commonwealth. All moneys held in a trust and agency fund or other fund to the credit of the department for the administration and enforcement of this chapter on June 16, 1960, are hereby transferred to the trust and agency fund herein created. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1687, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 72. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 19, effective June 16, 1960.

KRS 318.140 Adoption and enforcement of State Plumbing Code by local governments - - Local inspectors -- Qualifications

318.140. Adoption and enforcement of State Plumbing Code by local governments - - Local inspectors -- Qualifications (1) Any local government may, by ordinance, enact the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, regulating the construction, installation, or alteration of plumbing within such local government, providing for the issuance of plumbing installation permits and fixing permit and inspection fees. Two (2) or more local governments may, by ordinance of each local government, enact the plumbing code as described in this section which shall be jointly enforced and administered by said local governments within their boundaries. Agreements for joint enforcement shall conform to the provisions of KRS Chapter 65. The department may authorize any such local government or combination of local governments to administer, carry out, and enforce the Kentucky State Plumbing Code and the rules and regulations of the department relating thereto and to issue permits and make inspections thereunder within such local government, in which event a permit issued under the provisions of the local government plumbing code ordinance shall be deemed a permit issued by the department; provided, however, that inspectors of the department shall have concurrent jurisdiction with local government plumbing inspectors in the enforcement in such local governments of the Kentucky State Plumbing Code. (2) Any local government enacting a plumbing code ordinance may appoint and fix the compensation of local government plumbing inspectors. No person shall be eligible for appointment as a local government plumbing inspector unless he or she has at least eight (8) years' experience as a master or journeyman plumber. At the time of his or her appointment, he or she shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (3) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting a local government from collecting occupational license fees from persons, firms, or corporations engaged in the plumbing business. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1688, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 56, effective July 1, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 73. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 20, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-8.

KRS 318.150 Materials and methods to be used

318.150. Materials and methods to be used No person shall use unsafe or defective material in the work of plumbing or drainage. Only the best known methods of installing materials, fixtures, appurtenances and appliances, including water supply piping, waste, ventilating and soil piping, and sewage piping shall be employed. Effective: June 16, 1960 History: Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 21, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-3.

KRS 318.160 Installation plans and specifications

318.160. Installation plans and specifications Except as otherwise provided by law or by regulation of the department, no person shall construct, install, or extensively alter any plumbing, sewerage, or water supply system of any public building or establishment without having first obtained the approval of the department in writing. Detailed plans and specifications of the proposed facility showing the plumbing system, sewage disposal system, and water supply system shall be submitted to the department prior to the construction or alteration of the facility. In the event no public sewer is available, the plan shall include the proposed type of sewage disposal system. In the event a sewage subsoil drainage system is used, or some other type of on-site sewage disposal system that does not have a surface discharge, the application for construction, installation, or alteration of such system shall be submitted to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or its designated agent. All other plans and specifications shall be submitted in triplicate to the department. The department shall notify the applicant in writing of the approval or disapproval of the plans. The construction, installation, or alteration shall be done in accordance with the approved plans. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1689, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 601, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 426, sec. 552, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 392, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 244, sec. 3, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 74. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 22, effective June 16, 1960.

KRS 318.165 Requisites for providing permanent water supply

318.165. Requisites for providing permanent water supply No permanent water supply shall be provided to any building by any public utility or water district where the interior plumbing system has not been installed and approved in accordance with the provisions of KRS Chapter 318 and the State Plumbing Code. History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 9.

KRS 318.170 Authority of agents of department

318.170. Authority of agents of department For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and the State Plumbing Code, officers, agents, and inspectors of the department shall have the power and authority to enter upon premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of making inspections, to interrogate all persons and to require the production of plumbing installation permits and other evidence. Officers, agents, and inspectors of the department are empowered to issue a stop order to any owner, agent, or occupant of real property whenever the plumbing thereon is found by the officer, agent or inspector of the department to be in violation of this chapter or the State Plumbing Code. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1690, effective July 15, 2010. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 23, effective June 16, 1960.

KRS 318.180 Enforcement of plumbing laws

318.180. Enforcement of plumbing laws (1) Notwithstanding the existence or pursuit of any other remedy (civil or criminal) the department, or its officers, agents, or inspectors, are hereby authorized to institute and maintain actions to restrain and enjoin any violation of this chapter, the State Plumbing Code, or the rules and regulations of the department relating thereto. (2) City, county and Commonwealth's attorneys, and the Attorney General, shall within their respective jurisdictions represent the department, its officers, agents, and inspectors, in the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, the State Plumbing Code, and the rules and regulations of the department relating thereto, but when the department deems it necessary, it may employ, at its discretion, special attorneys to assist the department, or its officers, agents, or inspectors, and may pay reasonable compensation, fees and other costs from any unexpended plumbing funds. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1691, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 75. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 24, effective June 16, 1960.

KRS 318.190 Jurisdiction for enforcement actions

318.190. Jurisdiction for enforcement actions (1) The Circuit Court where the violation occurs shall have jurisdiction and venue in all civil and injunctive actions instituted by the department for the enforcement of the provisions of KRS Chapter 318 and the State Plumbing Code and the orders issued thereunder. (2) The Franklin Circuit Court shall hold concurrent jurisdiction and venue in all civil and injunctive actions instituted by the department, or upon the secretary's request by the Attorney General, for the enforcement of the provisions of KRS Chapter 318, the State Plumbing Code and the orders issued thereunder and other rules and regulations of the department. (3) The District Court where the violation occurs shall have jurisdiction and venue in all criminal actions for the enforcement of the provisions of KRS Chapter 318 and the State Plumbing Code and the orders issued thereunder. The Franklin Circuit Court shall hold concurrent jurisdiction and venue on all appeals of criminal actions for the enforcement of the provisions of KRS Chapter 318 and the State Plumbing Code and the orders issued thereunder. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1692, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 45, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 193, sec. 6; and ch. 299, sec. 76. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 10.

KRS 318.200 Water heating devices -- Serial numbers

318.200. Water heating devices -- Serial numbers (1) No water heating device shall be sold or offered for sale in the Commonwealth of Kentucky unless it contains a serial number on it. As used in this section, "water heating device" means any pressure vessel which heats, stores, and supplies potable water for domestic or commercial purposes other than for space heating. (2) All retailers, wholesalers, and installers selling or offering for sale a water heating device shall, within thirty (30) days of the date of sale, forward a list of names and addresses of purchasers along with the serial numbers of the devices purchased to the department or to the appropriate agency of county or city government having jurisdiction. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1693, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 5, sec. 1, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 272, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984.

KRS 318.990 Penalties

318.990. Penalties Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted hereunder or any provision of the State Plumbing Code shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days or both for each offense. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. Effective: June 16, 1960 History: Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 222, sec. 25, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3909b-10.
Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (legislature.ky.gov)URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38833Fetched: 10/20/2026

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