Whole-house repipe permits in Mountain View, CA

General California guidance last updated May 22, 2026 · Mountain View data verified August 10, 2026

What plumbing contractors need to know about pulling a whole-house repipe permit in Mountain View (Santa Clara County).

Short answer

In California, a whole-house repipe needs a plumbing permit, pulled by a licensed C-36 contractor under the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5). The permit covers replacing existing supply (and sometimes drain/waste/vent) piping; common drivers include failing galvanized or polybutylene supply, slab leaks, low-pressure complaints, and pinhole leaks in copper.

Mountain View accepts submittal through the ePermitsMV (Avolve) and has adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24, with Mountain View amendments). Fee details and sources are below.

Mountain View permit data

Sourced from public City of Mountain View documents — every field carries the source URL and verification date.

Permit portal
ePermitsMV (Avolve)

verified Aug 10, 2026 · source · "The permit process is handled exclusively on this platform" — city pages link ePermitsMV to the Avolve-hosted portal; account sign-in is required to apply

Adopted code edition

2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24, with Mountain View amendments)

verified Aug 10, 2026 · source · Effective January 1, 2026, all Building and Fire permit applications must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code and certified standards, adopted by reference with local amendments

Fee schedule
Building Permit Fees — effective August 9, 2025 (valuation-based fee table)

verified Aug 10, 2026 · source · The city applies a 5% technology fee on the total permit cost of each building and fire permit issued

The general picture in California

A repipe replaces the hot/cold supply distribution throughout a structure — most commonly converting galvanized or polybutylene to PEX or copper. The permit covers pipe material, sizing, routing, fastening, insulation, manifold or trunk-and-branch layout, and pressure testing. Drain/waste/vent repipes add slope, venting, and cleanout requirements. Drywall and finish repairs are out of scope of the plumbing permit but may require their own permits if structural framing is altered.

For deeper background that isn't Mountain View-specific, see the statewide whole-house repipe guide.

Typically needs a permit

Whole-house repipe itself triggers a permit in nearly every California jurisdiction, Mountain View included. Mountain View-specific variations are confirmed with the issuing department above.

Usually doesn't (general norm)

  • Replacing an exposed section of supply pipe with the same material and routing (repair)
  • Replacing a fixture supply line, angle stop, or stop valve
  • Tightening or replacing a single fitting on existing pipe

Documents & plans generally required

Common reasons whole-house repipe applications get bounced

Code-rooted patterns across California — not a Mountain View-specific rejection rate.

The inspection sequence

A typical order — the number of stops and exact sequence vary by jurisdiction and scope.

  1. 1Rough/cover inspection with new piping exposed, pressure-tested, and supported
  2. 2Insulation inspection for Title 24 hot-water-line insulation where applicable
  3. 3Final inspection with fixtures reconnected, pressure restored, and the system tested

Licensing — who can pull it

Repipes in California are performed by a C-36 (Plumbing) licensed contractor; a B (General Building) contractor may pull within a larger project under CSLB rules. The licensed contractor doing the work typically pulls the permit.

Other verified Mountain View notes

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a whole-house repipe in California?

Yes — replacing supply (and/or DWV) piping throughout a structure is permitted plumbing work in every California jurisdiction. The permit covers material, sizing, routing, and pressure testing; the inspector typically signs off at rough (pre-cover) and at final.

Is PEX allowed throughout California?

Yes — PEX has been approved statewide for potable water under the California Plumbing Code for over a decade. Some jurisdictions still require specific listings or limit certain fitting types; the listing should be shown on the permit submittal.

Do I need a separate permit for drywall repair?

The plumbing permit covers the pipe work only. Drywall and finish repair are typically follow-up work and don't require a separate permit unless structural framing is altered. Inspectors will require pipe access (open walls or strategic cuts) at the rough inspection.

Can a repipe be done in an occupied home?

Generally yes — most residential repipes are done with the occupants in place, with water shut off for short periods. The permit doesn't restrict occupancy; sequencing is a contractor/owner decision.

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