Idaho Plumbing Licensing Law

Idaho Code · 22 sections

The following is the full text of Idaho’s plumbing licensing law statutes as published in the Idaho Code. For the official version, see the Idaho Legislature.

Idaho Code § 54-1016

Idaho Statutes Idaho Statutes are updated to the website July 1 following the legislative session. Search Idaho Statutes

Search Constitution pecnv.out TITLE 54 PROFESSIONS, VOCATIONS, AND BUSINESSES CHAPTER 10 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND JOURNEYMEN 54-1016. Exemptions. (1) Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to apply to: (a)  Any regulated utility, telephone company, rural telephone cooperative or municipal communications utility, or its employees, in the installation or maintenance of communication circuits, wires and apparatus by or for such entities or their communications service customers; (b)  Any electrical public utility, or its employees, in the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring, circuits, apparatus and equipment by or for such public utility or comprising a part of its plants, lines or system; (c)  Modular buildings as defined in section 39-4301 , Idaho Code, that are constructed in the state of Idaho for installation on building sites outside the state; provided however, that no modular building shall be installed on a building site in the state of Idaho until it has been approved and bears the insignia of approval of the division as being in compliance with the requirements set forth in section 39-4304 , Idaho Code. (2)  The licensing provisions of this chapter shall not apply to: (a)  Any property owner performing noncommercial electrical work in the owner’s primary or secondary residence or associated outbuildings or land associated with the entire property on which those buildings sit, except that homeowner installations of renewable power generation connected to the community power grid shall be subject to a preplan review in accordance with local jurisdictions’ policies and procedures prior to the purchase of a permit; (b)  Any person regularly employed as a maintenance electrician performing electrical maintenance work on the premises owned and operated by his employer, provided that electrical work is limited to maintenance and replacement of electrical fixtures, electrical conductors, electrical equipment and electrical apparatus on a like-for-like basis; (c)  Any telephone company, rural telephone cooperative, or municipal communications utility, its employees, its subsidiaries, and employees of the subsidiaries performing work on customer-owned facilities under the exclusive control of the telephone company, rural telephone cooperative, or municipal communications utility; (d)  Any telephone company, rural telephone cooperative, or municipal communications utility, its employees, its subsidiaries, and employees of the subsidiaries performing repair work on customer-owned facilities at the request of the customer; (e)  Any electrical public utility, rural electrical cooperative, municipal power utility, its employees, its subsidiaries, and employees of the subsidiaries performing work on customer-owned facilities under the exclusive control of the electrical public utility, rural electrical cooperative, or municipal power utility; (f)  Any electrical public utility, rural electrical cooperative, municipal power utility, its employees, its subsidiaries, and employees of the subsidiaries performing emergency repair work on customer-owned facilities at the request of the customer; (g)  A fire department employee who is acting in his official capacity as a representative of his agency when he is replacing, maintaining, or repairing a hard-wired smoke or carbon monoxide alarm at the request of a homeowner in a one (1) or two (2) family dwelling unit, provided that such fire department employee has received annual training regarding electrical safety and installation of the devices identified in this paragraph; (h)  A limited electrical contractor, limited electrical installer, or employee of a company holding a limited electrical contractor license who is replacing or installing a fire alarm communication device (DACT). A person provided for in this paragraph shall obtain a permit if required by the authority having jurisdiction but must not be required to submit design plans. The fire alarm communication device (DACT) may be inspected if required by the authority having jurisdiction after replacement of the fire alarm communication device (DACT). The fee for a permit shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125); or (i)  A nonprofit organization that is chartered to build houses and that has tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including a religious corporation, and such organization’s volunteers, performing electrical installations for a single-family dwelling unit. An organization described in this paragraph shall designate a primary contact person with whom inspectors may communicate. (3)  The licensing provisions of this chapter shall not apply to individuals licensed pursuant to chapter 50, title 54 , Idaho Code, or certificated pursuant to chapter 26, title 54 , Idaho Code, as follows: (a)  Individuals holding a current heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) license or a current plumbing certification may install electrical circuitry and make connections from the disconnecting means to a water heater as long as the disconnect is in sight from the unit and the circuit from the disconnecting means to the water heater is no more than fifty (50) feet long. (b)  Individuals holding a current HVAC license may install: (i)   Electrical space heaters with no attached ductwork; (ii)  Electrical connections to HVAC equipment from the disconnecting means to the unit as long as the disconnect is in sight from the unit and the circuit from the disconnecting means to the HVAC equipment is no more than fifty (50) feet long; and (iii) Ventilating fans, except ducted range hoods in residences. (c)  HVAC licensees may install control wiring of twenty-four (24) volts or less for HVAC equipment of five (5) tons or less in capacity. Plumbing certificate holders are not authorized to install control wiring in HVAC equipment, regardless of voltage. (d)  Individuals holding a current limited energy electrical license may install electrical circuitry and make connections from utilization equipment installed under the restricted category of the limited electrical installer license to outlets, as long as those outlets are in sight from such utilization equipment and not more than fifty (50) feet from such utilization equipment. Outlets shall be installed by others. (4)  To the extent that a plumbing or HVAC installation permit issued by the Idaho division of occupational and professional licenses includes any part of an electrical installation, the permit issued and inspection performed shall be sufficient to satisfy the permitting and inspecting requirements of this chapter if all required permit fees have been paid. (5)  Approval and certification requirements of product and equipment as set forth in this chapter and in the adopted edition of the national electrical code do not apply to industrial machinery unless the board has made a determination that such product, machine or classes of products and machines present an undue hazard to life and property. (6)  Apprentice registration requirements shall not apply to high school students enrolled in an educational program recognized by the board in which the performance of electrical installation is a formal component of the program. The exemption is limited to students performing residential installations as part of such program under the constant on-the-job supervision of a licensed residential electrician or a licensed journeyman electrician and a permit for the work is obtained from the authority having jurisdiction. Work hours performed by such students shall not apply toward apprentice work requirements. (7)  Neither local jurisdictions nor the state fire marshal shall have the authority to amend the exemptions provided for in this section or to adopt any ordinance, law, or rule in conflict with the provisions of this section. History: [54-1016, added 1947, ch. 251, sec. 16, p. 681; am. 1961, ch. 311, sec. 17, p. 583; am. 2004, ch. 250, sec. 6, p. 720; am. 2005, ch. 235, sec. 1, p. 715; am. 2007, ch. 197, sec. 1, p. 597; am. 2007, ch. 252, sec. 8, p. 745; am. 2015, ch. 233, sec. 1, p. 731; am. 2017, ch. 325, sec. 1, p. 856; am. 2018, ch. 199, sec. 1, p. 446; am. 2018, ch. 208, sec. 12, p. 466; am. 2018, ch. 209, sec. 13, p. 476; am. 2021, ch. 214, sec. 1, p. 588; am. 2022, ch. 301, sec. 1, p. 951; am. 2023, ch. 244, sec. 14, p. 754.]

Idaho Code 54-2601

(1) The purpose of this act is to provide certain standards and requirements for the use of and the design, construction, installation, improvement, extension and alteration of materials, piping, venting, fixtures, appliances and appurtenances in relation to plumbing and plumbing systems hereinafter defined and to provide that all plumbing and plumbing systems in the state shall be designed, constructed, installed, improved, extended and altered in substantial accord with the uniform plumbing code published by the international association of plumbing and mechanical officials and as it shall be amended, revised, compiled and published from time to time and as subsequent editions, amendments or revisions thereto shall be adopted by the Idaho plumbing board through the negotiated rulemaking process. Any amendments, revisions or modifications made to the uniform plumbing code by the board shall be made by administrative rules promulgated by the board. The uniform plumbing code together with any amendments, revisions or modifications made by the board shall collectively constitute and be named the Idaho state plumbing code. The board shall conduct a minimum of two (2) public hearings with notice of such public hearings provided in accordance with the provisions of section74-204, Idaho Code. (2)  Cities or counties electing to implement a plumbing code enforcement program shall do so only in compliance with the provisions of this section. Cities or counties may elect to implement a plumbing enforcement program by passing an ordinance evidencing the intent to do so. Cities or counties that perform plumbing code enforcement activities shall, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, by ordinance adopt the uniform plumbing code together with any amendments thereto made by the board, which shall collectively constitute and be named the Idaho state plumbing code. The effective date of any edition of the code adopted by the board shall be January 1 of the year following its adoption. (3)  Cities or counties may further amend the Idaho state plumbing code adopted by the board in conformance with this section to address local concerns as long as such amendments prescribe at least an equivalent level of protection to that contained in the uniform plumbing code. Provided however, that no code other than the uniform plumbing code together with any amendments, revisions or modifications made by the board that collectively constitute the Idaho state plumbing code may serve as the standard for plumbing installations in such city or county. A city or county electing to amend the Idaho state plumbing code as adopted by the board may do so only after a finding by the city or county that good cause exists for such an amendment and that such amendment is reasonably necessary. Prior to making a finding of good cause for such an amendment, the city or county shall conduct a public hearing. Notice of the time and place of the public hearing shall be published in the official newspaper or paper of general circulation within the city or county. Written notice of such public hearing and the text of the proposed amendment shall be given by the city or county to the board not less than thirty (30) days prior to such hearing. (4)  The remaining provisions of this act shall not apply, except as hereinafter provided, to cities or counties if such cities or counties enact ordinances or codes prescribing the Idaho state plumbing code and amendments it may make thereto in accordance with this section for all plumbing installations which shall be considered the equal standards and requirements including the enforcement thereof as provided by this act. (5)  A city or county that enforces plumbing codes shall do so only in compliance with the provisions of this section and the Idaho state plumbing code. A city or county that performs plumbing code enforcement activities pursuant to this section may perform plumbing code enforcement activities for other cities or counties. The provisions of the Idaho state plumbing code shall be used as the standard for plumbing code enforcement activities pursuant to this section. (6)  A city or county that has not previously instituted and implemented a plumbing code enforcement program prior to the effective date of this act may elect to implement such a program by passing an ordinance evidencing the intent to do so. A city or county may contract with a public or private entity to administer its plumbing code enforcement program pursuant to the provisions of this section. (7)  A city or county that chooses to conduct its own plumbing code enforcement inspections or to receive such inspections from another city or county shall provide the division of occupational and professional licenses notice of such decision in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to implementation. (8)  A city or county that terminates a permitting and inspection program established pursuant to this section shall notify the division of occupational and professional licenses in writing of its intent to terminate such program. Upon termination of a city or county permitting and inspection program, the division of occupational and professional licenses shall provide plumbing code enforcement services in the jurisdiction for a minimum of one (1) year.

Idaho Code 54-2602

(1) Certificate of competency requirements of this chapter shall not be deemed to apply to: (a)  Any person who does plumbing work in a single or duplex family dwelling, including accessory buildings, quarters and grounds in connection with such dwelling; provided that such person owns or is a contract purchaser of the premises, and provided further that such person shall comply with the minimum standards and rules applicable to plumbing practices provided by this chapter. (b)  Farm buildings located outside the incorporated limits of any city unless such buildings are connected to a public water or sewer system; and a farm building is hereby defined to be a structure located on agricultural zoned property and designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products and includes sheds, barns, corrals or fences. This definition does not include a place for human habitation or a place of regular employment where agricultural products are extracted, processed, treated or packaged; a place used by the public; or conditioned livestock housing. (c)  Logging, mining or construction camps when plumbing installations are made to conform with the recommendations of the department of environmental quality. (d)  Piping systems in industrial processing plants located outside the incorporated limits of any city unless such systems are connected to a public water or sewer system. (e)  Work on plumbing systems on premises owned or operated by an employer who regularly employs maintenance or construction plumbers, provided that alterations, extensions and new construction shall comply with the minimum standards and rules applicable to plumbing practices provided by this chapter. (f)  Nothing contained in this section or any other provision of this code shall be construed or applied to require a sewer contractor, sewage disposal contractor, or any excavating or utility contractor who generally engages in the business of installing, altering or repairing sewers, private and public sewage disposal systems, and water distribution and/or drainage lines outside the foundation walls of any building or structure to obtain a valid contractor’s certificate of competency or to employ only journeymen plumbers possessing a valid journeyman plumber’s certificate of competency or registration or to in any way require that his employees be registered, licensed or declared competent by the board. (g)  Water treatment installations and repairs when installed in residential or business properties, provided the same, when installed, repaired or completed, shall be inspected by a designated, qualified and properly identified agent of the division of occupational and professional licenses as to quality of workmanship and compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter. (h)  Plumbing work within modular buildings as defined in section39-4301, Idaho Code, that are constructed in the state of Idaho for installation on building sites outside the state; provided however, that no modular building shall be installed on a building site in the state of Idaho until it has been approved and bears the insignia of approval of the division as being in compliance with the requirements set forth in section39-4304, Idaho Code. (i)  Individuals holding a current installer license pursuant to the provisions ofchapter 21, title 44, Idaho Code, may make connections from manufactured home or mobile home sewer or water facilities to existing sewer or water facilities on-site. (j)  Individuals licensed pursuant tochapter 10, title 54, Idaho Code, orchapter 50, title 54, Idaho Code, as follows: (i)   Individuals holding a current HVAC or electrical license may install electrical circuitry from the disconnecting means to a water heater and electrical connections to the water heater as long as the disconnect is in sight from the unit and the circuit from the disconnecting means to the water heater is no more than fifty (50) feet long. (ii)  Individuals holding a current HVAC license may install gas piping and piping for hydronic systems. (iii) Individuals holding a current HVAC license may install boilers that are not otherwise subject to inspection by the industrial commission or its authorized agent. (k)  A nonprofit organization that is chartered to build houses and that has tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including a religious corporation, and such organization’s volunteers, performing plumbing installations for a single-family dwelling unit. An organization described in this paragraph shall designate a primary contact person with whom inspectors may communicate. (2)  To the extent that an electrical or HVAC installation permit issued by the Idaho division of occupational and professional licenses includes any part of a plumbing installation, the permit issued and inspection performed shall be sufficient to satisfy the permitting and inspecting requirements of this chapter if all required permit fees have been paid. (3)  Apprentice registration requirements shall not apply to high school students enrolled in an educational program recognized by the board in which the performance of plumbing installation is a formal component of the program. The exemption is limited to students performing residential installations as part of such program under the constant on-the-job supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber and a permit for the work is obtained from the authority having jurisdiction. Work hours performed by such students shall not apply toward apprentice work requirements. (4)  Any person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation making water treatment installations and/or repairs in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall maintain a surety bond in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000).

Idaho Code 54-2604

(1) A plumbing system, public or private, means and includes: (a)  Plumbing fixtures, interconnecting system pipes and traps; (b)  Soil, waste and vent pipes; (c)  Building drains and building sewers; (d)  Sanitary and storm water drainage facilities; (e)  Liquid waste and sewerage facilities; (f)  Water supply systems and distribution and disposal pipes of any premises; (g)  Water treating and water using equipment attached to a plumbing system except for water conditioning equipment; (h)  All the respective connections, devices and appurtenances of any plumbing system, public or private, within or adjacent to any building, residence, manufactured housing, or structure to and including a connection with any point of a public or private supply, distribution or disposal system or other acceptable terminal; and (i)  Water heaters and all associated venting dedicated exclusively thereto. (2)  As used in this section, "water conditioning equipment" shall mean those devices necessary to remove impurities and sediment from water. (3)  A plumbing system does not include a single service integrated fire sprinkler system as defined in section41-254, Idaho Code. (4)  It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation to do, or cause to be done, whether acting as a principal, agent, or employee, any construction, installation, improvement, extension or alteration of any plumbing system or water conditioning equipment in any residence, building, or structure, or service lines thereto, in the state of Idaho, without complying with the bonding provisions as provided by section54-2602, Idaho Code.

Idaho Code 54-2605

(1) The Idaho plumbing board, referred to as the board, is hereby created and made a part of the division of occupational and professional licenses. It shall be the responsibility and duty of the administrator of the division of occupational and professional licenses to administer and enforce the provisions of this act; and the board shall make, promulgate and publish such rules as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of this act in order to effectuate the purposes thereof and for the orderly and efficient administration thereof, and except as may be limited or prohibited by law and the provisions of this act, such rules so made and promulgated shall have the force of statute. (2)  The board shall consist of five (5) members. The members shall be appointed at large by the governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. Members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years. Whenever a vacancy occurs, the governor shall forthwith appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy for the unexpired portion of the term. (3)  All members of the board shall be United States citizens, residents of this state for not less than two (2) years, and qualified by knowledge, integrity and experience to properly execute the functions of the board. Two (2) members shall be members of the public at large with an interest in the rights of consumers of plumbing services; one (1) member shall be an active plumbing contractor with not less than five (5) years’ experience in the plumbing contracting business; one (1) member shall be an active plumbing contractor with not less than five (5) years in the plumbing contracting business with an additional background of experience in gas piping installations in buildings; and one (1) member shall be a journeyman plumber. All members of the board shall take, subscribe and file with the secretary of state an oath of office in the form, manner and time prescribed bychapter 4, title 59, Idaho Code. (4)  The board shall meet within thirty (30) days after the appointment of all its members and thereafter at such other times as may be expedient and necessary for the proper performance of its duties. At the board’s first meeting, the members shall elect one (1) of their number to be chairman. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and not less than two (2) quorum meetings shall be held each year. The board may delegate to any member, or its chairman or other employees, the power to make investigations and hold hearings at any place it may deem proper, and to report findings to it; and may delegate to its chairman and employees the performance of ministerial functions. (5)  Each member of the board shall be compensated as provided by section59-509(n), Idaho Code.

Idaho Code 54-2606

(1) The board shall have the general administration and supervision of the design, construction, installation, improvement, extension and alteration of plumbing and plumbing systems, except that which has been heretofore and hereinafter exempted from the jurisdiction of this board, in connection with all buildings, residences and structures in this state including buildings, residences and structures owned by the state or any political subdivision thereof. (2)  The division of occupational and professional licenses shall enforce the minimum standards and requirements therefor as provided by this chapter. (3)  The board may exercise such powers and duties as are reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and it may among other things: (a)  Establish the fees to be charged for permits and inspections of plumbing systems. (b)  Hold public meetings and attend or be represented at such meetings, within or without the state, prepare and publish rules pertaining to this chapter, and such other information as may be necessary, and furnish copies thereof to those engaged in the business, trade, practice or work of plumbing and pipefitting and to the public upon request. (c)  Furnish standards and procedures and prescribe reasonable rules for examinations, qualification and certification of plumbing contractors and journeymen and apprentice plumbers not herein prescribed, including the establishment of continuing education requirements for journeymen and plumbing contractors. (d)  Require the furnishing of a compliance bond by plumbing contractors in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000) for the contractor classification or evidence of such coverage by a corporate industry group bond acceptable to the board. (e)  Furnish standards and procedures and prescribe reasonable rules to provide for the certification of specialty contractors, specialty journeymen, and specialty apprentices, including the furnishing of a compliance bond in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000) for the specialty contractor classification or evidence of coverage by a corporate industry group bond acceptable to the board. (f)  Establish by administrative rule civil penalties not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each count or separate offense, to be paid for violations of this chapter and rules of the Idaho plumbing board; and to establish by administrative rule the process by which appeals from the imposition of civil penalties may be heard. The board is authorized to affirm, reject, decrease or increase the penalty imposed; however, the board shall not increase any penalty imposed to an amount exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each individual count or separate offense.

Idaho Code 54-2607

(1) The administrator shall exercise such powers and duties as are reasonably necessary to enforce the minimum standards provided in this chapter, and he may among other things: (a)  Prescribe and establish procedures to effectuate the efficient enforcement of this chapter not herein prescribed. (b)  Serve as secretary to the Idaho plumbing board. (c)  Appoint licensed staff inspectors who shall be authorized to enter and inspect by and through a properly identified person, at reasonable hours, plumbing and plumbing systems. (d)  Make plumbing inspections for another state or local jurisdiction upon request by an appropriate building official. Such inspections shall be made in accordance with the applicable plumbing codes of the requesting jurisdiction. Fees charged for such inspection services shall be as provided in the rules promulgated by the board. (e)  Summon witnesses to appear and testify before him on any matter within the provisions of this chapter. No person shall be required to testify outside the county wherein he resides or where his principal place of business is located. Such summons to testify shall be issued and served in like manner as a subpoena to witness issued from the district court or in other manner consistent with the procedure of the division of occupational and professional licenses. In case any witness shall fail or refuse to appear and testify upon being summoned as herein provided, the clerk of the district court of the county shall, upon demand by the administrator or his designated agent, issue a subpoena reciting the demand therefor and summoning the witness to appear and testify at a time and place fixed. Violation of such subpoena or disobedience thereto shall be deemed and punished as a violation of any other subpoena issued from the district court. (f)  Administer oaths and take affirmations of witnesses appearing before him and have the power to appoint competent persons to issue subpoenas, administer oaths and take testimony. (g)  Impose civil penalties as provided in this chapter and the rules of the Idaho plumbing board. (h)  In addition to any other penalties specified in this chapter, whenever any person violates the provisions of this chapter and the rules of the Idaho plumbing board, the administrator may maintain an action in the name of the state of Idaho to enjoin that person from any further violations. Such action may be brought either in the county in which the acts are claimed to have been or are being committed, or in the county where the defendant resides, or in Ada county. (i)   Upon the filing of a certified complaint in the district court, the court, if satisfied that the acts complained of have been, probably are being, or may be committed, may issue a temporary restraining order, or a preliminary injunction, or both, without bond, enjoining the defendant from the commission of any such act or acts constituting the violation. (ii)  A copy of the complaint shall be served upon the defendant and the proceedings shall thereafter be conducted as in other similar civil actions. (iii) If the commission of the act or acts is established, the court shall enter a decree permanently enjoining the defendant from committing such act or acts. If an injunction issued under the provisions of this section is violated, the court, or the judge thereof at chambers, may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court. (2)  It shall be the duty of the administrator to give notice to cities that supply sewer service to areas outside their city limits and who have requested in writing such notice from the administrator of all permits issued relative to sewer installations. The notice shall be given within ten (10) days from the date the permit was requested for such installation. The notice shall contain a map of the physical location of the installation and reference to the date of inspection if the city so requests.

Idaho Code 54-2610

It shall be unlawful for any person or firm, copartnership, association or corporation, to engage in the business, trade, practice or work of plumbing in this state after the adoption of this chapter, unless such person, or responsible person representing such firm, copartnership, association or corporation, has successfully passed an examination as provided herein and has issued to him a state certificate of competency, which shall not be transferable, and said certificates of competency shall not be required for sewer contractors, sewage disposal contractors, or any excavating or utility contractors, or for their employees, as set forth and defined in section54-2602(1)(f), Idaho Code.

Idaho Code 54-2611

There shall be three (3) classifications of competency in the business, trade, practice or work of plumbing and three (3) classifications of competency in the business, trade, practice or work of specialty plumbing, as follows: (a)  A plumbing contractor shall be any person, or a member, representative or agent of a firm, copartnership, association, or corporation skilled in the planning and supervision of the construction, installation, improvement, extension and alteration of plumbing systems, and who is familiar with the provisions of this act and the rules made by the Idaho plumbing board, and who is competent to offer and to assume to work on a contract basis and to direct the work of qualified employees. A contractor who in person does plumbing work shall also be qualified as a journeyman plumber, or have in his employ on all work a qualified journeyman. (b)  A plumbing journeyman shall be any person, who as his principal occupation, is engaged in the installation, improvement, extension and alteration of plumbing systems, and who is familiar with the provisions of this act and who works in the employ and under the direction of a plumbing contractor. (c)  A plumbing apprentice shall be any person, who as his principal occupation is engaged in learning and assisting in installation, improvement, extension and alteration of plumbing systems. Apprentices shall not perform plumbing work except under the supervision of a journeyman. (d)  A specialty contractor shall be any person, or a member, representative or agent of a firm, copartnership, association, or corporation skilled in the specialty classification for which he is certified and who is familiar with the provisions of this act and rules made by the Idaho plumbing board, and who is competent to offer and to assume work on a contract basis and to direct the work of qualified employees. A specialty contractor who in person does specialty work shall also be qualified as a specialty journeyman, or have in his employ on all work a specialty journeyman. (e)  A specialty journeyman shall be any person who is engaged in the specialty classification for which he is certified and who is familiar with the provisions of this act and who works in the employ and under the direction of a plumbing or specialty contractor. (f)  A specialty apprentice shall be any person who is engaged in learning and assisting in the specialty classification for which he is registered. Specialty apprentices shall not perform specialty work except under supervision of a specialty journeyman.

Idaho Code 54-2614

(1) All applicants shall pay to the board at the time of application for examination a fee in accordance with the following: (a)  Application for Plumbing Contractor (b)  Application for Plumbing Journeyman (c)  Application for Specialty Contractor (d)  Application for Specialty Journeyman (2)  Apprentices and specialty apprentices shall not be required to be examined for competency, but shall register as an apprentice or a specialty apprentice with the division of occupational and professional licenses and maintain such registration during the entire period in which they are accruing their experience. The registration fee for apprentices shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) per renewal. The registration fee for specialty apprentices shall be thirty dollars ($30.00) per renewal. The board may contract with a professional testing service to administer any licensing examination, and any contracted professional testing service shall be responsible to establish and collect the examination fee. Any person who fails to pass the examination may apply for reexamination at the next scheduled examination upon payment of the examination fee. Should any person fail to pass the examination the second time, the board may refuse to allow a subsequent examination until the expiration of one (1) year.

Idaho Code 54-2616

Before a certificate is issued, and for the renewal thereof, the successful applicant shall pay to the division of occupational and professional licenses a fee in accordance with the following schedule: Initial FeeRenewalPlumbing Contractor$75.00$36.00Plumbing Journeyman15.007.20Specialty Contractor75.0036.00Specialty Journeyman15.007.20

Idaho Code 54-2617

(1) Certificates of competency shall be issued for a period of three (3) years and shall expire three (3) years from the date of issue, unless sooner revoked or suspended. (2)  A certificate of competency for plumbing contractor or journeyman may be renewed at any time during the month prior to its expiration by providing proof of completion of the continuing education requirements as established by the board and compliance with all other renewal requirements of statute or rule. A certificate of competency for plumbing specialty contractor and specialty journeyman may be renewed at any time during the month prior to its expiration by compliance with all renewal requirements of statute or rule. (3)  Failure of any holder to timely renew a certificate of competency shall cause lapse of the certificate, but it may be revived within two (2) years without examination only upon payment of the full initial fee. (4)  The administrator may renew, on an inactive basis, a certificate of competency for a plumbing contractor or specialty contractor who is not engaged in plumbing contracting in this state. The board shall fix and collect an inactive license fee for such an inactive license renewal in an amount not to exceed thirty-six dollars ($36.00). A plumbing contractor or specialty contractor holding an inactive license may not engage in the practice of plumbing contracting or specialty contracting in this state. A plumbing contractor or specialty contractor’s inactive license may be converted to an active license by paying a processing fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) to the administrator, by providing proof of completion of the continuing education requirements for the duration of the inactive period that would have been required during that period for an active license, and by furnishing a compliance bond in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000) or evidence of such coverage by a corporate industry group bond acceptable to the board. (5)  In the event that a plumbing contractor dies or becomes otherwise incapacitated, a temporary plumbing contractor certificate of competency may be issued to an applicant who holds an active Idaho journeyman certificate of competency to represent the firm, company, copartnership, association or corporation previously represented by the deceased or incapacitated contractor. The holder of a temporary contractor certificate of competency may perform all the acts a plumbing contractor is authorized to do by this chapter and the rules promulgated by the board, with the exception of procuring a new permit from the division of occupational and professional licenses or from a city or a county or soliciting new work. A temporary contractor certificate of competency shall be valid for a period not longer than ninety (90) days from the date it is issued, and it may be renewed one (1) time by the administrator upon written request of the holder of the certificate. (6)  The board shall promulgate rules to provide for a staggered schedule of issuing and renewing certificates of competency.

Idaho Code 54-2619

No provision of this act shall deprive counties or incorporated cities, including those specially chartered, from collections of fees from permits and inspections. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections50-304,50-306, and50-606, Idaho Code, no counties or cities, including those specially chartered, shall require occupational license fees from plumbing contractors and journeymen who possess a valid certificate of competency issued by the administrator of the division of occupational and professional licenses, except those counties or cities that have qualified plumbing inspectors.

Idaho Code 54-2620

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation to do, or cause or permit to be done, after the adoption of this act, whether acting as principal, agent or employee, any construction, installation, improvement, extension or alteration of any plumbing system in any building, residence or structure, or service lines thereto, in the state of Idaho without first procuring a permit from the division of occupational and professional licenses authorizing such work to be done, except: (a)  Within the boundaries of counties or incorporated cities, including those specially chartered, where such work is regulated and enforced by an ordinance or code equivalent to this chapter pursuant to the provisions of section54-2601, Idaho Code; or (b)  Within such additional area within five (5) miles of the city limits over which such city has elected to exercise jurisdiction relative to building drains and building sewers pursuant to section50-606, Idaho Code, on buildings, residences and structures being converted from an on-site sewage disposal system to a sewage disposal system supplied by the city, where such work is regulated and enforced by an ordinance or code equivalent to this chapter. Cities shall provide the division of occupational and professional licenses written notice of the area over which such jurisdiction will be exercised. No city may exercise such jurisdiction within the limits of another city unless both cities have agreed by ordinance to allow such jurisdiction. For purposes of this chapter, building drain and building sewer will be defined according to the definition found in the uniform plumbing code or as adopted by the board, pursuant to section54-2601, Idaho Code. (2)  Permits shall be issued only to a person holding a valid certificate of competency, to a firm, copartnership, association or corporation represented by a person holding a valid certificate of competency, or to a person excepted or for work excepted from the certificate of competency requirements pursuant to section54-2602(1)(a), (e), (f), (g), or (i), Idaho Code. Permits shall not be required for plumbing work described in section54-2602(1)(b), (c), or (d), Idaho Code. (3)  Provided, a licensed plumber is hereby authorized, after making application for permit and pending receipt of permit, to proceed and complete improvements or alterations to plumbing systems when the cost of said improvement or alteration does not exceed the sum of five hundred dollars ($500). Inspection of such work shall be the responsibility of the permit holder pending an official inspection, which shall be made within sixty (60) days after notification of inspection.

Idaho Code 54-2622A

Notwithstanding the exception provided in subsection (1)(h) of section54-2602, Idaho Code, the administrator of the division of occupational and professional licenses may make plumbing inspections of any modular building upon written request from the manufacturer. (1)  Inspections shall be made in accordance with the codes adopted in this chapter. (2)  Inspection fees shall be as provided in section39-4303, Idaho Code. (3)  The administrator may issue inspection tags for inspections if the buildings are in compliance with the codes adopted in this chapter.

Idaho Code 54-2623

The applicant shall pay to the department at the time of application, a permit fee for each permit issued and an inspection fee in accordance with the schedule fixed by the Idaho plumbing board, which schedule shall not require inspection fees in amounts to exceed the expense of providing inspection.

Idaho Code 54-2624

All pipes, fittings, valves, vents, fixtures, appliances and appurtenances shall be inspected by a designated, qualified and properly identified agent of the division of occupational and professional licenses to ensure compliance with provisions of this act. In order to make inspections uniform and complete, the board shall make, promulgate and publish such rules as are necessary to ensure that any plumbing system has been designed, constructed, installed, improved, extended or altered in accordance with the provisions of this act and in accordance with the rules made, promulgated and published by the Idaho plumbing board.

Idaho Code 54-2625

The inspector shall either approve that portion of the work completed at the time of inspection or shall notify the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this act and the rules and regulations of the Idaho plumbing board, and when final inspection has been made and the work approved, the inspector shall certify to the owner or permit holder or agency serving the premises by attaching securely an inspector’s tag at the approximate service entrance that inspection has been made and found satisfactory as required by this act and ready for service.

Idaho Code 54-2627

The administrator of the division of occupational and professional licenses shall appoint such number of inspectors as may be required for the effective enforcement of this act. All inspectors shall be skilled in plumbing installations with not less than five (5) years actual experience, shall possess certificates of competency prior to appointment, and shall be fully familiar with the provisions of this act and rules made by both the administrator and the Idaho plumbing board. No inspector employed by the division of occupational and professional licenses and assigned to the enforcement of this act shall be engaged or financially interested in a plumbing business, trade, practice or work, or the sale of any supplies connected therewith, nor shall he act as an agent, directly or indirectly, for any person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation so engaged. Inspectors employed by municipalities electing to claim exemption under this act must possess the qualifications set forth in this section.

Idaho Code 54-2628

Any person, or a firm, copartnership, association or corporation by and through a member, representative or agent, who shall engage in the business, trade, practice or work of plumbing without a certificate of competency or without registration, or perform work without a permit as provided by this act, or who shall violate any provision of this act or the rules made by both the administrator of the division of occupational and professional licenses and the Idaho plumbing board herein provided for, or who shall refuse to perform any duty lawfully enjoined upon him by the administrator within the prescribed time, or who shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey any lawful order given or made by the administrator shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) or more than three hundred dollars ($300), or to imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both. Each such violation shall constitute a separate offense.

Idaho Code 54-5015

(1) Only the administrator of the division of occupational and professional licenses of the state of Idaho is authorized and empowered to conduct examinations and to pass upon the qualifications of applicants, and to grant and issue certificates of competency and registration of apprentices to such applicants as are found to be qualified to engage in the trade, business, work or practice of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. (2)  No local jurisdiction shall have the authority to require additional certification or registration or to require payment of any fees in order for any HVAC contractor, specialty contractor, journeyman, specialty journeyman, apprentice, or specialty apprentice to engage in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning trade within the local jurisdiction or to issue certificates to persons certified or registered under the provisions of this chapter. (3)  Nothing in this chapter shall restrict a city or county from imposing stricter public safety rules, notwithstanding any provision of Idaho Code. (4)  A certificate issued pursuant tochapter 26, title 54, Idaho Code, or a license issued pursuant tochapter 10, title 54, Idaho Code, shall be acceptable for all HVAC installation work that falls within the scope of the certificate or license that has been issued. This will allow: (a)  Individuals holding a current HVAC or electrical license or a current plumbing certification to install electrical circuitry from the disconnecting means to a water heater and electrical connections to the water heater as long as the disconnect is in sight from the unit and the circuit from the disconnecting means to the water heater is no more than fifty (50) feet long; (b)  Individuals holding a current HVAC or electrical license to install: (i)   Electrical space heaters with no attached ductwork; (ii)  Electrical connections to HVAC equipment from the disconnecting means to the unit as long as the disconnect is in sight from the unit and the circuit from the disconnecting means to the HVAC equipment is no more than fifty (50) feet long; and (iii) Ventilating fans, except ducted range hoods in residences; (c)  Individuals holding either an HVAC certification or plumbing certification to install: (i)   Boilers that are not otherwise subject to inspection by the industrial commission or its authorized agent; (ii)   Fuel piping; (iii) Piping for hydronic systems; and (iv)  Piping for steam and hot water boiler systems; (d)  HVAC licensees to install control wiring of twenty-four (24) volts or less for HVAC equipment of five (5) tons or less in capacity. (5)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, plumbing certificate holders are not authorized to install control wiring in HVAC equipment, regardless of voltage.

Idaho Code 54-5016

(1) On and after January 1, 2005, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, company, association or corporation to do or cause to be done, whether acting as principal, agent or employee, any construction, installation, improvement, extension or alteration of any heating, ventilation or air conditioning system in any building, residence or structure in the state of Idaho without first obtaining a permit from the authority having jurisdiction authorizing such work to be done, except that no permit shall be required to perform work related to repair or maintenance of an existing HVAC system. (2)  To the extent that a plumbing or electrical installation permit issued by the Idaho division of occupational and professional licenses includes any part of an HVAC system installation, or an HVAC installation permit issued by the division includes any part of a plumbing or electrical installation, the permit issued and inspection performed shall be sufficient to satisfy the permitting and inspection requirements of the other division entities. (3)  The plumbing, HVAC and electrical boards shall promulgate rules adopting fees that will allow the division of occupational and professional licenses entity issuing a permit to charge, in addition to the permit fee it would originally charge, additional permit fees that relate to the HVAC portion of an installation for which a plumbing or electrical installation permit is being obtained, or the electrical and plumbing portions of an installation for which an HVAC permit is being obtained. (4)  No provision of this chapter shall preclude local governments from collecting fees for permits and inspections where such work is regulated and enforced by city or county code or ordinance. Municipalities may also require fees for permits and inspections in areas designated by local code or ordinance as areas of city impact.

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)