Do tub to shower conversions need permits?

Fixture-only swaps may not require a full permit, but plumbing changes, electrical work, wall changes, condos, townhomes, and local rules can trigger permit or approval requirements.

Is this permit checker legal advice?

No. It is planning guidance only. Always verify with the local building department, HOA, or licensed contractor.

Verify locally before work starts

Permit Guidance Checker

Permit surprises can delay a small bathroom project, especially when plumbing, electrical, condo rules, or wall changes are involved. This tool does not replace your local building department, but it helps you spot when a simple shower swap may need official review.

Location is optional; national median is used if blank.

ZIP codeOptional. Exact ZIP is used first, then ZIP-3 fallback.State fallbackUsed when ZIP is blank or not covered yet.

Home typeScope

likely-needed

A permit or local approval is likely worth verifying

Plumbing permit

Typical fee range

$110 - $380

Typical timeline

Plan for several business days to 2 weeks in many jurisdictions.

Local reference

California guidance based on zip5 location matching

Common exemptions to ask about

Small finish changes may be exempt, but moving drains, replacing valves, electrical work, and wall changes often are not.
Permit exemptions can disappear when work is part of a larger bathroom remodel scope.

Unpermitted-work risks

Unpermitted plumbing or electrical work can slow resale, insurance claims, or future inspections.
Skipping inspection can leave hidden waterproofing or drain-slope failures undiscovered until after finishes are installed.

Find official local office Find contractors who handle permits

Permit guidance is not legal or building-code advice. City, county, HOA, and inspector requirements can override state-level assumptions.