Council advances ordinance to recognize state and ICC master-plumber credentials

The Marshall City Council approved a first reading of an ordinance on Aug. 5 that would amend the city code to recognize proof of a state-issued master-plumber license or passage of the International Code Council (ICC) master-plumber exam as equivalent to the city's master-plumber test. A representative from the plumbing board, identified as Grant, described the change: previously the city recognized only a city-administered master-plumber test; the proposed ordinance would permit a plumber to present proof of a state master license or ICC exam passage and thereby avoid taking the city test. "So basically, all this is is, previously, the only master plumber's license that the city would recognize is 1 testatory issued by the city," Grant said, and continued that the change would "recognize" these other credentials. He confirmed that a plumber would still have the option to take the city test if they prefer. City staff thanked the plumbing board and Grant for bringing the reciprocity change forward. The council then voted on the first reading by roll call; the vote carried as recorded on the transcript. The ordinance specifically amends sections of the city code (referenced in the title as sections 500.290 and 500.320) to establish testing requirements for applicants seeking a master plumber's license. The transcript does not record additional amendments or a final adoption vote; the ordinance passed its first reading and will next appear for a subsequent reading and possible final adoption according to the council's ordinance schedule.