Colorado Springs Sewer Connection Rules for Builders

Environmental Protection Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado requires builders to follow municipal and utility standards when connecting new or renovated buildings to the public sanitary sewer. This guide explains who enforces connection standards, what permits and inspections are typical, how to prepare submittals and utility ties, and what to expect at inspection and acceptance. It is focused on on-site and developer connections to the public main and on coordinating with the utility and City development services early in design.

Permits & Approvals

Before beginning work, builders must secure any required building permits and utility approvals. Connection locations, lateral design, and trunk tie-ins are governed by Colorado Springs Utilities standards and developer requirements Colorado Springs Utilities - Wastewater[1]. City development and building permits are required for most new residential and commercial connections and for public right-of-way work; schedule reviews with Development Services early City of Colorado Springs Permits[2].

Contact the utility and Development Services in design stage to avoid rework.

Typical Technical Requirements

  • Pipe materials, slope and minimum cover per utility standards.
  • Record drawings and as-built submittals on completion.
  • Proper inspector access and pre-inspection notification.
  • Backflow and cleanout locations where required.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sewer connection standards and work in the public right-of-way is carried out by Colorado Springs Utilities and City Development Services through inspection, stop-work orders and administrative actions. Specific monetary fines and penalty schedules are not enumerated on the cited utility and permitting pages and are "not specified on the cited page"; see the linked official pages for enforcement contacts and further detail Colorado Springs Utilities - Wastewater[1] and City of Colorado Springs Permits[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, corrective orders, required restoration, and civil enforcement or referral to court.
  • Primary enforcers: Colorado Springs Utilities (wastewater) and City Development Services for building and right-of-way compliance.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: report through utility customer service and City permitting contact pages.

Applications & Forms

Builders typically must submit permit applications, plan sets, and utility service applications. Specific form names, numbers, fees and submission portals are published by the utility and City; when a form or fee is not listed on the cited page it is "not specified on the cited page" and applicants should contact the listed offices for current application packets Colorado Springs Utilities - Wastewater[1] and City of Colorado Springs Permits[2].

If a fee or form is not visible online, call the permitting office before submitting plans.

Inspections, Acceptance & Recordkeeping

Schedule inspections per permit conditions. Typical requirements include CCTV or pressure tests for new mains, inspection of service lateral bedding and joint work, and submission of as-built drawings before final utility acceptance.

  • Pre-pour and pre-backfill inspections for laterals.
  • Final CCTV or pressure test reports where required.
  • As-built and record drawing submittal for utility acceptance.
Keep digital, georeferenced record drawings to speed utility acceptance.

Common Violations

  • Unpermitted connections or work in the right-of-way.
  • Failure to schedule required inspections.
  • Poor bedding or improper materials.

FAQ

Who issues sewer connection permits in Colorado Springs?
The City of Colorado Springs issues building and right-of-way permits and Colorado Springs Utilities governs utility connection approvals and standards.
Do I need a licensed plumber for lateral work?
Yes. Work must be performed by appropriately licensed contractors and inspected per permit conditions.
How long does utility acceptance take?
Acceptance time varies; final acceptance requires completed inspections and as-built submittals and timing is case-dependent.

How-To

  1. Contact Colorado Springs Utilities early to confirm trunk and lateral tie-in rules and submittal requirements (utility standards)[1].
  2. Prepare permit drawings and submit to City Development Services for plan review (permits)[2].
  3. Engage licensed contractors and schedule required inspections per permit conditions.
  4. Complete tests (CCTV, pressure) and deliver as-built drawings and test reports to the utility.
  5. Obtain final utility acceptance and any required releases before covering or paving.
  6. If you disagree with an enforcement action, follow the appeal procedures shown by the enforcing office and submit appeals within the stated time limits on the official page or contact the office directly; if no time limit is posted, request instructions from the enforcing office.

Key Takeaways

  • Coordinate with Colorado Springs Utilities and City Development Services early.
  • Obtain permits and schedule inspections before starting excavation.
  • Submit complete tests and as-builts to achieve final acceptance.

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