Colorado Springs Sewer Connection Fees for New Homes

Utilities and Infrastructure Colorado 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado homeowners and builders must follow city and utility rules when connecting a new single-family home to the municipal sewer system. This guide summarizes who sets tap fees, typical payment steps, permitting checkpoints and where to find official forms so you can plan costs and timelines for a new build or subdivision.

Start the utility and permit process early to avoid building delays.

What governs sewer connection fees

Sewer connection charges for new homes are established and administered by Colorado Springs Utilities and implemented alongside city permitting and public works requirements. For official tap fee policy and developer requirements, consult the utilities service pages and the city municipal code Colorado Springs Utilities - New Service[1] and the municipal code listings for utilities and public works Colorado Springs Municipal Code - Utilities[2].

Typical fees and who pays

  • Tap or connection fee: charged per new dwelling unit or meter; amount set by the utility and published on the provider fee schedule, not specified on the cited page.
  • Capacity or system development charges: may apply when adding new demand; amounts are set by ordinance or utility schedules, not specified on the cited page.
  • Permit and inspection fees: charged by the city’s Development Services or Building Division at permit submittal; amounts vary by project and are listed on permit fee schedules on city pages.
Fees are typically payable before a final inspection or service activation.

Payment steps for new homes

The following steps describe the common sequence to obtain a sewer connection and pay required fees for a new single-family home in Colorado Springs.

  1. Confirm service availability and tap size with Colorado Springs Utilities; request a new service application or developer packet from the utility website.[1]
  2. Obtain building and utility permits from the City Development Services or Building Division and submit required plans showing sewer connection points.
  3. Pay tap fees, capacity charges and permit fees as required by the utility and city; retain receipts for final inspection and meter/service activation.
  4. Schedule inspections (trench, connection, pressure/test) with the city or utility as indicated on permits; pass inspections to obtain approval to activate service.
  5. Request service activation with the utility once inspections and payments are complete; setup ongoing billing account if required.
Keep a single file with application numbers, receipts and inspection records to speed activation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sewer connection standards and unauthorized connections is carried out by the City of Colorado Springs (Development Services, Public Works) and Colorado Springs Utilities. Enforcement actions may include fines, orders to correct work, disconnection of illegal service, and referral to municipal court or civil proceedings.

  • Monetary fines: specific fines or schedule amounts are not specified on the cited municipal pages and should be confirmed on the municipal code or enforcement pages.
  • Escalation: typical practice includes notice, order to abate, and then escalating fines or court action for repeat or continuing violations; exact escalation steps and dollar ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory corrective work, seizure/disconnection of service and court injunctions are tools used by the city and utility.
  • Enforcers and complaints: Development Services, Public Works and Colorado Springs Utilities handle inspections and complaints; contact the city or utility through their official contact pages for reporting and escalation.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes typically involve administrative review, then municipal court; specific appeal time limits or windows are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed in the municipal code or permit decision notices.
Always confirm fines and appeal deadlines on the official ordinance or permit decision notice.

Applications & Forms

Required applications commonly include the new service application or developer service packet from Colorado Springs Utilities and city building/utility permit applications filed with Development Services. Specific form names and fee amounts are published by the utility and the city; see the utility new service page and the municipal code for links to current forms and schedules.[1][2]

How-To

  1. Check service availability and download the utility new service application from Colorado Springs Utilities.
  2. Apply for city building and utility permits with Development Services and submit sewer connection drawings.
  3. Pay required tap, capacity and permit fees as instructed by the utility and city.
  4. Arrange and pass all required inspections; correct any defects identified by inspectors.
  5. Request final service activation and set up the ongoing utility billing account.

FAQ

How much is the sewer tap fee for a new single-family home?
The exact tap fee amount is set by Colorado Springs Utilities and published on its fee schedule; the cited utility page does not specify a single figure.[1]
Who must pay sewer connection fees?
The property owner or developer is generally responsible for tap and capacity charges, paid to Colorado Springs Utilities as part of service activation or permit conditions.[1]
Do I need a city permit to connect a new home to the sewer?
Yes. Building and/or public works permits are required through the City Development Services or Building Division; check permit requirements with the city.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado Springs Utilities sets tap and capacity charges; verify amounts before budgeting.
  • Obtain city permits and pass inspections before service activation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Colorado Springs Utilities - New Service
  2. [2] Colorado Springs Municipal Code - Utilities and Public Works

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