Do I need a permit to connect to Denver's public sewer?

Yes. A plumbing or sewer permit is typically required before connecting or modifying a sewer lateral; confirm the exact permit type with Denver Building Services.

How are sewer connection fees calculated?

Fees and assessments are set by department fee schedules or municipal code; specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed on the Building Services or Public Works fee pages.

Who inspects the sewer connection?

Inspections are performed by Denver Building Services or Denver Public Works inspectors depending on the permit type; schedule inspections through the issuing department.

Denver Sewer Connection Rules & Fees - FAQ

Environmental Protection Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026

In Denver, Colorado property owners must follow municipal rules for new sewer connections, replacements, and repairs to comply with the Denver Revised Municipal Code and Public Works requirements. This guide summarizes application steps, typical compliance checks, responsible departments, enforcement pathways, and where to find official forms and fee schedules so owners can plan permits, inspections, and payments with confidence. Use the official code and Public Works guidance cited below to confirm requirements for your specific address and project type.Denver Municipal Code^[1] Denver Public Works - Wastewater^[2] Denver Building Services - Permits^[3]

Overview of Sewer Connection Requirements

Sewer connections in Denver typically require a licensed plumber, a building or plumbing permit, compliance with sewer lateral standards, and inspection by Denver Public Works or Building Services. Owners are responsible for private lateral maintenance from the building to the public main unless otherwise specified by code.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Denver Public Works and Building Services under the Denver Revised Municipal Code; the city may issue orders, require corrective work, and pursue penalties for noncompliance. Specific monetary fines and escalation criteria are not specified on the cited municipal pages referenced above; see the code and department pages for any published fee schedules or enforcement matrices.Denver Municipal Code^[1]

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: correction orders, stop-work orders, or required removal/replacement by permit.
Enforcer: Denver Public Works - Wastewater Management and Denver Building Services; file complaints or inspection requests via department contacts below.Wastewater^[2]
Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; consult the municipal code or contact the enforcing department for process and deadlines.

Follow written orders from inspectors promptly to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

Permits and permit applications are processed through Denver Building Services. The specific permit name, form number, and fee schedule for a sewer lateral connection or plumbing permit must be obtained from the Building Services permit pages or the permit center; if a printed form number or fee is not visible on the department page, it is not specified on the cited page.Building Services^[3]

Typical submission: online permit application via Denver e-permit portal or in-person at Building Services.
Fees: see Building Services fee schedules; amounts not specified on the cited page when absent.
Deadlines: permit must be obtained before starting work; inspection scheduling depends on permit issuance.
Inspection: final inspection required for connection approval and release to service.

Do not begin excavation or tie into the public sewer without an approved permit and inspection.

Common Violations

Illegal connection or reconnection to the public sewer without permit.
Failure to obtain required inspections or to correct identified defects.
Dumping prohibited materials or stormwater into the sanitary sewer.

Action Steps for Property Owners

Verify applicable code sections and permit requirements on the Denver Municipal Code and Building Services pages.See code^[1]
Apply for the required plumbing or sewer permit through Denver Building Services and pay applicable fees.Apply for permit^[3]
Schedule inspections with Denver Public Works or the listed inspector after work is complete.Contact Wastewater^[2]

FAQ

Do I need a permit to connect to Denver's public sewer?: Yes. A plumbing or sewer permit is typically required before connecting or modifying a sewer lateral; confirm the exact permit type with Denver Building Services.Building Services^[3]
How are sewer connection fees calculated?: Fees and assessments are set by department fee schedules or municipal code; specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed on the Building Services or Public Works fee pages.Municipal Code^[1]
Who inspects the sewer connection?: Inspections are performed by Denver Building Services or Denver Public Works inspectors depending on the permit type; schedule inspections through the issuing department.

How-To

Confirm whether your project requires a sewer or plumbing permit with Denver Building Services.
Hire a licensed plumber or contractor and prepare the permit application, plans, and any required documents.
Submit the permit application and pay fees via the Denver e-permit portal or Building Services office.
Complete the work to code, request inspections, and obtain final approval before activating the connection.
Keep records of permits and inspections for future property transfers or compliance checks.

Key Takeaways

Always obtain required permits before work begins.
Inspections and final approvals are required to legally place a sewer connection in service.
Contact Denver Public Works or Building Services for official guidance and forms.