Apply for Sewer Service Connection - Denver
Denver, Colorado property owners and contractors must follow city procedures to apply for a sanitary sewer service connection. This guide explains who enforces connection rules, what permits and inspections are typically required, common compliance steps, and how to appeal or report problems. Use the official Denver Public Works and Development Services resources linked below to start an application and confirm any site-specific requirements.[1][2]
Overview of Sewer Service Connections
Sewer service connections attach a building or parcel to the city sanitary sewer system and usually require a permit, licensed plumbing or excavation work, and a final inspection. The responsible municipal division for wastewater policy and system operations is Denver Public Works - Wastewater Management.[1]
Required Permits, Licenses, and Inspections
- Apply for a sanitary sewer connection permit through Denver Development Services; some projects require a building or plumbing permit as well.[2]
- Work must be performed by licensed plumbers, utility contractors, or permit holders where required.
- Inspections are required at designated stages (trench, pipe, lateral connection) before backfill and final approval.
- Connection fees and tap fees may apply; see permit fee schedules or contact Development Services for current amounts.[2]
Always verify permit types and fee schedules with Development Services before work begins.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of sewer connection rules and unauthorized connections is handled by Denver Public Works and related code enforcement teams. Specific monetary fines and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited pages; consult the municipal code and department pages for any published schedules.[3][1]
- 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, mandatory corrective work, sewer service disconnection, liens, or referral to court (as authorized under municipal rules) are possible; specific measures and procedures are not fully detailed on the cited pages.
- Enforcer and complaints: Denver Public Works - Wastewater Management manages system compliance and field inspections; report violations via Development Services or Denver 311.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes are governed by municipal procedures; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
If enforcement action occurs, contact the issuing department immediately to learn appeal deadlines and requirements.
Applications & Forms
- Sanitary sewer connection permit - obtain and submit via Denver Development Services ePermit system or in person at the Development Services Center; specific form numbers are not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Fees: fee schedules and tap charge details are published with permit information or available on request from Development Services; exact fees are not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Deadlines: obtain permits and schedule inspections before starting work; any project-specific deadlines are set by the permit authority.
- Submission: online ePermit submission is preferred; in-person submission is available at the Development Services Center when needed.[2]
Most sewer connection projects require both a permit and at least one inspection before final approval.
Action Steps — How to Apply and Comply
- Confirm ownership and utility locates before applying for a permit.
- Submit a sanitary sewer connection permit application through Development Services and attach required plans and contractor licenses.[2]
- Schedule required inspections (pre-backfill, lateral connection, final) with Development Services or the inspector listed on the permit.
- Pay any tap or permit fees as invoiced by Development Services.
- Obtain final approval or certificate of completion before occupying or using the new connection.
Do not backfill or cover connections before a required inspection, as this can lead to rework and enforcement.
FAQ
- Who issues sewer connection permits in Denver?
- Denver Development Services issues permits for sanitary sewer connections; Denver Public Works - Wastewater Management operates and inspects the sewer system.
- Do I need a licensed contractor?
- Yes. Plumbing or utility work typically requires a licensed professional and the appropriate permit; confirm license requirements with Development Services.
- What if I find an illegal connection or a sewer overflow?
- Report illegal connections, overflows, or spills to Denver Public Works - Wastewater Management or call Denver 311 for immediate assistance.
How-To
- Identify whether the property requires a sewer connection or a repair to an existing lateral.
- Gather site plans, contractor license, and any required utility locate documentation.
- Submit the sanitary sewer connection permit application via the Development Services ePermit portal or the Development Services Center.[2]
- Pay permit and tap fees as invoiced and schedule required inspections.
- Complete authorized work with licensed contractors and coordinate inspections at required stages.
- Obtain final approval or certificate of completion from Development Services before use.
Key Takeaways
- Always secure a sanitary sewer connection permit before work.
- Use licensed contractors and schedule inspections to avoid enforcement and rework.
- Contact Denver Public Works or Development Services for guidance and to report issues.
Help and Support / Resources
- Denver Public Works - Wastewater Management
- Denver Development Services - Permits & Inspections
- Denver 311 - Report an Issue
- Denver Municipal Code (official)