Pay Sewer Connection Fees in Detroit - Process

Utilities and Infrastructure Michigan 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Michigan

Detroit, Michigan property owners and contractors must follow city rules when applying for and paying sewer connection fees. This guide explains the agencies involved, typical steps to obtain permits and pay charges, how compliance and inspections work, and where to appeal or request relief. Read each section for required forms, payment pathways, and enforcement actions so you can complete a connection without delays.

Who is responsible

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) and the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) administer sewer connections, permitting, and on-site inspections in Detroit. For DWSD policy and account/payment pages see the department site Detroit Water and Sewerage Department[1]. For building permits and inspection rules see the BSEED permits page Building Permits[2].

Typical steps to pay sewer connection fees

  • Obtain the required sewer or building permit application from BSEED and confirm DWSD account or tap requirements.
  • Submit application and site plans to BSEED or DWSD as directed.
  • Receive fee estimate or invoice and pay the connection fee via the DWSD payment portal or as instructed on the invoice.
  • Schedule inspections and obtain final approval to connect to the public sewer.
  • Comply with any additional timing or installation deadlines stated on the permit.
Start permit applications early; review DWSD account requirements before bidding work.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sewer connection, illegal connections, and failure to obtain permits is carried out by BSEED and DWSD, which may issue orders, stop-work notices, or refer matters to the City Law Department for hearing. The official department pages list enforcement roles but do not publish specific monetary penalty schedules on the cited pages.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the enforcing department for fee schedules and civil penalties.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory corrective work, administrative orders, and referral to court are used.
  • Enforcer and complaints: BSEED handles permitting and code enforcement; DWSD enforces sewer connection requirements and payment. Use the department contact pages to submit complaints or inquire about orders DWSD[1] and BSEED permits[2].
  • Appeals and review: appeal paths are handled administratively or through municipal hearings; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, variances, or documented permits in progress may affect enforcement; check the department guidance for discretionary relief.
If you receive an enforcement notice, contact the issuing department immediately to learn deadlines and appeal steps.

Applications & Forms

BSEED maintains building and sewer permit applications and DWSD publishes account and tap payment instructions on its site. Specific form numbers or fee tables are not listed on the cited department pages and should be downloaded or requested directly from the department pages cited above.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your project requires a DWSD sewer tap, a BSEED building permit, or both.
  2. Download and complete the permit application and required site plans from BSEED; open or verify a DWSD account if needed.
  3. Submit applications and pay any review fees to BSEED; await fee estimate for DWSD connection charges.
  4. Pay the DWSD connection fee by the method specified on the invoice or DWSD portal; retain receipts.
  5. Schedule and pass required inspections; obtain final approval or certificate of completion.
  6. If you receive a notice, follow the appeal instructions on the enforcement notice and contact the issuing department before deadlines.

FAQ

Who must pay sewer connection fees?
Property owners and contractors performing new connections or major reconnections to Detroit public sewers must pay applicable connection fees and obtain permits.
Where do I get the permit application?
Permit applications and submission instructions are available on the BSEED building permits page.[2]
How can I pay the DWSD connection charge?
DWSD issues invoices and provides payment instructions on its department pages; follow the invoice or portal directions for payment.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm permit requirements early with BSEED and DWSD.
  • Fees are invoiced by DWSD; exact amounts should be obtained from the invoice or department.
  • Failure to obtain permits may lead to orders or court referral; contact the issuing department promptly.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Detroit Water and Sewerage Department - City of Detroit
  2. [2] Building Permits - BSEED, City of Detroit

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