Do I need a permit to connect my property to the city sewer?

Yes. A sewer connection permit is required before new connections or re-connections; contact Public Works for the application and fee schedule.

What fees apply to a sewer connection?

Fees generally include system development charges (SDCs) and permit/inspection fees; precise fee amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with Public Works.

When do I need an excavation or street-cut permit?

Any work that disturbs the public right-of-way, roadway surface, curb, sidewalk, or city utility corridors typically requires a right-of-way or excavation permit and traffic control plans.

How do I report an illegal connection or unsafe excavation?

Report violations to the Public Works permitting or operations office; emergency hazards may also be reported to city public works dispatch.

Hillsboro Sewer Connection Fees and Excavation Permits

Utilities and Infrastructure Oregon 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026

Hillsboro, Oregon property owners and contractors must follow city rules for sewer connections and excavation in public rights-of-way. This guide summarizes when you need a sewer connection permit, typical charges and system development considerations, and the excavation permits and restoration requirements contractors must meet. It identifies who enforces the rules and how to apply, pay, schedule inspections, appeal decisions, and report violations. For code authority and enforcement provisions see the city code and Public Works resources below.^[1]

Overview

Sewer connections generally require a connection permit, payment of system development charges (SDCs) or connection fees, and a final inspection before use. Excavation permits are required for work in the public right-of-way, including street cuts, utility trenching, and curb or sidewalk removals. Permit conditions typically cover traffic control, safety, restoration of pavement and landscaping, and required insurance and bonds.

Always verify lateral location before digging and confirm permit requirements with Public Works.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces sewer and excavation rules under the municipal code and Public Works regulations; specific monetary fines and ranges are not specified on the cited code page.^[1]

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code for exact penalty language.^[1]
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences - specific escalation amounts or schedules are not specified on the cited page.^[1]
Non-monetary remedies: stop-work orders, restoration, removal of unlawful work, and civil enforcement actions may be authorized by the code; see the municipal code for enforcement authority.^[1]
Enforcer and complaints: Public Works (Water & Sewer and Right-of-Way/Engineering) oversees permits, inspections and enforcement; contact the Public Works permitting office for inspections and to report violations.^[2]
Appeals and review: appeal routes are set by city code or administrative rules; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.^[1]

Common violations and typical outcomes:

Excavating without a right-of-way permit — may trigger stop-work and restoration orders and possible fines.^[1]
Connecting to the sewer without a connection permit or inspection — subject to corrective orders and permit fees; civil penalties may apply.^[1]
Pavement not restored to city standards after excavation — compelled restoration and withholding of final approval or bond funds.

Applications & Forms

Sewer connection / lateral permit application — specific form name or number not specified on the cited Public Works page; contact Public Works for the current application and fee schedule.^[2]
Right-of-way or excavation permit application — see Public Works permit instructions for submission method, insurance and bonding requirements.^[2]

FAQ

Do I need a permit to connect my property to the city sewer?: Yes. A sewer connection permit is required before new connections or re-connections; contact Public Works for the application and fee schedule.^[2]
What fees apply to a sewer connection?: Fees generally include system development charges (SDCs) and permit/inspection fees; precise fee amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with Public Works.^[2]
When do I need an excavation or street-cut permit?: Any work that disturbs the public right-of-way, roadway surface, curb, sidewalk, or city utility corridors typically requires a right-of-way or excavation permit and traffic control plans.
How do I report an illegal connection or unsafe excavation?: Report violations to the Public Works permitting or operations office; emergency hazards may also be reported to city public works dispatch. See the Resources section for contact links.^[2]

How-To

Confirm whether your work is in the public right-of-way and requires a permit by contacting Public Works.
Obtain the sewer connection and/or excavation permit application from Public Works and complete all required forms and insurance documentation.^[2]
Pay system development charges (SDCs), connection fees, and permit fees as instructed by Public Works; request a receipt and confirmation.
Schedule required inspections: trench/pipe inspection, backfill inspection, and final restoration inspection.
Complete restoration to city standards, obtain final sign-off, and retain inspection records in case of future enforcement or warranty requirements.

Key Takeaways

Permits are required for sewer connections and any excavation in the right-of-way.
Fees include SDCs and permit/inspection charges; confirm current amounts with Public Works.^[2]
Failure to permit or properly restore work can lead to stop-work orders and enforcement actions under the municipal code.^[1]