Nashville Sewer Connection Fee - City Ordinance Guide
This guide explains how to pay the sewer connection fee for new construction in Nashville, Tennessee, and where the city documents the rules. It covers who enforces connection requirements, how to calculate and submit payment, the standard application workflow, and what to do if the city issues a stop-work or compliance notice. Use the official Metro Water Services pages and the Nashville municipal code links cited below to confirm requirements for your project.
Paying the sewer connection fee
New construction that requires a sewer tap or extended service must apply for development permits and pay applicable connection fees before the sewer tap is made. Start by contacting Metro Water Services Development & Permits and submitting the sewer tap application, plans, and any applicable deposit or electronic payment as directed on the department page Metro Water Services - Development & Permits[1]. Typical municipal steps include plan review, inspection scheduling, and final approval before issuing a tap permit.
- Submit the sewer tap application with construction plans and site information.
- Pay the connection fee, any capacity or impact fees, and permit charges as required.
- Schedule required inspections after the tap is made and before final approval.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of sewer connections, unpermitted taps, and related violations is carried out by Metro Water Services and can involve code enforcement procedures found in the Nashville municipal code. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts for repeat offenses, and statutory section numbers are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page; consult the municipal code link for the controlling ordinance text and current penalty language Nashville Code of Ordinances[2].
- Typical sanctions: stop-work orders, compliance orders, and requirement to reconnect or remediate improperly made taps.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation for repeat or continuing offenses: not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer and complaints: Metro Water Services and Metro Code Enforcement handle inspections and complaints; see Help and Support for contacts.
Applications & Forms
The primary form is the Metro Water sewer tap or connection application used to request a tap, provide project details, and pay fees. The form name or number is not consistently published in a single ordinance text; refer to the Metro Water Services development permits page for the current application, detailed submittal checklist, and electronic submission instructions Metro Water Services - Development & Permits[1].
Action steps
- Gather construction plans and site information required for a sewer tap application.
- Submit the application and pay fees via Metro Water Services instructions.
- Schedule inspections and complete any required onsite work to city standards.
- If cited, follow the compliance order and use the formal appeal channels listed by Metro.
FAQ
- Who decides the sewer connection fee for new construction?
- The fee and any capacity or impact charges are set by Metro Water Services and the municipal code; check the Metro Water Development & Permits page and the municipal code for the controlling ordinance and fee schedules.
- When must I pay the connection fee?
- Pay the fee as part of the sewer tap permit process, generally before the tap is made or at permit issuance; exact timing is specified on the Metro Water permit instructions.
- What happens if I connect without a permit?
- Unauthorized taps can trigger stop-work orders, orders to remediate, and fines or other enforcement actions under Nashville code; specific penalties are in the municipal code.
How-To
- Contact Metro Water Services Development & Permits to confirm submittal requirements and application form.
- Prepare and upload plans, site maps, and application data per the department checklist.
- Pay the listed connection fee and any other permit fees through the methods described on the Metro Water page.
- Coordinate with Metro inspectors to schedule the tap and required inspections.
- Obtain final approval and retain receipts and inspection records for compliance and future reference.
Key Takeaways
- Always use the Metro Water Services application workflow for sewer taps to avoid enforcement.
- Fee amounts and schedules are published by Metro Water Services; confirm current rates before bidding work.