Apply for Sewer Connection Permit - Arlington, VA

Utilities and Infrastructure Virginia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Virginia

In Arlington, Virginia, connecting a property to the public sanitary sewer system requires a permit and coordination with Arlington County utilities. This guide explains typical steps to apply, documentation commonly requested, how fees are handled, inspection and enforcement responsibilities, and where to submit forms and questions to Arlington County Departments.

Overview

Most sewer connections in Arlington are administered by the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and processed through the county permitting system. Applicants should confirm whether a separate plumbing or building permit is required and whether work must be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor. For official program information and contact details see the county utilities page Arlington County Water & Sewer[1] and DES contacts DES Contact[2].

What the permit covers

  • Connection of private lateral to public sanitary sewer main.
  • Installation or replacement of lateral piping, cleanouts, and risers.
  • Required inspections at defined construction stages.
  • Payment of permit and inspection fees as set by the county.
Work on sewer laterals often requires coordination with county crews to avoid disruption to the public main.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sewer connection rules and unauthorized connections is handled by Arlington County DES and the county code enforcement units. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts for repeat or continuing violations, and statutory section references are not specified on the cited county pages and should be confirmed directly with county code resources or DES.[3]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat/continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: work stop orders, required corrective orders, and referral to court (as enforced by county authorities).
  • Enforcer and inspections: Arlington County Department of Environmental Services and the County Building/Code Enforcement division handle inspections and complaints.
  • Appeals and review: process and time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page; contact DES or county code enforcement for appeal deadlines.
If you discover an unauthorized connection or sewer backup, report it immediately to Arlington DES.

Applications & Forms

Permit applications are submitted through the county permitting process. Specific form names or numbers for a standalone sewer connection permit are not published on the cited county pages; applicants should apply for the applicable plumbing or building permit and attach sewer connection details when prompted. For permitting and submission instructions, use the county permitting portal and DES guidance.[1][2]

  • Deadlines: none specified on the cited page; process times vary by workload and project scope.
  • Where to submit: county permitting portal and DES permit intake.
  • Fees: fee schedules for plumbing/building permits apply; exact sewer connection fee not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the property is served by public sanitary sewer and identify the nearest main.
  2. Contact Arlington DES to discuss scope and any county-required conditions.[2]
  3. Prepare plans and contractor information; complete the online permit application through the county permitting portal.[1]
  4. Pay all required fees as indicated by the permitting system.
  5. Schedule and pass all required inspections; obtain final approval before concealing work.
  6. Keep records of permits, inspections, and approvals; follow up promptly on any enforcement notices.
Hire a licensed plumbing contractor familiar with Arlington County requirements to reduce delays.

FAQ

Who issues sewer connection permits in Arlington?
The Arlington County Department of Environmental Services coordinates sewer connections and the county permitting office issues the required permits; contact DES for guidance.[1][2]
How long does permit approval take?
Processing times are not specified on the cited pages; times vary by application complexity and county workload. Contact the permitting office for current estimates.[1]
What if there is an illegal connection or sewer backup?
Report backups or suspected illegal connections immediately to Arlington DES via the DES contact page; enforcement actions will follow county code procedures.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Apply through the county permitting system and coordinate with DES early.
  • Inspections are required; do not conceal sewer work before final approval.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Arlington County Water & Sewer - Department of Environmental Services
  2. [2] Arlington County DES Contact Page
  3. [3] Arlington County Code (Municode) - Code of Ordinances

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