Spokane Sewer Connection Rules & Fees

Environmental Protection Washington 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane, Washington property owners must follow municipal rules to connect to the city sewer system. This guide summarizes who controls sewer connections, typical permit steps, where fees are set or published, enforcement pathways, and practical action steps for homeowners, builders, and contractors in Spokane.

Overview of Requirements

The City of Spokane requires permits and approved methods for new sewer connections, lateral repairs, and discharges to the public sewer. Connections generally must meet the Spokane Municipal Code and the City of Spokane Utilities Department standards. [1]

  • Permit application submitted to the City building or utilities permitting office.
  • Work performed by a licensed plumber or contractor when required by code or local permit rules.
  • Compliance with materials and installation standards set by the city utilities or public works manuals.
  • Scheduling and passing of inspections before final acceptance.
  • Payment of connection fees, capacity charges, or inspection fees as required by the city.
Always confirm permit requirements with the city permit counter before starting work.

Fees, Charges, and How They Are Set

Connection fees, capacity charges, inspection fees, and other utility charges are set by city ordinance or administrative policy and may change over time. Specific fee amounts are published by the City of Spokane Utilities Department or the municipal code/fee schedules. [2]

  • Connection or hookup fees: amounts not specified on the cited page.
  • Capacity or impact charges: amounts not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspection and administrative fees: amounts not specified on the cited page.
Fee schedules may be updated periodically; always check the cited city page for current rates.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sewer connection rules is handled by the City of Spokane through its Utilities/Public Works and code enforcement processes. Penalties for unauthorized connections, illegal discharges, or failure to obtain required permits may include fines, repair orders, and referral to municipal court.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence escalation details not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: repair or abatement orders, stop-work orders, or civil court actions may be used.
  • Enforcer: City of Spokane Utilities/Public Works and code enforcement divisions; complaints and inspection requests follow city procedures.
  • Appeal/review routes and time limits: specific appeal periods are not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code or the enforcing department for deadlines.
If you discover an unauthorized connection, report it promptly to the city to reduce enforcement risk.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit applications and permit instructions for sewer work through its permitting portal or utilities pages. If a named form or application number is required it will be listed on the official permitting or utilities page. [2]

  • Typical form: sewer connection permit (name/number not specified on the cited page).
  • Submission: usually via the City permit portal or building services counter; check the city's permits page for current steps.
  • Deadlines: none universally specified; timing depends on project schedule and city processing.

Action Steps

  • Confirm if your project needs a sewer connection permit by contacting City of Spokane Building Services or Utilities.
  • Obtain and complete the official permit application from the city permits portal.
  • Hire a licensed plumber or contractor when required; ensure installers follow city specifications.
  • Schedule required inspections and secure final approval before covering work.
  • Pay all applicable fees as listed on the city fee schedule at time of permit issuance.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to connect to the City sewer?
Most new connections and lateral repairs require a city permit; check the City of Spokane permitting requirements for confirmation.[2]
How much will connection fees cost?
Fee amounts are set by ordinance or city fee schedules; specific figures are not specified on the cited municipal pages and must be confirmed with the Utilities Department.[1]
Who inspects sewer connections?
City inspectors from Public Works/Utilities perform inspections and sign off on final acceptance.

How-To

  1. Determine permit requirements by contacting City of Spokane Building Services or Utilities.
  2. Obtain the sewer connection permit application from the city's permits portal and complete the form.
  3. Hire a licensed contractor if required and schedule the required inspections with the city.
  4. Pay required fees at permit issuance and pass final inspection to obtain approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check permit needs before starting sewer work in Spokane.
  • Fees and charges are set by city schedules; confirm current rates with Utilities.
  • Contact City of Spokane Public Works/Utilities for inspections, complaints, or guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Spokane Municipal Code - City of Spokane
  2. [2] City of Spokane Utilities - Sewer services

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data