Raleigh - Plan Review and Permitting Process for Water and Sewer

The City of Raleigh provides water and sewer services in Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon. The services are a part of any project that requires a connection to the City of Raleigh’s Water and Sewer System.

This will provide an overview of processes in Raleigh’s Jurisdiction.  Visit Merger Communities - Permitting for Water and Sewer or Merger Communities – Plan Review Process for Water and Sewer for permitting or plan approvals in Merger Communities.

Before You Apply

Availability can be determined by sending an email. Please include your address, what utilities you plan to connect to, and the size/type of service required.

Water-only connections may be allowed. 

Sewer only connections are prohibited, except in the case of public health concerns where failing septic cannot be repaired. See Sewer-Only Service Connections.

The Property must be within the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of Raleigh.

Apply for a Permit in Raleigh

This permitting process applies to the installation of standalone water and sewer services for existing homes and irrigation (residential and non-residential) in Raleigh when there is no building permit under review. 

Domestic Service
An application for connection in Raleigh must be submitted through the Planning and Development Department Customer Service Center.

• Applications must be submitted to Downtownds@raleighnc.gov.
• For Residential permits, use the Residential Permit Application form and fill out the general information, Utility Connection Permit and Stub permit (if using Licensed Utility Contractor), and Plumbing sections.
• Non-residential Projects, use the Commercial Permit Application form and fill out the general information, Utility Connection Permit and Stub permit (if using Licensed Utility Contractor), and Plumbing sections.
• You must provide information about a Licensed Utility Contractor when working in the right-of-way or easements.
• City installed tap requests for existing single-family homes do not require a stub permit.
• Applicants will be notified by email when a project is processed.
• Comment review payments, and other enhanced functions are available on our Permit and Development Portal.  An Account must be set up for improved processing.

Irrigation Service
An application for an irrigation service in Raleigh must be submitted through the Planning and Development Department Customer Service Center.

• Applications must be submitted to Downtownds@raleighnc.gov. 
• Use the Residential Permit Application form and fill out the general information, Utility Connection Permit and Stub permit (if using Licensed Utility Contractor), and Plumbing sections.
• You must provide information about a Licensed Utility Contractor when working in the right-of-way or easements.
• Applicants will be notified by email when a project is processed.
• Comment review payments, and other enhanced functions are available on our Permit and Development Portal.  An Account must be set up for improved processing.
• An approved model of backflow is required.  Please review our Cross Connection Program for additional information.

Pay Permit / Schedule Inspections Over The Portal

• All fees are based on the current Development Fee Schedule.
• After approval of the permit request, the applicant will be contacted with a final fee estimate.
• Fees can be viewed and paid for on our Permit and Development Portal.
• Raleigh Water Fees that can apply to your project:
  • Capital Facilities Fees – Applied if making a direct tap on the main for irrigation or if splitting of a fire line. Irrigation splits off of a domestic water stub are not subject to the fee.
  • Meter fees.
  • Tap fees for City-installed taps. 
  • Stub fee (Only applies for taps installed by Licensed Utility Contractor)
• Other Fees:
  • Plumbing Utility – Installation for Irrigation, and permitting Water and Sewer line from Right-of-Way to foundation
  • Any other Permit Fee that applies to your request.

Schedule Inspections over the Portal

• Inspections can be scheduled on the Permit and Development Portal. 
• All inspections must be completed on all permits to set up the new account on this website: Start or Stop Utility Service (Meter installation for new construction)

Water and Sewer for Residential Building Permits

For residential building permits in Raleigh, please visit the following pages or contact the Customer Service Center.  Water and sewer connection permits are issued with the processes.

• Building a New Single-Family Dwelling or Duplex
• Building a New Townhouse
• Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Review and permitting for Commercial and Development Projects

If your project involves subdivision or site plan approval, extension of water and sewer mains, or commercial building permitting, visit the following pages or contact the Customer Service Center:

• Preliminary Subdivision Plans
• Administrative Site Review
• Site Permit Review
• Commercial Permits: New Buildings, Additions, and Change of Use 
  • Utility Connections for Non-residential projects are issued with the building plans.
  • Ensure that Meter size and tap size match.
  • Ensure that a valid address is assigned to the building or unit.