Utility connections permits

In the City, you need to apply for a permit for any private utility work.

Overview of utility connections

Utility connection is the process of setting up important services. For example; electricity, gas, water, sewer, and phone or internet for a property. In Minneapolis, you need a permit for any private utility work that takes place in public areas.

Minneapolis Utility Connections permits all private utility work in the public right of way.

Permits we handle

You can learn about different types of permits the utility connection team handles.

What to know

You may need a permit if you are making changes to your utility lines. If your utility lines overlap public property or right of way, you will need to get a permit from the City. To get a permit, you must complete and submit the permit application. You're responsible for the cost of the repair, removal, or relocation of a utility.

Fill out our permit application form

Plumbing sewer and water permits

These permits are granted when a contractor installs or makes changes to a private storm, sanitary sewer or water lateral.

Utility permits

The City gives these permits to gas, electric, and communication companies. This allows contractors to install utility services underground for the public.

Excavation permits

The City requires these permits whenever someone plans to dig or do underground work in the public road-way.

Looking for another type of permit

Other teams can provide related resources and links for other permits.

View related permits and resources

Utility, water, sewer & excavation permit form

You can use this form for utility, water, sewer, and excavation permits. Once filled out please send to our utility connection team.

Fill out our permit application form

Permit fee schedule

All sewer, water and repair permits will be $160 up to 75 feet and $1.40 per foot thereafter.

Utility	Base fee	Fee per feet
Sewer infrastructure	$160	$1.40
Water infrastructure	$160	$1.40
Private utilities, inserted within existing conduit	$230	$0.07
Private utilities, bored under the surface	$230	$1.05
Private utilities, all others	$230	$1.25

Why you need a permit

The City helps locate and mark where underground utilities are. Helping to prevent accidents, like power or water outages, and dangerous situations like gas leaks or electric shocks. This process can often start with permits.

For example, imagine the different underground utility lines connecting to a house and the main lines under the street. Each type of line can have a different color:

Red for electricity
Yellow for gas
Orange for internet, phone, and cable
Blue for water
Green for sewer (waste water)

Imagine also there is a section of the ground cut away to reveal these underground lines so you can see them leading from the street to a house. Often, there will be little flags and lines on the grass above ground to show where the buried lines are. This exercise can help everyone recognize the complexity of utility connections. As well as, the need for safety and awareness when working near these lines.

View an illustrated example of utility connections