Water, sewer and utility permits

You can read about water, sewer & utility permits and how to apply for the permit you need.

Water, sewer & utility permits are required by city ordinance to allow for the installation, repair, removal or relocation of a utility which projects onto, under or over any City of Minneapolis public property or right of way. In order to obtain a permit, a permit application must be submitted, reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Works. The cost of the repair, removal or relocation of a utility is the responsibility of the utility owner.

Water permits

Water, sewer & utility permits are required by city ordinance to allow for the installation, repair, removal or relocation of a utility which projects onto, under or over any City of Minneapolis public property or right of way. To obtain a permit, a permit application must be submitted, reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Works. The cost of the repair, removal or relocation of a utility is the responsibility of the utility owner.

How to apply

To apply for a right-of-way registration and permit or a water, meter set, sewer tap, utility, or excavation permit, applicants must complete the online application. After the permit has been approved, the applicant will be notified of the amount due and acceptable payment methods.

Use the Utility Connections, Meter Set, and Excavation Permit Application to apply for the following permits:

Water tap or disconnect
Service line extension or repair
Meter set
Sewer tap
Utility
Excavation

After the permit has been approved, the applicant will be notified of the amount due and acceptable payment methods.

Water permits

A permit is required to tap or disconnect from the City's water main, to extend or repair a water service line, to connect to a water hydrant or to install a water meter.

Service line sizing calculations are required to be submitted prior to receiving a water tap permit. The calculations will be requested via email once your application is received. Find guidance and examples in the Guide to Service Size Calculations .

Fee schedule

Permit fees must be paid before a permit can be issued. The amount due and payment methods will be provided after your application has been approved.

Water tap permit

The City of Minneapolis issues Water Tap Permits to licensed plumbers who need to tap and connect to the City water main. The City of Minneapolis inspects and records the work done by the plumber to ensure safety of residents.

Meter set permit

The City of Minneapolis issues Meter Set Permits for licensed plumbers to install a water meter. The City of Minneapolis also sells various size couplings for meter installations.

Note to contractors: The City of Minneapolis requires contractors to use the 1047 or 1048 double detector for fire line installations . The City of Minneapolis does not allow other backflow devices for fire line installations, even if they are approved by the State of MN.

Water cut off permit

The City of Minneapolis issues water cut off permits to licensed plumbers to discontinue water taps from City watermains. The City of Minneapolis inspects and records the work done by the plumber to ensure safety of residents.

Hydrant and temp meter permits

The City of Minneapolis issues hydrant and temp water permits to contractors, plumbers and community gardens to connect to a water hydrant to access water when other sources are not available. Water usage is metered and billed at the current billing rate. A refundable deposit may be required for the meter and RPZ (backflow prevention) device that is attached to the hydrant by city staff.

Hydrant commercial permit

The City of Minneapolis issues Hydrant Permits to contractors, plumbers and community gardens to use a fire hydrant to access water when other sources are not available. Water usage is metered and billed at the current billing rate. A refundable deposit may be required for the meter and RPZ (backflow prevention) that is attached to the hydrant by city staff. Use the hydrant permit application to apply for a hydrant permit.

Temporary meter permit

The City of Minneapolis issues Temporary Water Meter Permits to allow a temporary meter to be used during the construction phase of a project when a certificate of occupancy has not yet been issued.

Call 612-673-5600 to apply for a permit to install a temporary water meter.

Utility permits

See the following instructions on how to apply for each permit.

Sewer Tap Permit

A Sanitary Sewer Permit is required if connecting to the sanitary sewer system from either a new or existing sanitary sewer connection. If a new sanitary sewer connection is needed from the sanitary sewer main, a new Sewer Tap Permit is required. If a new connection to the sanitary sewer uses an existing sewer connection to the sanitary sewer main, a Sewer Extension permit is required.

A Storm Sewer Permit is required if connecting to the storm sewer system from the storm water main for a new line or extension of an existing line. Plans must be approved by the Public Works Surface Water & Sewers Division before a permit can be issued.

The permits above can be applied for using the utility connections and meter set permit application

Utility Permit

Utility Permits are issued to licensed contractors for making repairs or alterations to city water and sewer lines. Other examples of utility repair permits are for extending water, sewer, or storm sewer lines, manhole repairs, or extensions of lines from the water or sewer mains.

Apply using the Utility Connections, Meter Set, and Excavation Permit Application

Lane use/obstruction permit

Learn about this permit on the lane use / obstruction permit page

Right-of-Way Registration and Permit

Use of City Property or Right-of-Way

Right-of-Way Excavation Permit

A Right-of-Way Excavation Permit is required by a registered Right-of-Way user seeking to excavate in the right-of-way. All street removal and repair must restore the maximum future utilization of the street. restoration costs are based on a fee schedule and must be paid before obtaining a permit. In the event that the Public Works Department must excavate a larger area then originally permitted, permittee will be billed for change in size.

Apply using the Utility Connections, Meter Set, and Excavation Permit Application

Note: Excavation of any portion of a right-of-way which was constructed or reconstructed within the preceding five (5) years is prohibited by Title 17, Chapter 430.110 of the City Code of Ordinances.

See the 5-Year Street Paving Map (interactive version) for reference.