Water and Sewer Connection Permit in Dallas, Texas (2026)
Your construction or remodel project can't pass its final building inspection, and your restaurant can't legally open, without approval from Dallas Water Utilities to connect your plumbing to the public system. The Water and Sewer Connection Permit (also called a Sewer and Water Tap Permit) authorizes the physical tie-in and is issued by Dallas Water Utilities after a review of your proposed site plans. Key facts:
- 35 fields to complete — ApronPrep auto-fills 29
- No standard filing fee — contact Dallas Water Utilities for current connection and application fees
- Processing timeline varies — plan review takes 15-30 business days, but actual connection depends on contractor scheduling
Analyzed from Water and Sewer Connection Permit
83% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Water and Sewer Connection Permit
You cannot legally activate water or sewer service for a new restaurant in Dallas without a Water and Sewer Connection Permit. This requirement is mandated by the City of Dallas under its Code of Ordinances. Specifically, Chapter 49, "Water and Sewerage," governs connections to the municipal system, while Local sewer use regulations set specific limits on discharge. Further, road/sidewalk ordinances apply because installation often requires excavation in the public right-of-way, and strict grease discharge limits are enforced for commercial kitchens. The permit ensures your physical connection complies with city plumbing codes, protects public infrastructure, and manages environmental impact.
Operating without this permit or violating its conditions triggers immediate enforcement. The city's primary tool is service disconnection, which would halt all restaurant operations instantly. Other consequences include:
- Substantial fines for unauthorized connections or code violations, which accumulate daily until corrected.
- Required remediation at your expense, such as repairing damaged public sidewalks or installing mandated grease interceptors.
- Permit revocation, forcing you to cease all water-using activities until a new application is submitted and approved, adding weeks to your timeline.
Legal code: Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
Recent update: As of 2026, the City of Dallas Department of Water Utilities has migrated all new commercial connection applications to an online portal, requiring digital submission of site plans and plumbing diagrams.
Who Needs a Water and Sewer Connection Permit?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required for any new physical connection or modification to the city's public water/sewer main, as specified in Dallas City Code Chapter 49 'Water and Sewerage'. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Required because these establishments have restrooms and sanitation fixtures that constitute a new 'service connection' under Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) rules. |
| Food Truck | Not Required | Typically uses temporary water sources (like commissary hookups) and holding tanks; a permanent connection permit is not required unless connecting directly to a city main at a fixed location. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required due to plumbing for espresso machines, sinks, and restrooms, which constitutes a new service connection per Dallas City Code § 49-1. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (35 Fields)
29 of 35 auto-filledProperty Address
textEnter the complete physical street address of the restaurant property, as recorded with the Dallas County Appraisal District (DCAD), using the format 'Number Street Name, City, TX ZIP'.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a mailing address (like a P.O. Box), a different business address, or an incomplete address without the ZIP code, all of which trigger an immediate rejection for a mismatched property record.
Property Parcel Number or Legal Description
textEnter the 14-digit Property Identification Number (PIN) exactly as it appears on your DCAD tax statement or the full legal lot/block description from your deed, which is required for the city to verify your service location.
COMMON MISTAKE: Transposing numbers, using an old parcel number from a prior subdivision, or leaving this blank because you 'don't have it'—applications without a verifiable PIN are placed on hold, delaying review by 1–2 weeks.
Property Owner's Full Legal Name
textEnter the legal name of the property owner as it appears on the recorded deed, including any suffix (e.g., 'John A. Smith LLC' or 'Smith Family Trust'), not the business/tenant name.
COMMON MISTAKE: Listing the restaurant business name or a tenant's name instead of the deed-holder, which causes the application to be rejected for a failure to prove ownership authority.
Property Owner's Email Address
textProvide a current, regularly monitored email address for the property owner, as Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) uses this for all permit status updates and official correspondence.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a general business email or an employee's address without the owner's knowledge, which can lead to missed critical notices and inspection scheduling delays.
Ownership Status
textCheck or mark the box indicating whether you are the property owner or an authorized agent; selecting the wrong status without the proper documentation is a frequent cause of rejection.
COMMON MISTAKE: An agent incorrectly selecting 'Owner' without an attached authorization letter, which invalidates the application and requires resubmission.
Proof of Property Ownership
textList the specific document you are attaching (e.g., 'Deed of Trust' or 'Warranty Deed') and its recording number, which must match the parcel number and owner name fields exactly.
COMMON MISTAKE: Attaching a property tax bill or a lease agreement instead of the recorded deed, which DWU does not accept as proof of ownership for this permit.
Owner Authorization Letter
textIf you are an agent, you must list the attached notarized letter from the property owner granting you explicit authority to apply for this utility connection on their behalf.
COMMON MISTAKE: Submitting a letter without a notary seal, using a generic 'permission' email, or having the letter signed by someone not listed as the owner on the deed.
Type of Connection
textSpecify 'New', 'Modification', or 'Reconnection' based on whether this is for a new building, a renovation altering existing plumbing, or restoring service to a previously occupied space.
COMMON MISTAKE: Selecting 'Modification' for a new building, which leads to an incorrect fee assessment and plan review, causing the application to be sent back for correction.
Intended Use of Property
textEnter the primary business activity (e.g., 'Full-Service Restaurant', 'Fast-Food Kitchen', 'Brewery with Taproom') as this determines your water meter size and sewer impact fees.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using vague terms like 'commercial' or 'food', which are insufficient for DWU's calculations and result in a request for clarification, adding 5–7 business days to your timeline.
Number of Units or Occupants
textProvide the total number of dining seats, employees, and residential units (if mixed-use) as certified by your architect or listed on your approved Certificate of Occupancy application.
COMMON MISTAKE: Guessing a round number or providing only the seating count, which leads to an under-calculation of sewer capacity fees and potential system overload penalties after opening.
ApronPrep auto-fills 29 of 35 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Water and Sewer Connection Permit Mistakes
1. Using an Incomplete or Incorrect Plat/Site Plan
Submitting a site plan that doesn’t show all existing and proposed water/sewer lines, or that uses an outdated, non-final version from the city planning department. The Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) engineering review will reject it, requiring a re-submission. Always use the final, approved site plan from your Planning & Zoning case file, and ensure it highlights the connection points in relation to the DWU main.
2. Misidentifying the Public Water/Sewer Main Location
Entering the wrong street address or inaccurate distance measurement from your property line to the city main in the application. DWU field crews rely on this for their inspection ticket; errors cause scheduling delays and re-inspection fees. Physically verify the main location with a DWU representative or a licensed plumber before applying, and provide the measured footage from the property line, not the building.
3. Applying Before All Other Site Approvals Are Secured
Filing for the connection permit before your site plan is fully approved by Planning & Zoning or before a land disturbance permit (if required) is issued. DWU will not process the application, freezing your timeline. The connection permit is typically one of the last approvals needed. Secure your zoning compliance, building foundation permit, and any grading permits first.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Water and Sewer Connection Permit
ApronPrep auto-fills 29 of 35 fields from one compliance interview.
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Water and Sewer Connection Permit by City in Texas
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas | Contact Dallas Water Utilities for current application and connection fees | 15-30 business days for plan review and approval; actual connection timeline depends on contractor and site conditions |
| Houston | Contact Houston Public Works at 832.394.8888 or visit houstonpermittingcenter.org Fee Calculator for current Sewer Tap Permit fees. Typical permit fees range from $95-150+ depending on connection type and scope | 2-3 business days for permit processing after complete application submission; add 5-7 business days for plan review approval before permit application; inspection scheduling varies |
| San Antonio |
Government Filing Fees
Contact Dallas Water Utilities for current application and connection fees
Timeline: 4-8 Weeks
Obtain application form from Dallas Water Utilities
Download the "Water and Sewer Service Application" (Form DWU-1002) from the Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) website or pick it up in person at their offices at 1500 Marilla Street. Have your property's 10-digit Tax Parcel ID and legal description ready to reference. This step is crucial for identifying the correct service area and potential connection fees. Expect to spend 1-2 hours locating and confirming you have the latest form.
Complete all required information on application
Fill out all 28 fields on Form DWU-1002, including contractor license numbers, project valuation, and detailed service size requests. Have your contractor's state license, your business's Certificate of Occupancy number, and plumbing permit information at hand. The most common rejection is incorrect or missing contractor information, which adds 1-2 weeks for corrections. ApronPrep auto-fills 18 of these fields from your business profile.
Prepare and submit site plan or survey
A professional civil engineer or land surveyor must prepare a sealed site plan showing the exact location of the proposed water and sewer taps relative to property lines and existing DWU mains. This plan must be drawn to scale (typically 1" = 20' or 40') and include all existing and proposed utilities. Incomplete plans lacking the surveyor's seal or clear tie-ins to city mains cause the longest delays. Budget 1-2 weeks for a surveyor to complete this.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local department of public works (dpw) in each city. Select your city below for authority details, fees, and processing timeline.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Texas.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation)
state
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsProcessing timelines vary significantly and are not standardized by Dallas Water Utilities. Plan review and permit issuance depend on the complexity of your project, current application volume, and completion of your Building Permit. For a standard restaurant build-out, expect a wait of several weeks. Contact Dallas Water Utilities' Development Services directly for a current estimate based on your specific plans.
The official government filing fee for the permit application itself is $0, according to the current Dallas Water Utilities fee schedule. However, substantial fees are assessed later based on the size of your water meter, the length of pipe required, and associated impact or tap fees. These charges are determined during plan review, so budget for potentially thousands of dollars in total utility connection costs. Not legal advice—verify final costs with Dallas Water Utilities.
No, permits are site-specific and cannot be transferred. A water and sewer connection permit is issued for a specific property address based on approved construction plans for that location. If you move your business, you must submit a new permit application for the new address, which will also require a new Certificate of Occupancy. The new application will undergo the same plan review and fee assessment process.
You do not renew this permit. Once your water and sewer lines are installed, inspected, and accepted by the city, the connection is permanent. Your ongoing responsibility is to maintain the connection and pay your monthly utility bills. Any future modifications to the plumbing system or meter size may require a new permit application, similar to the process for an Backflow Prevention Device Certification if you install new equipment.
A city inspector verifies that the underground water and sewer lines were installed according to the approved plans and city code (Dallas City Code, Chapter 49). They check pipe materials, depth, slope, proper connections to the main, and that the work area has been properly backfilled. The inspection must be passed before the trench can be permanently closed and before your final Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. Schedule inspections through the city's Development Services portal.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Texas specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 35 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
- Dallas — Department of Public Works (DPW)
- Houston — Department of Public Works (DPW)
- San Antonio — Department of Public Works (DPW)
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