Water and Sewer Connection Permit in Spokane, Washington (2026)
You cannot legally connect your new or remodeled restaurant's plumbing to the city system without a Water and Sewer Connection Permit from the Spokane Public Works & Utilities Department. Also referred to as a utility service tap permit, this approval is mandatory before any water or sewer line installation or modification can begin. Key facts:
- 18 fields — ApronPrep auto-fills 15
- $0–$0 government filing fees — no direct permit fee, but general facility charges may apply
- Varies processing timeline — contact authority for current review period
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 open for business without proper water and sewer services. A Water and Sewer Connection Permit in Spokane is required by the Spokane Public Works - Water and Hydroelectric Department to ensure your restaurant's plumbing connects correctly to the city's mains, adheres to water pressure and flow standards, and meets strict pretreatment requirements for wastewater discharge. This is governed by several local ordinances, including the Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) Title 13 for sewer use and discharge, Title 17 for water system regulations, and Title 17A for land use and development standards related to right-of-way excavations. The permit formalizes your agreement with the city to use its infrastructure and confirms your system is designed to prevent contamination, blockages, and overflows that can violate environmental regulations.
Operating without this permit—or in violation of its conditions—triggers immediate and costly enforcement actions from the City of Spokane. The practical consequences include:
- Service disconnection – The city can shut off your water and sewer service, forcing an immediate closure.
- Substantial fines – Violations of sewer use ordinances (SMC 13.04) can result in daily monetary penalties assessed by the Public Works Director until compliance is achieved.
- Required remediation – You may be forced to pay for professional cleaning of city sewer lines or the installation of corrective equipment, like a larger grease interceptor.
- Permit revocation & project delays – If violations are discovered during inspections, your certificate of occupancy can be withheld, freezing your opening timeline and potentially voiding other approvals.
Legal code: Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
Recent update: As of 2026, the City of Spokane has integrated its water and sewer connection review process more closely with its Site Development Permit system, requiring earlier coordination with the Planning and Development Services department for projects involving new construction or major remodels.
Who Needs a Water and Sewer Connection Permit?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required; new or remodeled commercial kitchens require direct sanitary sewer and potable water connections as per Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) Title 21 for public health and plumbing compliance. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Required; any establishment with plumbing fixtures (restrooms, bar sinks) for public or employee use must have approved connections per SMC Title 21 and Washington State Plumbing Code. |
| Food Truck | Not Required | Typically not required for the mobile unit itself, as it connects to a permitted commissary or uses a temporary service setup approved through a separate Mobile Food Unit permit process with Spokane County Health District. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required; commercial food service with plumbing for espresso machines, dipper wells, and restrooms triggers the connection permit under SMC Title 21, even for minimal cooking. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (18 Fields)
15 of 18 auto-filledProperty Address
textEnter the complete legal street address of the restaurant property where the connection work will occur, exactly as it appears on your lease or deed.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a P.O. Box, the applicant's home address, or an incomplete address (missing unit/suite number) which fails site identification.
Applicant Name
textProvide the full legal name of the person or business entity (LLC, corporation) applying for and responsible for the permit.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a nickname, only a first name, or the contractor's name instead of the permit holder, which invalidates authorization.
Applicant Phone Number
textProvide a direct, working phone number for the applicant where Spokane Public Works can reach you during business hours for inspection scheduling.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using an inactive number, a contractor's number, or formatting incorrectly (e.g., missing area code), causing failed contact and delayed inspections.
Applicant Email Address
textEnter a valid, regularly monitored email address. All permit status notifications and approved documents from Spokane Public Works are sent electronically.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing an outdated or seldom-checked email, which results in missed approval notices and inspection mandates.
Applicant is Property Owner
checkboxCheck this box ONLY if the applicant named above is the legal owner of the property. If unchecked, you must submit an Owner Authorization Letter.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking the box when the applicant is a tenant/lessee, which invalidates the application without the required owner authorization letter.
Owner Authorization Letter (if applicable)
textIf applicant is not the owner, describe or upload a letter from the property owner authorizing you to apply for this utility connection permit on their behalf.
COMMON MISTAKE: Omitting this letter when required, or providing a generic 'permission' note instead of a formal letter signed by the legal owner.
Contractor Engaged
checkboxCheck this box if a licensed plumbing or excavation contractor will perform the physical connection work. If unchecked, you must be a licensed contractor.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking the box but failing to provide contractor details, or not checking it when work will be done by an unlicensed applicant, both causing immediate rejection.
Contractor Business Name
textProvide the exact registered business name of the contractor licensed in Washington State to perform water/sewer connection work.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a contractor's personal name instead of their registered business entity name, which fails Spokane's licensed contractor verification.
Contractor Contact Information
textProvide the contractor's direct phone number and/or email address for Spokane Public Works to coordinate site inspections.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing only a generic office number instead of the project manager's direct contact, leading to inspection scheduling delays.
Connection Type
checkboxCheck the appropriate box for 'New Connection' or 'Modify Existing Connection' based on whether the site has pre-existing utility taps.
COMMON MISTAKE: Failing to check a box or checking both, which prevents Spokane Public Works from assigning the correct fee schedule and technical review.
ApronPrep auto-fills 15 of 18 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 Parcel Address Instead of Street ROW Location
Entering the restaurant's mailing address (e.g., '123 Main St') instead of the specific street location where the tap will be made. This is the most common cause of routing delays, as Spokane Public Works needs the exact intersection or nearest address in the public right-of-way for their crew dispatch. Based on ApronPrep's analysis, this mistake adds 2-3 weeks while the city returns the application for clarification.
2. Incorrect Pipe Size or Material Specification
Listing the desired pipe size (e.g., '2-inch') without verifying the city's main size or using a material not approved by Spokane standards (like PVC where ductile iron is required). Applications with mismatched specs are rejected, requiring a re-submission with a corrected site plan. Confirm the existing main size with a pre-application site visit request to Public Works and reference the Spokane Municipal Code for approved materials.
3. Omitting the Licensed Contractor's Information
Failing to provide the full business name, license number, and contact details for the plumber or contractor who will perform the physical connection. The City of Spokane requires all water and sewer connection work to be performed by a Washington State-licensed contractor. Incomplete contractor details result in an automatic administrative hold, delaying permit issuance until the information is verified.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Water and Sewer Connection Permit
ApronPrep auto-fills 15 of 18 fields from one compliance interview.
No credit card required
Water and Sewer Connection Permit by City in Washington
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Contact authority for current fees - fees vary based on connection type, distance to main infrastructure, and permit complexity | 4-8 weeks from complete application submission to permit issuance; additional time required for actual connection work and final inspection |
| Spokane | Contact authority for current fees; full payment including general facilities charges is due at time of permit issuance | Application processing time varies; expect technical review phase after submission. Complete timeline not specified in source materials; recommend contacting office for estimated review period. |
| Tacoma | Contact authority for current fees; typical permits range $150-$500 depending on complexity | 4-8 weeks from application submission to final approval (may extend if revisions needed) |
Government Filing Fees
- Contact authority for current fees
- full payment including general facilities charges is due at time of permit issuance
Timeline: Varies
Step 1: Create an online portal account at Spokane County's Online Permit Center (contact 509-477-3675 if you need assistance receiving your access code)
Go to the Spokane County Online Permit Center and register for an account using a valid email address. You'll need your business entity name and address. A verification code will be sent to your email—this step is required before you can submit any applications. If you do not receive the code, call the listed number for technical support.
Step 2: Log into the Online Permit Center and complete the Sewer and Water Permit Application, selecting 'Sewer Permit' and indicating 'Full connection from main to building' for a restaurant
Navigate to the 'Apply for a Permit' section, select 'Sewer Permit' under application types, and then choose 'Full connection from main to building' as the work description. ApronPrep can auto-fill property details, but you must confirm the scope aligns with your plumbing contractor's plans. Selecting the wrong scope (like 'Repair' instead of 'New') is a common rejection reason that adds 2-3 business days to correct.
Step 3: Provide property address, applicant/contractor information, and confirm whether work involves digging in the street/right-of-way (if yes, also obtain an obstruction permit)
Enter the exact legal site address (from your deed or lease), your contact information, and the licensed plumbing or contractor’s business name and state license number. You must answer 'Yes' or 'No' to the right-of-way question—if your connection requires a trench in a public street, you must apply for a separate Right-of-Way Obstruction Permit from Spokane Public Works. Failure to disclose this triggers an immediate application hold.
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 Washington.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Annual Report Filing
state
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsThe timeline for approval is listed as 'Varies' per the Spokane Public Works Department. This is because permit review is contingent on your specific site plans and coordination with the city's Building Permit process. To confirm the current estimated wait time for your project, contact the Spokane Public Works Development Services Center directly.
The official government filing fee range for this permit is listed as $0–$0. However, you are responsible for all costs associated with the physical connection work and required inspections. You will likely incur separate fees for plan reviews and other permits like the Backflow Prevention Device Certification. Not legal advice — verify all associated costs with Spokane Public Works.
No, this permit is not transferable. A Water and Sewer Connection Permit in Spokane is issued for a specific property address and connection point. If you move your restaurant, you must apply for a new permit for the new location and pay any associated connection fees for that site, as stated on the Spokane Public Works application form.
You typically do not renew this permit. It is a one-time permit authorizing the physical connection of your property to the municipal water and sewer mains. Your ongoing obligation is to maintain the connection in compliance with city codes, which includes submitting an annual Backflow Prevention Device Certification if your system requires one.
A city inspector will verify that the installation of the water service line and sewer lateral meets Spokane's plumbing and utility standards, per the Spokane Municipal Code. They check for proper materials, depth, slope, and a secure, leak-free connection to the city main. The inspection is a prerequisite before you can obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and open for business.
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 Washington specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 18 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
- Seattle — Department of Public Works (DPW)
- Spokane — Department of Public Works (DPW)
- Tacoma — Department of Public Works (DPW)
This Form Is One of 60+ Requirements.
ApronPrep discovers every permit your city requires — including the ones generic checklists miss. Pick your city for the complete package.