April 16, 2021
The REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Process has been updated!
Requests for Information (RFIs) can made using the form on our website instead of by email, this will shorten the processing time.
Below is the URL link to access the RFI submission Webform.
https://www.dcwater.com/permits/rfi
Alternatively, the Webform also can be accessed by going to www.dcwater.com and navigating to:
Work with Us → Permits → Request for Information
The following types of information can be requested.
- Counter maps/GIS map
(Maps showing location/size of water and sewer lines)
- Information for Meter Sizing Worksheets
(Pressure/elevation/location information for use completing meter sizing forms)
- Letter in Lieu of Flow Test
(alternative to hydrant flow test where fire demand is <150 gpm)
RFI requests submitted by email to permit.operations@dcwater.com will not be processed and should be filed using the webform as of April 21, 2021.
Follow up and status questions regarding RFIs should be directed to Permits.rfi@dcwater.com not to Permit.Operations@dcwater.com
March 5, 2021
These directions are provided for requesting a refund of excess Construction Inspection Fees
Why did I receive a Statement for February of 2021 and what is MERCH
DC water has mailed an account statement to all merchant (MERCH) account owners to notify them of their account balances and to alert them of the refund policy. The Merch Accounts represent mostly workorders for construction phase inspections and deposits.
What do I need to do with this statement?
You might not need to do anything;
- If your account has a credit this is a notice of the status, no action necessary.
- If your account has a balance due then you are receiving a bill, payment was ether deducted from account credits or payment of fee in excess of original deposit must be made.
- If the statement has a credit and is for an account associated with a refundable construction inspection or deposit amount; and, that work has been satisfactorily completed, you may be eligible to apply for a refund of excess fees (see below).
How do I know what project this is for?
The statement identifies the account number not the project name or address. If you do not have records from the construction that indicate the project information you can email DC Water at construction.inspection.refund@dcwater.com to request us to research it.
How to apply for a refund of excess inspection fees and deposits.
Refunds must be requested in writing by the account owner. Make the request via email to construction.inspection.refund@dcwater.com. Refunds will be issued to the account owner. Any changes in account owner will require documentation/authorization from original account owner. See directions below regarding where and how to request a refund.
Refund Policy:
In accordance with the notes at the bottom of your statement, requests for refund should be made not later than 2 years after project completion, after which excess funds and deposits are subject to forfeiture. At this time (March 2021) only accounts that have not shown activity for 10 or more years are scheduled for forfeiture.
Inspection invoices typically include several types of accounts/charges and not all are refundable:
Flat Fees – Nonrefundable (Review Fees, Taps and Abandonments) lump sum amounts to cover DC water processing and personnel activities that are charged immediately, routed to revenue and are typically non-refundable.
Refundable Inspection Fees – Estimated cost for Inspection of new water and sewer lines and connections, site inspection for coordination with water and sewer lines, inspection of precast concrete structures, assistance with confined space access and for inspection/coordination of CCTV. These are estimates of the charges that will accumulate on the account and represents inspections labor hours, equipment costs, overhead and fringes. Once all work is complete, if there are excess funds the account owner may request a refund. At any time the account shows a deficit the owner will be billed for the overage.
Deposits – (Against damages or for new, large water meter services) These deposits are used to create accounts in the name of the owner and will be held until all work is complete. Deposit accounts for projects may be debited to cover inspection fee deficits that are in default. Once the work is complete, if there are excess funds the account owner may request a refund. If there is a deficit, then the owner will be billed for the overage.
What is meant by “the project is complete”
- All construction activity of both the foundation and the superstructure is complete.
- At least 6-months have passed since completion of superstructure to allow for a settlement period.
- All work orders in our Maximo tracking system have been closed out and any post construction sewer assessment/CCTV has been completed and satisfactorily passed.
- All water meters for the project have been installed and have been billing for at least 3-months.
- All water/sewer accounts are current.
- All redline and construction modification documents necessary to complete as-built drawings have been provided to DC Water.
- Where applicable the construction inspections branch has issued a completion report.
- New infrastructure has been added to our GIS data base.
Where and how to request a refund:
- Request the DC Water site inspector to verify project completion and if indicated it is initiate you request.
- Send requests via email to Construction.Inspection.refund@dcwater.com.
- Provide the project address, name, and account number from a statement.
- You will receive an email response from DC Water acknowledging your request and requesting any backup documentation if necessary, to verify “Project Completion”.
- Respond to the email with the requested documentation.
- Please allow at least 8 weeks from when all documents have been provided for staff to verify completion, research all accounts, complete refund authorization forms, post refund amounts and checks to be mailed.
It should be noted that all accounts for a project will be refunded at the same time and not until project completion, that includes fees for raze, sheeting and shoring, and building site development. This will match the initial invoices issued at the point the project plans were approved.
How to Interpret a MERCH Statement
May 20, 2020
Limited Resumption of Activities
DC Water is resuming taps, abandonments and meter sets in a limited capacity. Scheduling will be based on crew availability and the need to prioritize the health and safety of DC Water employees and customers. Requests will be scheduled as they are received and longer than normal delays are likely given the current backlog of requests. DC Water requests that customers and contractors maintain good hygiene practices, wear a face covering and practice proper social distancing as recommended by the CDC when interacting with DC Water employees in the field. To maximize efficiency, we ask that all excavations for taps and abandonments are readily accessible and properly shored (if needed) prior to DC Water’s arrival to the job site to conduct the requested work.
Water connections (3” and larger) will be scheduled on a case by case basis depending on the impacts and risks of the associated water shutoffs.
Large meters (3” and larger) will also require additional coordination.
March 30, 2020
*** ATTENTION ****
The building at 1100 4th St. is closed to the public.
Submissions cannot be made at that location.
All future submissions, payments and communications are to be made via email or public mail.
PROCEDURE FOR REMOTE SUBMISSION OF PLANS
New Plan Submissions
- Effective immediately new plan submission can (and should) be made by e-mail at application@dcwater.com.
- To be complete the e-mail must include the following information.Address of the location in the subject line
- (I.e. 1100 4th St SW – New Submission)
- (I.e. 1100 4th St SW – New Submission)
- Include PDFs of:
- PDF version of the plans (paper not accepted)
- Permit Review Submission Log-In Sheet
- Project Submission Checklist
- Once a new plan submission or resubmission is accepted for review, intake will email the applicant an invoice which includes all submission, resubmission and review fees for that project. Once the fees are paid (preferably by mail) the plans will be assigned for review.
- The payment shall be made by mail at the following location
- DC Water
C/O Permit Operations
5000 Overlook Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20032
- DC Water
- The payments must include the invoice, a check in the exact amount of the invoice (do not combine invoices on a single check) and payee name, phone number and address.
Resubmission to address review comments:
- For plans currently under review, all re-submissions shall be submitted to the plan reviewers directly via email.
Other Document Submissions:
- Project Dox Approval (by email: plancategory@dcwater.com)
- RFI (by email: permit.operations@dcwater.com)
- Letter in lieu (by email: permit.operations@dcwater.com)
- Hydrant flow test (by email: john.gorrell@dcwater.com)
- Public Space are in TOPS (we get notified in TOPS) david.paige@dcwater.com
Note due to current conditions:
- Connections, Taps and Meter sets are temporarily on hold
- Hydrant flow tests are on hold
March 20, 2020
DC Water Permit Operations Department Changes Due to COVID-19
- DC Water Permit Operations Department is currently open to receive submittals from the public in the building lobby at 1100 4th St SW. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 1:00PM and 9:30AM to 1:00PM on Thursdays.
- Our departments general information number is (202) 646-8600. We will be answering calls until 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Detailed permit and contact information can be found on our website.
- Please allow additional time to enter the building as there is a longer wait than usual. As things are constantly changing we recommend calling prior to visiting.
- Presently we are accepting fees by check only and are not processing credit card payments. Please include a check in the appropriate fee amount with your submission.
- The initial intake fee is $140 (Large Projects Only)
- Intake resubmission fee is $75 (Large Projects Only)
- Intake will issue an invoice for the total review fee, do not submit that payment until you have an invoice to accompany it.
- Please make the check equal to the exact amount on the invoice. If you have multiple invoices, please include multiple checks.
- All fire hydrant flow tests are currently on hold. No test will be conducted until further notice. Customers are welcome to submit their request and payment to hold their place in queue. Submissions can be made in person but preferred through mail.
- For plans that submitted to DCRA in ProjectDox please check our website for information on coordinating with DC Water under our ProjectDox Plan Categories tab.
- As our CEO has declared an emergency for DC Water and given our employees the option to work from home if possible, the majority of our staff will be working remotely. If you'd like to reach a specific person in our department we recommend to call or email them directly.
August 28, 2019
As of August 12, 2019 the permit review process includes an initial submission review for completeness as the first step. If the submission is found to be sufficient, an invoice will be issued. If found to be insufficient, the plan will be rejected and a resubmission will be required. Submissions must include the administrative fee (see below) and the project submission checklist.
- If the plans are found to be sufficient a Review Fee Invoice will be issued. The applicant has 45 days to pay the invoice.
- Permit Review will not commence until the review fee is paid.
- If not paid within 45 days, the submission will be cancelled, a new submission will be required and the old plans will be discarded.
- If the plans are found to be insufficient and rejected, a resubmission will be required. The applicant has 45 days to make a resubmission.
- The rejected plans will be available to the applicant at our front desk.
- The resubmission fee is required along with the revised plans.
- If not resubmitted within 45 days, the submission will be cancelled and a new submission will be required. The old plans will be discarded.
Plans submitted for an initial completeness check or resubmission are subject to the administrative fee for either an initial submission or a resubmission in accordance with the following schedule:
- Large Non-Residential Project - $ 140 initial Submission; $75 for resubmission
- Small Non – Residential Project - $ 0 Initial Submission: $0 for resubmission (fees pending)
- Small Residential/Town House project – $ 0 Initial Submission: $0 for resubmission. (fees pending)
Grandfathering:
- If you submitted a set of plans for review prior to 8/12/2019 and it was rejected, you have until 10/1/2019 to resubmit. The review fee in effect at the time of the initial submittal will be applied. If not resubmitted by 10/1/2019, the submission will be cancelled, a new submission will be required and the new review fees will be assessed.
- If you submitted plans between 8/12/2019 and 8/27/2019, and your initial submission was rejected, you have until 10/15/2019 to resubmit or your submission will be cancelled.
- If you submitted plan on 8/27/2019 or later and your submission is rejected, you will have 45 days from date of rejection to resubmit or the submission will be cancelled.
July 12, 2019
This is a reminder that Permit Review Fees increased in 2019, effective August 12, 2019.
In brief that means:
- Small Project Permit Review Fees will be $700 each instead of $300.
- Large Project Permit Reviews will be $10,000 each instead of $7,500.
- Review fees will be multiplied by the number of metered connections.
- All projects will be vetted at intake before a Review Fee is established:
- All plans will go to intake and if accepted you will receive an invoice.
- Only after intake generates an official invoice should the review fee be paid.
- A large project must be submitted with a base plan submission fee of $140 to initiate the intake review which culminates in invoice generation and then the permit review.
- A small project must also be submitted for intake review but currently the fee has not been established. Until it is implemented, no fee is required during submission of small projects.
- If rejected, a large plan can be resubmitted for a $75 fee.
- A rejected small plan will also need to be resubmitted but currently the fee has not been established. Until it is implemented, no fee is required during submission of small projects.
- The Permit review will not start until the review fee has been paid.
Regarding the base submission fee:
- With the initial submission package include a check for $140 if it’s a large project and $0 if it is a small project. With a resubmission to intake, please include the resubmission fee of $75 for a large project. There is no fee for resubmission of a small project.
- Small project base and resubmission fees are pending, until effective any project consisting of 10 or more small service connections will be subject to the large project base and resubmission fees of $140 and $75 respectively.
Regarding Hydrant Use Permits:
- The revised fees for Hydrant use begin October 1, 2019. The hydrant use application and is intended to be completed primarily on line. The process will include a permit fee, a deposit for equipment issued, rental of issued equipment, and payment for water usage.
- The location for picking up hydrant use meters and assemblies will change from 201 Bryant Street to the Fort Reno Office of DC Water at 3900 Donaldson Place, NW, Washington DC 20016.
June 28, 2019
Greetings, DC Water appreciates your past business with our Department of Permit Operations and we are reaching out today to communicate important information regarding permit review and processing fee increases that may impact your submissions.
The current permit review fees were established in 2013, since then redevelopment in the District has been prolific. Thus the number of permit applications has risen dramatically as well as the need for greater inter-agency coordination. This has increased the number of staff and the cost of providing permitting services.
In 2018, DC Water performed the latest Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Cost of Service Study and worked with an outside consultant to help ensure that the proposed fees are reasonable and generally represent the cost of providing the service. The notice of proposed rulemaking was published in the District Register on November 23, 2018. After public notice and review of comments the DC Water Board voted on February 7, 2019 by resolution advertise and adopt these new fees which become effective on June 3, 2019. Although the new Fees are effective implementation has been delayed until August 2019 to accommodate modifications to our accounting software.
In Summary, the base review fees have increased and there are some new features like:
- Fees will be assessed on a per connection basis rather than a per project basis (i.e. 4 new metered services on one plan = 4 times the base fee).
- Some new miscellaneous fees have been added to recover cost not previously billed, (i.e. easement and covenant creation, requests for information, execution of ProjectDox review and approval).
- And, we are instituting some new hybrid fee categories to accommodate partial redevelopment (i.e. only doing a storm service or a fire service).
Because of the modifications, additions and permutations of fee types the table of new fees is very long. Therefore, we have put a simplified table of just permit review fees on our web site along with the adopted final rulemaking. You can find the PDF file here.
| Fire Hydrant flow tests and use permits | Old fee | New Fee Standard | New Fee Expedited | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Hydrant Flow test | ||||
| · Field Test | $225 | $300 | N/A | Each |
| · Computer Model | $0 | $200 | N/A | Each |
| · Recent Test Record Available | 25 | $125 | N/A | |
| · Letter in Lieu of Hydrant Flow Test | $0 | $125 | N/A | Each |
| Fire Hydrant Use | ||||
| · Permit Fee | $0 | $75 | N/A | Each |
| · 3” Fire Hydrant Meter Deposit per rental | $700 | $1,600 | N/A | Each |
| · 3” Fire Hydrant Meter Rental < 15 days | $0 | $75 | N/A | Flat rate |
| · 3” Fire Hydrant Meter Rental =>15 days | $0 | $5 | N/A | Per day |
| · 3” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Deposit | $0 | $2,200 | N/A | Flat rate |
| · 3” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Rental < 15 days | $0 | $150 | N/A | Flat rate |
| · 3” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Rental => 15 days | $0 | $10 | N/A | Per day |
| · 5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Deposit | $700 | $700 | N/A | Flat rate |
| · 5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Rental < 15 days | $0 | $75 | N/A | Flat rate |
| · 5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Rental => 15 days | $0 | $5 | N/A | Per day |
| · Estimated Water Use from the hydrant | Usage Based | Usage Based | N/A | CCF |
| · Private fire hydrant flush | $81 | N/A | Each |
| Small Plan Reviews - Domestic water service 2" or less | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential SFU and Townhouses subject to the International Residential Code) | Old fee | New Fee Standard | New Fee Expedited | Unit |
| · Base plan submission fee | $ - | pending | N/A | Each |
| · Rejected plan resubmission fee | $ - | pending | N/A | Each |
| · Single Family Units (up to 50 Metered Connections) | $300 or $7,500 if over 9 units |
$700 | $1,200 | Each |
| · Townhouses (up to 50 metered connections) | $300 or $7,500 if over 9 units |
$700 | $1,200 | Each |
| · More than 50 SFU or Town Houses (for units 51 and above) | $ - | $350 | $600 | Each |
| · Approved Plan Revision | none - resubmit the plan in appropriate category | |||
| · Raze/utility release letter no abandonments | $ - | $300 | $500 | Each |
| · Raze/utility release letter with abandonments | $150 | $700 | $1,200 | Each |
| · Sheet and Shoring | N/A | $1,000 | $1,750 | Each |
| · Water and Sewer Availability Letter | N/A | $125 | $215 | Each |
| · Alteration/Repair Project Dox signoff only | - | pending | Pending | |
| Non-Residential, domestic water service tap 2" or less subject to the International building code | Old fee | New Fee Standard | New Fee Expedited | Unit |
| · Base plan submission fee | - | pending | N/A | Each |
| · Rejected plan resubmission fee | - | pending | N/A | Each |
| · small non-residential basic review fee (up to 4 metered connections) | $2,500 | $3,300 | $5,800 | Each |
| · small non-residential basic review fee (More than 4 metered connections) | $2,500 | $13,200 Plus a fee determined on a per project basis | $23,000 Plus a fee determined on a per project basis | Total |
| · small Hybrid (Domestic Water 2" or less, separate fire service greater that 2") non-residential basic review fee (up to 4 metered connections) | $7,500 | $5,000 | $8,700 | Each |
| · small Hybrid (Domestic Water 2" or less, separate fire service greater that 2") non-residential basic review fee (more than 4 metered connections) | $7,500 | $20,000 Plus a fee determined on a per project basis | $34,800 Plus a fee determined on a per project basis | Total |
| · Non-residential Sanitary or Combined Sewer Connection only 6" or less in diameter | $300 | $700 | $1,200 | Each |
| · Non-residential Storm Sewer connection only - less than 15" in Diameter | $300 | $700 | $1,200 | Each |
| · Non-Residential Fire Service only greater than 2" | $7,500 | $4,500 | $7,800 | Each |
| · Approved Plan Revision (for any reason) | none - resubmit the plan in appropriate category | |||
| · Raze/utility release letter no abandonments | $ - | $300 | $500 | Each |
| · Raze/utility release letter with abandonments | $150 | $700 | $1,200 | Each |
| · Sheet and Shoring | N/A | $1,000 | $1,750 | Each |
| · Water and Sewer Availability Letter | N/A | $125 | $215 | Each |
| · Alteration/Repair Project Dox signoff only | $ - | pending | pending | |
| Large Plan Reviews non-residential with Domestic Water Service 3" or larger |
Old fee | New Fee Standard | New Fee Expedited | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| · Base plan submission fee | $- | $140 | N/A | Each |
| · Rejected plan resubmission fee | $- | $ 75 | N/A | Each |
| · Large Plan Basic permit review Fee (up to 4 metered connections) | $7,500 | $10,000 | $17,400 | Each |
| ·Large Plan Basic permit review fee (more than 4 metered connections) | $7,500 | $40,000 Plus a fee determined on a per project basis |
$69,600 Plus a fee determined on a per project basis |
Total |
| · Sheet and Shoring | $1,500 | $6,500 | $11,300 | Each |
| · Large water meter size reduction Plan | $1,000 | $3,300 | $5,800 | Each |
| · Alteration/Repair Project Dox signoff only | - | $400 | $700 | Each |
| · Approved Plan Revision (for any Reason) | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,750 | Each |
| · Water and Sewer Availability Letter | $500 | $500 | $880 | Each |
| · large foundation to grade only | 1,000 | N/A | Each | |
| · Non-residential Sanitary or Combined Sewer Connection only => 8" in diameter | $7,500 | $4,500 | $7,800 | Each |
| · Non-residential Storm Sewer connection only - greater than 15" in Diameter | $7,500 | $4,500 | $7,800 | Each |
| · Non-Residential Fire Service only greater than 2" in diameter | $7,500 | $4,500 | $7,800 | Each |
| · Raze/utility release letter no abandonments | - | $300 | $500 | Each |
| · Raze/utility release letter with abandonments | $150 | $700 | 1,200 | Each |
| · temporary water connections | 2,500 | 3,300 | 5,800 | Each |
| · delayed abandonment waiver request | $500 | $500 | $880 | Each |
| Miscellaneous Fees | Old fee | New Fee Standard | New Fee Expedited | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ·Large Plan Excessive Submission Review ( in excess of 4 submissions) |
$1,000 | $2,400 | $ 4,200 | Each |
| · Small Non-Residential Plan excessive Submission review (in excess of 4 submissions) |
$- | $600 | $1,050 | Each |
| · Residential Plan Excessive submission Review (in excess of 4 submissions) |
$- | $360 | $630 | Each |
| · Request for information (RFI) from the Permit Operations Dept. | $- | $30 | $60 | Each |
| · Request for As-Built Drawings (meeting at the Permit Operations Dept.) |
$- | $90 | $150 | per hour |
| · Water Meter Sizing Computation (Assistance in preparation provided at Permit Ops) |
$- | $90 | $150 | per hour |
| · Processing of Easement Covenant | $- | $1,000 | $1,750 | Each |
| · Processing of Non-Standard Easement Covenant | $- | $5,000 | $8,750 | Each |
| · One Day Design Plan Review and Approval (Velocity Type Program) | N/A | $20,000 + Determined on a per project Basis |
Determined on a per project Basis |
Each |
| AS Built Fees | Old Fee | New Fee Standard | New Fee Expedited | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small service connections (domestic water 2" or less) | $215 | Total | ||
| · Small Residential service connections (water tap and sewer)SFU or TH |
$- | $250 | N/A | Per Residence |
| · Small non-Residential service connections (water tap and sewer) | $- | $500 | N/A | Per Residence |
| · Small non-Residential w/ large Fire service (hybrid) | $- | $750 | N/A | Per Residence |
| large non-residential | $215 | Total | ||
| · Domestic water service 3" or larger | $- | $750 | N/A | Each |
| · Sewer service 8" or larger | $- | $750 | N/A | Each |
| · Fire service 3" and larger | $- | $750 | N/A | Each |
| New Public Water or Sewer Main | $215 | Total | ||
| · First 20 to 100 LF of either water or sewer | $- | $2,500 | N/A | Each |
| · Each additional 200 lf of water line | $- | $2,000 | N/A | Each |
| · Each addition 400 lf of sewer line | $- | $2,000 | N/A | Each |
| · Any Water line in excess of 24" in diameter | $- | Determined on a per project Basis |
N/A | Total |
| · Any Sewer line in excess of 60" in diameter | $- | Determined on a per project Basis |
N/A | Total |
Finally, in the near future we will be moving to an online system for document submission and reviews and for online payments.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email permit.operations@dcwater.com or call 202-646-8600.
