What Every Homeowner or Builder/Contractor Needs to Know Before Starting a project involving A new Water or Sewer Main Connection.
When expanding a property, whether adding an ADU, additional bathrooms, or new living spaces, the need for a new sewer connection or a larger water supply line often arises. While a building permit typically covers private property plumbing, the process becomes more complicated when a public or utility-owned asset, like a water main in the street, is involved.
At this stage, your project will require more than just a building permit. You will need to obtain:
- An encroachment permit (San Jose example) from the City or County’s public works department, which allows work on public assets.
- Permits from the utility responsible for the public water or sewer mains (combined with the Encroachment Permit if the City also administers your Utility)
- Connection fees may apply and are usually charged as part of the encroachment permit process.
Tackling a project that involves public works adds complexity to your remodel. Managing permits and coordinating with public agencies add to the burden of managing a complex remodel. Choosing the right contractor who can guide you through the encroachment permit process and handle the public works side of things is crucial to reducing the burden and keeping your project on track.
When your project involves public works or utility mains, navigating the permitting process and ensuring compliance can feel overwhelming. With the right contractor and careful planning, it does not have to be. Here is a high-level overview of the major steps from choosing the right contractor to final inspections and post-project support.
Step 1: Choose the Right Contractor
The first step in any project that impacts a public or utility asset, such as a sewer or water main, is hiring the right contractor.
At Freedom Underground, we hold both an A-General Engineering License and a C36 Plumbing License, ensuring we are qualified to handle projects impacting public assets and utility mains. Our extensive experience in this field and with local public works departments and utility providers gives you the peace of mind that everything will be handled properly and efficiently.
Once hired, your contractor will need to pull the appropriate permits. Getting the right permits grants you legal permission from impacted asset owners. There are significant penalties for getting it wrong on public works projects so choose your contractor wisely.
Step 2: Applying for Permits
Only a General Engineering license holder can work on public assets (aka Public Works) such as a city-owned street or sidewalk. As such, only a Contractor with the right license will be granted a permit. We recommend you let us pull the permits. Let us handle the permitting process to ensure a faster, smoother approval with fewer headaches. Our experience ensures a fast, smooth approval with fewer headaches for you. We have had projects that were delayed when either a well-intentioned homeowner or general contractor (B License holder) attempted to pull the permit for us.
Once filed, an encroachment permit typically takes 3+ weeks to be approved and sometimes, quite a bit longer. Ask us what we expect as it can vary by jurisdiction but please note public works departments do not expedite permit processing except in emergencies.
The costs of a permit vary based on the specifics of the project. Some Public Works departments publish cost guidelines for projects. If you are connecting a new water or sewer line to a main, the permit fee may also include the connection fee.
Step 3: Pre-Construction
During the permitting process, we submit both construction plans and traffic control plans for approval. If we are lucky, we will also be given parts and special requirements but often, we do not see them until a permit is issued. When possible, we pre-order parts and prepare for the project. Unfortunately, we cannot commit to a project start until the required permit(s) are issued.
After Permit(s) Approval: What is Next?
- We communicate to our customer that the permit(s) have been issued and preliminary schedule information.
- We create an Underground Service Alert, aka USA 811, a ticket that alerts utilities and local governments that may have underground pipelines in the area to come out and mark. We are not allowed to start excavation until a USA ticket is fulfilled.
- We post notices to neighbors as required.
- We schedule a “pre-con” meeting with inspectors to get their authorization to start construction.
Step 4: Construction
Please note that each project is unique and this is a high-level overview of a typical project that involves construction on public streets and/or sidewalks.
- Traffic Control Setup:
- Before any physical work begins, traffic control measures are deployed per the approved traffic control plan, a key part of the permit process. This ensures a safe work zone for both our team and the public.
- Safety signage, cones, barriers, and detour signs will be installed to redirect traffic around the site, minimizing disruptions.
- Customer Note: We will provide regular updates about traffic impacts, expected work hours, and any changes to access in your area to ensure you’re always informed.
- Excavation Preparation:
- Once the site is secured, excavation begins. Mechanical tools like excavators and saws will be used to create trenches or expose areas for utility connections.
- Construction hours typically range from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (some areas restrict work before 8:00 a.m.). We make every effort to limit noise and disruption.
- Customer Note: Concerned about noise or access? Let us know—we will minimize disruptions and prioritize your comfort.
- Excavation and Trenching:
- Our team will carefully excavate the trenches to lay new sewer or water lines, ensuring proper depth and placement based on city regulations.
- Shoring will be installed as needed to secure the trench walls and provide a safe environment for our crew.
- Customer Note: If necessary, we will maintain driveway or entryway access for you during excavation.
- Installation of Plumbing Components:
- With trenches prepared, we will install the necessary plumbing components, including new sewer or water lines, fittings, and valves, ensuring everything is positioned accurately for long-term durability and efficiency.
- Customer Note: We’ll communicate with you throughout this process, especially regarding timelines for service disruptions, if any.
- Covering Trenches During Non-Work Hours:
- To ensure safety during non-working hours, trenches and open areas will be covered with steel plates or plywood. We’ll mark off the area using caution tape, cones, and appropriate signage.
- Customer Note: Safety is our top priority. We take extra steps to secure the site each day and will notify you if any parts of your property will need restricted access.
- Connections and Backfilling:
- Once the inspection is passed and any necessary water or sewer connections are made, we will backfill the trenches with approved materials. The soil will be compacted to city specifications to avoid settling and ensure a stable surface.
- Customer Note: We’ll make sure backfilling is done properly to minimize any risk of future settling and to ensure the stability of the surrounding areas.
- Surface Restoration:
- The final phase involves restoring the street, sidewalk, or other impacted surfaces. For streets, we will lay asphalt; for sidewalks, we will pour concrete.
- Surface restoration will be completed to meet or exceed city standards, returning the area to its original condition (or better).
- Customer Note: Our goal is to restore your property as seamlessly as possible. If any concerns arise about the final look or feel of the surface, we are here to address them promptly. By the time we are done, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property is restored to a high standard, backed by our lifetime workmanship guarantee.
- Inspections:
- We work closely with the inspectors during these projects. Various milestones need inspection and it varies by project and inspector.
- Inspections not only ensure the work meets all standards but also provide an extra layer of protection for you, ensuring no issues arise down the road.
- Customer Note: We coordinate closely with inspectors to ensure everything is handled smoothly and keep you informed about any required downtime or service interruptions.
- Additional Customer Communication:
- Throughout the project, you’ll receive regular updates from our team on the progress, any potential delays, and upcoming milestones. We aim to ensure that the work is done on time, with minimal disruption to your home or daily routine.
Post-Project Support and Warranties:
At Freedom Underground, our mission is to deliver top-notch service and peace of mind for every homeowner or Contractor who hires us. Whether it is handling the permitting process or ensuring flawless execution, we are committed to making your project a success from start to finish.
After the project is complete, we stand by our work with a lifetime warranty on workmanship and manufacturer’s warranty on materials. If you experience any issues related to the installation or materials, we will come back and make it right.
