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Board reviews new utility permitting procedure to require pre-approvals and inspections
Summary
Staff proposed and the board discussed a new utility permitting procedure requiring contractors to obtain a utilities application before seeking a city building permit; staff will publish a flowchart and begin implementing the procedure next week.
Utility staff presented a revised permitting procedure aimed at improving inspection scheduling and recordkeeping for sanitary sewer and utility connections. The proposed process requires contractors to complete a utilities application and receive authorization from the utilities office before they obtain a building permit from the city.
"They have to get it from us, then go to city building and show them that, hey, we approved this," said the presenter, Mike (Staff member). The policy clarifies expected materials, inspection timing and the city’s standard connection requirements (for example, using Y fittings and appropriate saddles when tapping main sanitary lines).
Staff told the board the change is intended to reduce last-minute inspection requests after-hours and to create a better records trail for GIS and future maintenance. The board asked staff to provide a visual flowchart; staff agreed and said the department will post permitting guidance on the city website once finalized. The presenter said implementation would begin next week.
Board members also discussed how permit fee handling interacts with city accounting. Staff noted that building-permit payments collected through the city go to a separate account, and they will work with the city on payment routing if the utilities office becomes the initial point of application.
The board did not take a formal roll-call vote on the procedure in this session; staff will begin implementing the process and return with any changes if needed.
