Utilities Planning & Engineering Division

Planning and Engineering FAQs

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Water & Sewer Utility Improvement Plans

  • Q: What type of work requires Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plans?

A: Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plans are required for Final Maps, as well as any improvements to water and sewer utilities located within the right-of-way. These plans must be prepared by a registered civil engineer and submitted for approval by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).

  • Q: How do I submit my Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plans for review?

A: For Final Maps, the first submittal must be submitted to the Department of Public Works (DPW) along with a completed DPU intake form. DPW will route to DPU as part of the Final Map process. Subsequent submittals of Utility Improvement Plans should be sent directly to DPU at [email protected].

Do not submit these plans through the Citizen Access (Accela) system, as it does not notify DPU of your submission and this will result in significant delays in processing your submission.

  • Q: Where can I find the Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plans intake form?

A: The Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plan intake form is available by contacting the DPU at [email protected] or on our website at:

(Utilities Planning and Engineering Division)

  • Q: Should I be aware of other processes and/or requirements that need to be fulfilled prior to submitting Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plans?

A: Yes. A planning record with Conditions of Approval must be in place prior to submitting Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plans.

During the Tentative Tract/Parcel Map stage, a preliminary sewer design must be submitted to DPU for review and comments. Please email the preliminary sewer design to [email protected]  with an intake form.

For additional information, contact:

Tentative Tract/Parcel Maps:
Current Planning, [email protected]

Final Tract/Parcel Maps:
Jairo Mata, [email protected]

Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plans:
Department of Public Utilities, [email protected]

  • Q: How do I get a Final Tract/Parcel Map Approved?

A: For Final Tract/Parcel Maps, please contact Jairo Mata with the Department of Public Works at [email protected].

  • Q: The project is in the County.  Will that be an issue? 

A: It depends on location and scope of the project. Contact the Planning Department to determine the feasibility of a project outside the City limits.

  • Q: How long does a review take?

A: Submittals are reviewed in the order received. Each first (initial) submittal typically undergoes a review process that takes approximately 20 business days but may vary depending on the City’s workload and complexity of the Project. Subsequent submittals will take less time.

  • Q: How long does the whole process take?

A: From the first submittal to signed approved plans, the review process can take between 2-6 months depending on the project complexity and DPU’s workload.  Addendums can take longer.

  • Q: Are there fees involved?

A: Yes. Plan review fees are assessed during the review process fees. All fees must be paid before signed plans are released.

  • Q: How much are plan review fees?

A: Fees are assessed according to the City Master Fee Schedule.

  • Q: When do I submit payment for the review of my Sewer and Water Utility Improvement Plans?

A: Payment will be requested once DPU has completed review of the submittal. DPU staff will provide a fee invoice and instructions for paying the review fees.

  • Q: How do I pay?

A: You may pay by check or with credit card.

  • By Check:

Please make the check payable to the City of Fresno, and drop it off at:

1626 E Street, Fresno CA 93710

  • By Credit Card:

A Citizen Access (Accela) record will be created for your project by DPU Staff. You can log in to the system and make your payment online. DPU Staff will provide an invoice and payment instructions.

Well Permit Application

  • Q: How do I apply for a well permit?

A: Submit a completed Well/Boring Submittal Intake Form and a Well Permit Application to Install, Modify, and Destroy Wells to [email protected].

  • Q: Where can I find the application form and intake form?

A: All required forms are available by contacting the City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities (DPU) at [email protected] or on our website at:

(Utilities Planning and Engineering Division)

  • Q: What type of work requires a well permit?

A: A permit is required for the installation, modification, or destruction of monitoring wells, wells for refrigeration or air-cooling systems, soil vapor monitoring wells, temporary wells, soil borings, and well destructions/abandonments within the City of Fresno.

  • Q: Do I need a permit for temporary and/or monitoring wells?

A: Yes, permits are required for temporary and/or monitoring wells, including borings. If less than 20 feet in depth, an exception may be made upon review.

  • Q: What is the depth threshold requiring a well permit?

A: A well permit is required for any well or boring with a depth of 20 feet or more.

  • Q: Are there any restrictions on redrilling a well on my property?

A: Yes. Location restrictions may apply – particularly near canals, retention ponds, or other sensitive areas. Contact DPU for specific guidance.

  • Q: How can I determine the specifications of a well on my property if I don’t have documentation?

A: You can estimate the depth and specification by referencing nearby wells. Contact the California Department of Water Resources for Well Completion Reports.  

  • Q: How do I comply with regulations for destroying an old well?

A: You must comply with the State of California Well Standards Bulletins 74-81 and 74-90, or current revisions, issued by the California Department of Water Resources, and City of Fresno Public Works Standard Drawing W-45 and Standard Specification Section 32.

  • Q: What is the process for destroying an old well in compliance with City standards?

A: Submit the following to [email protected]:

  • Well/Boring Submittal Intake Form,
  • Well Permit Application,
  • Site Map,
  • Well Video Inspection, and
  • Mix Design Calculations.

For more details, refer to City of Fresno Public Works Standard Drawing W-45 and Standard Specification Section 32.

  • Q: How long does it take to process a well permit application?

A: Applications are typically processed within 10 business days, provided all required documents (i.e., site map, well schematic, work plan, well video inspection, etc.) and a complete application are submitted to [email protected]. Incomplete application(s) will take longer.

  • Q: How much does a well permit cost?

A: Fees depend on the number, the type of wells per parcel, as well as the number of inspections required. Fees are assessed after a fully completed Well/Boring Submittal Intake Form and Well Permit Application are submitted and reviewed by DPU staff.

  • Q: When and how do I submit payment for my application?

A: Once your application is reviewed and deemed complete, DPU staff will create an Accela account for you and provide payment instructions.

  • Q: How long is my well permit valid for?

A: Permits are valid for 180 calendar days from the date of issuance.

  • Q: Can I renew an expired permit?

A: No. Expired permits cannot be renewed, and previously paid fees are non­­­-refundable in accordance with Fresno Municipal Code Section 6-403. A new application and payment of all applicable permit fees must be submitted for the work to proceed.

  • Q: If I am drilling within a City sidewalk or Street, who do I contact?

A: For work in the public right-of-way, you must obtain an encroachment/street work permit from the City of Fresno Department of Public Works. Contact them at [email protected] or (559) 621-8800 for an encroachment permit application before any work beings.

Extraterritorial Agreements

  • Q: What is an Extraterritorial Agreement?

A: An Extraterritorial Agreement is between the property owner and the City of Fresno in which the applicant requests the City to provide services to a property located within the City’s sphere of influence, but outside of the City’s existing service area/City limits (a property located in unincorporated Fresno County). These services can include water and/or sewer.

  • Q: What is included in an Extraterritorial Agreement?

A: In the agreement, there are stipulations pertaining to water and sewer, such as:

  • Destruction of existing private domestic well(s) and/or septic system(s)
  • Waive right to protest annexation
  • Payment of required fees
  • Q: I want to keep my well. Do I have to destroy my well?

A: Yes. However, a request may be submitted to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) under certain circumstances and such request must receive approval from the Department Director and Fresno City Council. If approved, a backflow preventor device and a second meter on the private well must be installed (property owner’s responsibility to purchase and install). 

  • Q: Fresno County is asking for a Will Serve letter from the City of Fresno. Is this the same document?

A: It depends on the project. The County is requesting the City to confirm that service(s) can and will be provided for the property. Staff will determine if an Extraterritorial Agreement is needed.

  • Q: How long is the process?

A: Typically, the process can take up to 4 weeks or more due to the following factors:

  • Department’s receipt of a copy of the Grant Deed
  • Local Agency Formation Commission’s (LAFCo) approval
  • Obtaining the property owner’s notarized signature and circulating the agreement for City approval signatures
  • Recording the agreement with the Fresno County Recorder’s Office
  • Q: What documents are needed?

A: A copy of the Grant Deed. The deed is used in the agreement as an attachment to show property ownership.

  • Q: I want to lease the property. Can I sign the agreement?

A: No. The owner of the property must sign the agreement and not the lessee.  This agreement is tied to the property and not the property owner.

  • Q: Are there fees to process the Extraterritorial Agreement?

A: No, there are no fees to process the agreement. However, prior to executing the Extraterritorial Agreement, an application requesting to extend service(s) to the property must be submitted to the Fresno LAFCo. The application form is completed by City staff, however, the application fee of $750.00 is provided by the property owner. City staff will submit the form and the fee to LAFCo on behalf of the property owner.

  • Q: How much will it cost to connect to City water and sewer?

A: Fees vary. Factors include the property size, number of services being requested, and sizes of water service(s) and meter(s) (1.0-inch, 1.5-inch, 2.0-inch). All fees are calculated based upon the City’s Master Fee Schedule that is updated annually every fiscal year starting July 1. Connection fee estimates can be obtained on request.

  • Q: The connection estimate is too high. Is there an assistance program to lower the cost?

A: Yes. The City offers deferral and loan programs for water and sewer connections with a variable interest rate. For more information, please contact staff at (559) 621-8666 or via email at [email protected].

  • Q: When do I pay the connection fees?

A: Connection charges and related fees must be paid on the day of the notary signing or after the Extraterritorial Agreement is fully executed (recorded by the Fresno County Recorder’s Office). Plumbing work cannot begin until connection fees are paid and the Extraterritorial Agreement has been fully executed.

  • Q: Does the City of Fresno provide the Extraterritorial Agreement to the County?

A: No. A conformed copy is provided to the property owner or the contractor/plumber hired by the property owner. It is the property owner’s or contractor/plumber’s responsibility to submit the Extraterritorial Agreement to the County of Fresno to obtain the applicable permit(s).

  • Q: After the above-referenced steps have been completed, my property is connected to City sewer and/or water. What happens next?

A: Once work has been completed, either the property owner or the contractor/plumber must submit proof of connection to the Department of Public Utilities (e.g., County’s final plumbing permit of approval). In addition, documentation must be submitted that the following has occurred: 

  • Well destruction
  • Septic system abandonment
  • Backflow prevention device installation

The date of the approval on the final inspection permit is used to start service with Utilities Billing and Collection (UB&C). It is the property owner’s responsibility to contact UB&C at 559-621-6888 to start service.