Frequently Asked Questions

Inspections can be requested within the Citizen Self Service Portal once you’ve been issued a permit. District staff will then schedule an inspection which will be visible within the portal.

Requests shall be submitted through the Citizen Self Service Portal. Select the “Request for Information/General Review” application to submit the request. Turn-around time for response is 5 business days.

Requests shall be submitted through the Citizen Self Service Portal. Select the “Request for Information/General Review" application to submit your request. Turn-around time for response is 5 business days.

Plans shall be submitted through the Citizen Self Service Portal. If you have not yet done so, you will need to register for an account and select the appropriate permit to apply for.

There are a variety of types of work that can require a DSRSD permit:

• Sewer lateral repair/replacement/alteration (including installation or repair of cleanouts)
• Replacement or repair of a backflow prevention device
• Installation of an outdoor sink
• New residential accessory dwelling unit
• Installation or repair of grease trap/interceptor
• Commercial tenant improvement (especially for a change of use)
• New pool installation
• New trash enclosure
• Any new facility connecting to DSRSD water or sewer
• Any and all work related to new or existing sewer and water mains (for new developments)

For the first plan submittal, comments will be returned within 15 business days. For each subsequent submittal, there is a turnaround time of 10 business days. Plans will not be approved without all comments being addressed and appropriate fees being paid. Upon submittal of plans, Permitting staff will help guide you through the approval process and inform you about any applicable fees.

Plan Review Fees

These fees are dependent on type of project you’re proposing, and will be due after the first plan review is performed. They will be calculated upon review.

Sewer Capacity Reserve Fees

New connections (including existing connections with a change of use) represent an increase in demand for wastewater treatment services. This fee, required by DSRSD Code, is to purchase the ability to have wastewater for your project treated by DSRSD. It is collected at time of permit issuance if there is no new water meter with your project; otherwise it is collected at time of setting the water meter.

Water Capacity Reserve Fees

New connections represent an increase in demand for water distribution services. The DSRSD Code requires that this demand be assessed in the form of a capacity reserve fee (formerly known as a connection fee) payable to DSRSD within 30 days prior to setting a new water meter.

Zone 7 Water Agency Fees

Zone 7 is DSRSD’s water wholesaler; the District buys water from the agency to deliver to customers. Per agreement, DSRSD collects Zone 7’s water capacity reserve fees for the agency. These fees are collected within 30 days prior to setting of water meter.

Inspection Fees

These fees pay for our construction inspectors to provide inspections for your project. They are paid prior to permit issuance. This fee varies depending on your scope of work.

Miscellaneous Fees

Depending on the scope of your project, other fees (such as additional plan review, site specific recycled water fees, or others) may arise and Permitting staff will inform you of what they could potentially be.

How do I pay these fees?

Engineering fees shall be assessed and payable through the Citizen Self Service Portal after you have applied for a permit. Instructions for payment will be within the portal.

There are three distinctions within DSRSD’s service area. In Dublin, DSRSD provides water, wastewater, and recycled water services. In the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon, DSRSD provides water and recycled water service only. In southern San Ramon, DSRSD provides wastewater service only.

To determine where your project location is, DSRSD offers an interactive map to determine if you are in our service area. Use the interactive service area map. Input your address, and the map will display where (and if) you fall inside the District’s service area.

To start that process, contact Alameda County or Contra Costa County LAFCo, which function to oversee boundary changes to cities and special districts (DSRSD is a special district). Depending on your location, it may be required that you get annexed into the city/county as well.

DSRSD does not construct any private facilities. Generally, all construction associated with private development is the responsibility of the customer. Inspection by DSRSD construction inspectors is required for nearly every project, and inspection fees paid at permit issuance cover that cost. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor, and when touching any new or existing DSRSD facility, bonds and insurance will be required.

Plans shall be submitted using the ADU application for your city through the Citizen Self Service Portal. DSRSD staff will review the submittal and advise on the next steps. Please see our ADU FAQ Sheet(PDF, 550KB) for more details.

Sewer laterals are considered privately owned, and repairs are done at the expense of the property owner. You will need to contact DSRSD for a Limited Construction Permit. For a visual representation of ownership of service lines, please see exhibit on DSRSD’s web page.