Effective May 1, 2026 – System Development Charges have changed.
Starting Site Development and Projects
City Utilities’ Engineering Development Services Department (DVS) is your “one stop” for information related to:
- site selection
- availability and location of utility systems
- plan review
- permitting including food service establishments
- inspections
- new water and sewer connections
- septic eliminations
For information regarding land use, planning, zoning, permitted uses, variances, or to schedule a new project meeting please contact the Department of Planning Services.
Development Contracts
Effective April 1, 2024, City Utilities’ Engineering Development Services has new developer contracts for water, stormwater, and sanitary sewer programs. Sample contracts and exhibits are available below for your reference. Please note that the sample contracts provide language for all possible scenarios which may or may not be applicable. These will be determined after working with our staff members. Please also note that exhibit references may change as scenarios are or are not required. If you have questions regarding these contracts, please contact Engineering Development Services at 260-427-5064 between 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (not including weekends or holidays).
Water Service Taps and Service Line Installations
City Utilities Engineering-Development Services has developed a Water Service Tap and Service Line Installation policy for both the Small Water Service Taps and Large Water Service Taps. Both policies outline the procedures for obtaining and paying for proper permitting, calling for proper inspection before backfilling any work, and, identifies City Utilities-approved, qualified contractors that are authorized to perform this type of work on behalf of City Utilities in accordance with City Utilities Design Standards Manual, rules and regulations and, any other policy related requirements in place.
Small Water Service Taps (2-inch and Smaller) Effective May 1, 2024: Small Water Service Taps: 2-inch and Smaller
Large Water Service Taps (4-inch and Larger) Effective September 1, 2025: Large Water Service Taps: 4-inch and Larger
Tap Inspection
Prior to backfilling any work related to water, sewer, or stormwater taps, individuals MUST contact Engineering Development Services to request inspection at 260-427-1161 between 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday (not including weekends and holidays). If work was not inspected before backfill, Engineering Development Services has the authority to require the contractor to dig up the work for proper inspection.
Fee Payment
Payments for tap permits, inspections, testing fees, and project fees may be made online through the Accela Citizens Access portal, over the phone at 260-427-1161, or in person in Engineering Development Services at 200 E. Berry St., Suite 250 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 between 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (not including weekends and holidays). Check, credit card or debit cards are accepted. Non-refundable service fees apply.
Fees
Tap Inspection Fees — Effective October 1, 2025
| Inspection Type | Rate |
| Tap Inspection | $85.00 |
| Repair Tap Inspection | $85.00 |
| Stormwater Special Use (Tapping) Inspection | $85.00 |
| Disconnect Sewer | $85.00 |
| Disconnect Water | $85.00 |
Note: The tap inspection fee is assessed per inspection.
Area Connection Fees — Effective January 1, 2026
| Area Connection Fee Area | Unit of Measure | Rate Effective 1/1/2026 | Rate Effective 1/1/2027 | Rate Effective 1/1/2028 | Rate Effective 1/1/2029 |
| Central | Per ERU | $1,000.00 | $1,200.00 | $1,390.00 | $1,390.00 |
| Northeast | Per ERU | $2,700.00 | $2,800.00 | $2,900.00 | $2,900.00 |
| Northwest | Per ERU | $2,400.00 | $2,600.00 | $2,800.00 | $2,800.00 |
| Southeast | Per ERU | $2,100.00 | $2,200.00 | $2,300.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Southwest | Per ERU | $2,400.00 | $2,600.00 | $2,800.00 | $2,800.00 |
Large Water Meter Charge — Effective October 1, 2025
| Meter Size | Rate |
| 3 Inch meter size with 12-inch lay length | $1,270.00 |
| 3 Inch meter size with 17-inch lay length | $1,575.00 |
| 4 Inch meter size | $2,200.00 |
| 6 Inch meter size | $3,423.00 |
| 8 Inch meter size | $4,045.00 |
| 10 Inch meter size | $7,214.00 |
System Development Charges — Effective May 1, 2026
| Meter Size | Rate |
| 5/8 inch meter | $650.00 |
| 3/4 inch meter | $975.00 |
| 1 inch meter | $1,625.00 |
| 1-1/2 inch meter | $3,250.00 |
| 2 inch meter | $5,200.00 |
| 3 inch meter | $9,750.00 |
| 4 inch meter | $16,250.00 |
| 6 inch meter | $32,500.00 |
| 8 inch meter | $52,000.00 |
| 10 inch meter | $74,750.00 |
| 12 inch meter | $139,750.00 |