Sewer Capacity Charge

“A capacity charge is collected when a property needs additional water or sewer flow. The fee pays for the property's fair share of major facilities and treatment plants. Water and sewer capacity charges are calculated by Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU).”

“The valuation of the wastewater system's backbone assets includes treatment plants, pump stations, trunk sewers and collection system pipelines. Existing wastewater assets were valued using the Engineering News Records Construction Cost Index (ENR-CCI) based on 2019 index. Excluded from the asset valuation were non-backbone infrastructure facilities such as equipment, computers, and vehicles. Growth- related wastewater capital improvement projects were included in the total system value.”

“PROJECT NAME: SEWER CAPACITY CHARGES FEE SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT / COMMUNITY PLAN AREA: CITYWIDE / COUNCIL DISTRICT: CITYWIDE”

at building permit

“This charge shall be due and payable, unless otherwise provided for by a resolution of the City Council, at the time the building permit fees are paid, or if a building permit is not required, at the time the sewer connection fees must be paid.”

City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, the agency that levies it

“All water and sewer costs associated with construction will be collected at the time of construction permit issuance, or when the water meter is requested, whichever comes first. All water meters and taps into public water mains must be installed by the City's Public Utilities Department.”

“Sewer capacity is not collected on irrigation meters. The water capacity charge is based on meter size, as follows:”

“In certain areas developers have agreed to install public water and/or sewer facilities to serve future development of other properties. Where an arrangement is made, the City will collect the costs of these improvements from benefitting builders on behalf of the developer. Reimbursement fees are due at the time the water meter and/or sewer connection fees are paid and/or when water and sewer capacity fees are due.”