Sewer Certification and Connection Permits

Any time a project requires connecting to a City sewer, DEP must approve that the sewer can accept the storm and/or sanitary discharge. A sewer certification is required for any new connection to a City sewer, a private sewer, a private drain, a septic system, or an approved outlet. Sewer certification may also be required for an alteration or renovation that increases the sanitary and/or storm flow generated on the site. Please consult the New York City Department of Buildings for specific criteria on alterations and renovations. Sewer certifications must be submitted by New York State licensed Professional Engineers or Registered Architects on behalf of an owner/developer. The subsequent sewer connection permit provides the authorization from DEP to conduct the connection work. For more general information, visit Water and Sewer Forms.

If you are new to the sewer certification process, we encourage you to:

Visit Sewer Certification FAQs
Download an Overview of Sewer Certification and Sewer Connection Permitting Process
View Other City Resources for Sewer Certification
Visit Permit and Review Information System if you are a Licensed Master Plumber
Download How to Submit a Request for Investigation of the NYC Sewer
Download How to Request Pre-Submittal Meeting for Site Connection Proposals and Drainage Proposals

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Rules Governing House/Site Connections to the Sewer System

Title 15 of the Rules of the City of New York Chapter 31, Rules Governing House/Site Connections to the Sewer System was created to provide guidance as part of the uniform standards for applications for permits and the procedures for the construction and inspection of all proposed connections to the city sewer system.

View Title 15 of the Rules of the City of New York Chapter 31, Rules Governing House/Site Connections to the Sewer System

Local Law 96 amends the New York City Administrative Code to establish the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) as the city datum. In response to the issuance of Local Law 96 and questions from applicants and consultants, DEP issued the following directive to clarify issues regarding the vertical datum with regards to submissions and construction drawings requiring DEP’s review and approval.

Download Local Law 96 of NYC—Regarding Vertical Datum

Sewer Design Standards

This book includes standards for sewers, manholes, catch basins, precast manholes, precast catch basins and sewer appurtenances. Those standards are used in the design of capital and private sewer projects.

Download the Sewer Design Standards

House Connection Proposal Application & Guidelines

The House Connection Proposal form must be filed to obtain sewer certification for one, two, or three family dwelling units that are “fee simple” (i.e., the title holder has exclusive ownership of and rights to the property). These properties must also be:

(a) without commercial use;
(b) with individual connections to existing sewers fronting the property; and
(c) without any “common” drainage facilities (i.e., drainage facilities connected to another dwelling unit).

As an exception, proposed siamese connections should be submitted using the House Connection Proposal application. All House Connection Proposals must be prepared by or under the supervision of a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect licensed by the State of New York.

Download the Combined Site and House Connection Proposal Application & Guidelines

A House Connection Proposal Site Plan is required when submitting House Connection Proposal applications. This template must be used to ensure all required items are included in the site plan.

Site Connection Proposal Application & Guidelines

The Site Connection Proposal form must be filed to obtain sewer certification for all developments that do not meet the criteria for House Connection Proposals. All Site Connection Proposals must be prepared by or under the supervision of a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect licensed by the State of New York.

Download the Combined Site and House Connection Proposal Application & Guidelines

A Site Connection Proposal Site Plan is required when submitting Site Connection Proposal applications. This template must be used to ensure all required items are included in the site plan.

New York City Stormwater Manual

The New York City Stormwater Manual includes steps to calculate the required storage volumes and release rates. This document explains how to determine the required detention facility volume. The calculation is required in a House Connection or Site Connection Proposal application that includes a proposed detention facility.

Download the New York City Stormwater Manual

There are a number of appendices which are provided to assist in the process of calculating required storage volumes and release rates. View the Appendices to the New York City Stormwater Manual.

Template for Affidavit in Lieu of Draft Prospectus for Condominiums or Homeowners Association

This template is required as a supporting document in House Connection Proposal and Site Connection Proposal applications when an applicant is proposing a Condominium or Homeowner's Association. Any modification to the language in this template is subject to approval by the DEP Legal Department.

Download the Template for Affidavit in Lieu of Draft Prospectus for Condominiums or Homeowners Association

Deed Restriction Template

This sample deed restriction template must be used by property owners who are constructing more than one building on a lot with a common connection to the sewer. A copy of the deed restriction must be submitted to obtain sewer certification. This template is for guidance only and may be modified based on your specific requirements. However, consult the DEP Legal Department if a substantial deviation from the template is required.

Download the Deed Restriction Template

Specifications for Drill-in/Coring of Brick Sewers

This document provides specifications for reference by Professional Engineers/Registered Architects who are developing a House Connection Proposal or Site Connection Proposal, if proposing to conduct drill-in/coring to a brick sewer.

Download the Specifications for Drill-in/Coring of Brick Sewers

House and Site Connection Self-Certification Programs

We offer a self-certification program to expedite the process of obtaining sewer certification. Self-certification is limited to projects with certain characteristics. Applications filed for self-certification that do not meet the eligibility requirements will be rejected and required to go through the regular sewer certification process.

Self-Certified House Connection Proposal

You must select Self-Certified and HCP on the Combined Site and House Connection Proposal Application Form to obtain sewer certification for one, two, or three (3) family dwelling units that are “fee simple” (i.e., the title holder has exclusive ownership of and rights to the property). These properties must also be (a) without commercial use; (b) with individual connections to existing sewers fronting the property; and (c) without any “common” drainage facilities (i.e., drainage facilities connected to another dwelling unit). All Self-Certified House Connection Proposals must be prepared by or under the supervision of a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect licensed by the State of New York.

Self-Certified Site Connection Proposal

You must select Self-Certified on the combined Combined Site and House Connection Proposal Application Form to obtain sewer availability certification for all developments that do not meet the criteria for House Connection Proposals. All Self-Certified Site Connection Proposals must be prepared by or under the supervision of a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect licensed by the State of New York.

Download the Combined Site and House Connection Proposal Application & Guidelines

Sewer Connection Permit Applications

All sewer service permits should now be filed online through the Permit and Review Information System (PARIS). If you are not already registered, visit PARIS and follow the instructions to create an account and profile. Please contact the PARIS Support Line at 718-595-3088 or email paris@dep.nyc.gov with any questions or download the PARIS Water/Sewer Permit Applications User Manual.

Installing Single/Multiple Premise(s) Sewer House Connection(s)

A Licensed Master Plumber must file a Permit Application to Install Single/Multiple Premise(s) Sewer House Connection(s). The application must also have a Certification of a Site Connection Proposal or House Connection Proposal or approval of a Building Department Alteration Repair Application before submitting this application. You will also need a copy of the valid New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) work permit. The Building Identification Number (BIN) on the work permit must match the BIN on the Site or House Connection Proposal.

Note: You will also be required to apply for a plug permit for any existing sewer connections for which there is no record of a plug.

In addition, you must also submit the following documentation if applicable:

If certification of a Site or House Connection Proposal is required:

You must submit a copy of the certified Site Connection Proposal or House Connection Proposal; AND
All documentation listed as conditions on the “Certification, Restrictions, Special Conditions” section of the certified Site or House Connection Proposal form (i.e., copies of legal documentation registered with the County Clerk).

If you are installing a detention tank:

You must submit Technical Report (TR1), signed for identification of responsibilities and completion of inspection and sealed; AND
Approved DOB inspection report OR form OP-98 [Notice/Results-Self-Certification of Plumbing Inspection(s)

If you are installing a roof detention system:

You must submit Technical Report (TR1), signed for identification of responsibilities and completion of inspection and sealed; OR
TR1, signed for identification of responsibilities AND a signed and sealed letter from the applicant affirming that the roof detention system will comply with DOB requirements.

If you are reusing a plugged connection:

You must submit a copy of the Certificate of Inspection (C of I) for the original plug; AND
Notarized affidavit signed by the owner/developer, professional applicant, and Licensed Plumber.

If you are using an existing connection:

You must submit a copy of the Certificate of Inspection for each connection proposed to be used;
OR if the Certficate of Inspection is not available a copy of the water and sewer bill; AND copy of the dye test performed by DEP

Repairing/Relaying Sewer House Connections

A Licensed Master Plumber must file An Application for Permit to Repair/Relay Sewer House Connection to obtain a permit for repair or relay of an existing sewer house connection.

Plugging Single/Multiple Premise(s) Sewer House Connection(s)

A Licensed Master Plumber must file a Permit Application to Plug Single/Multiple Premise(s) Sewer House Connection(s) to plug an existing sewer house connection. The application must also have a notarized affidavit from the owner authorizing the plug.

Installing Manholes/Catch Basins and Basin Connections/Seepage Basins

A Licensed Master Plumber or an approved contractor must file an Application for Permit to Install Manholes/Catch Basins and Basin Connections/Seepage Basins to obtain a permit to install manholes, catch basins, basin connections, and seepage basins in a street. If connecting to a private sewer/drain, the private sewer/drain must be constructed, it must be accepted for flow, and a Builders’ Pavement Plan must be approved by the New York City Department of Transportation or the New York City Department of Buildings prior to applying for this permit. If connecting to a City sewer, a Builders’ Pavement Plan, if required, must first be approved by the New York City Department of Transportation or the New York City Department of Buildings.

Download the Permit Application to Install Manholes/Catch Basins and Basin Connections/Seepage Basins

Reuse of an Existing Sewer Connection

An Affidavit for Reuse of an Existing Sewer Connection form must be signed by a Licensed Master Plumber, the property owner and a Professional Engineer/Registered Architect and notarized before an existing sewer connection can be reused.

Download the Affidavit for Reuse of an Existing Sewer Connection

Connecting to a Private Sewer

Download the Application Requirements for New Connection to Private Sewer/Drain Fronting Your Property

Missing Private Sewer Owner Guidelines

In cases where the owner of a private sewer cannot be contacted or found, you must submit the Missing Owner Private Sewer Affidavit with an application for permit to connect to a private sewer/drain. This form must be signed by the property owner and notarized. You must use a Cover Letter for Submitting Certified Check or Money Order when submitting a money order or certified check when the owner cannot be contacted and in lieu of a sewer bond, where applicable.

Tools

Download the USWR Maximum Release Rate Worksheet—this worksheet calculates the maximum release rate from most sites.
Download the Sanitary Flow Rate Worksheet—this worksheet uses the draft zoning density values for any given site to calculate the peak sanitary flow rate for a given site.
Download the Connection Invert Worksheet—this worksheet can be used to quickly convert sewer datums to NAVD88 and to determine if any given connection will function correctly.

Declaration of Easement

Single Owner Declaration of Easement and Declaration of Maintenance

This document includes a declaration of easement and a declaration of maintenance. Use it when (a) only one entity/person owns the lots described in the declarations and (b) only one lot is connected to the drain (i.e., it is not a shared drain). Declarations submitted for approval must be marked to show changes (revisions redlined) in Word.

Download the Single Owner Declaration of Easement and Declaration of Maintenance

Separate Owners Declaration of Easement and Declaration of Maintenance

This document includes a declaration of easement and a declaration of maintenance. Use it when (a) the lots described in the declarations are owned by separate entities / persons and (b) only one lot is connected to the drain (i.e., it is not a shared drain). Declarations submitted for approval must be marked to show changes (revisions redlined) in Word.

Download the Separate Owners Declaration of Easement and Declaration of Maintenance