Connection charges are established and adjusted from time to time by Resolution of the City Commission passed after public hearing. Charges must be paid prior to service being provided. Customer is responsible for costs associated with making connection to the City utility, including but not limited to:
- Flow-based fees related to treatment facility, transmission and distribution and collection system capital improvements
- Inspections of the actual connection and line extensions
- Labor
- Materials
- Permits
- Restoration
Cannot Be Waived
According to Section 26-51 of the City of St. Augustine Code of Ordinances, Utility Connection Fees must be paid in order to provide utility service. Utility Connection Fees cannot be waived or transferred to/from another property. See the Water and Sewer Fee Schedule (PDF) for a complete listing of fees. Descriptions of the various Utility Connection Fees are provided below:
Flow Based Fees
Flow-based fees cover treatment facility improvements and maintenance, and collection, transmission and distribution system improvements and maintenance. Flow-based fees are calculated based on City Code Sections 26-51 and 26-53. Flow-based fees are a one-time charge for a specific use or flow that is calculated for the property. There is no “generic use” to calculate flow-based fees; the City Public Works Department will not permit “shell buildings”; the applicant must choose a specific use from City Code Section 26-53 for a proposed building or business modification.
Additional Fees
If the “Flow” (calculated in gallons per day by City Code Section 26-53) for the proposed use is higher than the flow that was paid for the previous use of that property, then additional flow-based fees will be due to change the use, increase the intensity of use, or add a use. If the proposed flow is equal to or lower than the previous use, then no additional flow-based fees would be due.
Other Fees Charged
- A Northwest Area Forcemain Surcharge fee is charged to connect a property to City sewer service within the City’s Northwest Area Forcemain Overlay area in accordance with City Code.
- Restoration Fees are intended for the costs required to restore easements, rights-of-way and roadways to pre-construction conditions following a service tap installation.
- Permit Fees are intended for the necessary work and fees that are charged to the City for various required permits on service tap installations.
- Inspection Fees are intended for the costs involved with City utility inspection services.
What the City Can Charge
The City has the right to charge for extensions and special or non-standard installations. In these cases, actual in-house costs (parts, equipment and labor plus overhead), plus any necessary outside consultant or contractor costs, plus 25% administration.