Access the PWSA Permitting Portal
Online permitting and credit card payments are now available for development permits!
The online system offers exciting new resources such as credit card payments, email notifications, chat discussions, digital permits, and 24/7 access to your user dashboard.
First-time applicants will be prompted to register for an account. For applicants that want to pay by check, begin your application online and mail your check to:
1200 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Attn: Permits
A technician will process the check and complete your permit digitally.
Need help submitting an application? Click here for a library of tutorials. Additionally, applicants can contact asciolla@pgh2o.com with any questions.
The following steps are a general overview of the development permit process. This process does not apply if you are connecting one single-family home without fire sprinklers to the sewer and water system. Those projects should follow the Residential Permit requirements. All other developments must follow the development permit process.
You will want to begin this process as early as possible in your development timeline. Some building permits require PWSA approval prior to issuance. Complete rules and regulations can be found in our Developer’s Manual.
Installation of sprinkler systems requires coordination between the City of PIttsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections, Bureau of Fire, Allegheny County Health Department and PWSA.
Any development that requires extensions or relocations of PWSA facilities will need to follow specific PWSA requirements. Make sure to identify any proposed work at your pre-development meeting.
Helpful Links
Tap-in Plan Checklist - UPDATED 8/10/2022
Water and Sewer Availability Letter Request
Need a manhole uncovered or a catch basin cleaned? Report to our non-emergency operations team.
Development Process Overview
Pre-Development Meeting
The pre-development meeting is an opportunity to discuss your project through a Microsoft Teams virtual meeting. All developments, regardless of the scope, are required to attend a pre-development meeting. Please take a moment to review the Agenda to help guide the discussion. Schedule a meeting here.
Development Permit Application
The development permit application is a review of your project's water and sewer connections. This may include a DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module and a Tap-In Plan Review. A development permit is not issued until Steps 4 & 5 are completed.
The application is now submitted through the PWSA Permitting Portal.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Sewage Facilities Planning Module (DEP SFPM)
Most developments proposing an increase in flows or subdividing lots will be subject to a DEP SFPM review.. PWSA will evaluate the project information provided in the initial development permit application for criteria that may require a DEP submission.
Water and Sewer Tap-in Plan Review
Any project proposing to connect, reconnect or terminate water and/or sewer service to PWSA owned infrastructure must submit Professional Engineer stamped plans for review.
Permit Fees
Development permit fees were updated on January 12th, 2022. Please review our updated fee schedule.
A typical development permit application which includes the review of a Sewage Facilities Planning Module and Tap-in Plans is $740 plus meter and connection fees.
Meter and connection fees are charged to the applicant after the tap-in plans are reviewed.
Additional Agency Approvals
Many developments within the PWSA service area require approvals from other governmental regulatory agencies. In order to expedite PWSA approvals, we maintain a list of resources and contacts for these agencies.
Maps and Records Requests
Looking for infrastructure maps, drill sheets, or other historical records for your project? PWSA maintains records that can be helpful for locating existing infrastructure.
Records provided may not represent current infrastructure due to policy changes over time. Maps and records do not supersede any State laws that require submission of a PA One Call request or the completion of any due diligence investigations on site.