The Development Permit application process is an umbrella term for three (3) distinct submittals that result in one permit. The submittals include:

• The water and sewer use application.
• The DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module (SFPM).
• Tap-in plan review.

A project is not considered permitted until all three have been approved through our Engineering Department.

Water and Sewer Use Application

Every new land development or renovation project increasing existing water use must complete the water and sewer use application. The purpose of the application is to understand the current water usage and sewage discharge of a development and the new water usage and sewer discharge. This information will determine what fees are due at the end of the process and inform the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to determine if an SFPM is required. The water and sewer use application is an essential first step to ensure all regulations are followed.

Sewage Facilities Planning Module (SFPM)

The SFPM is required for developments that meet a minimum threshold set by the DEP. If a development is adding enough sewage flow to trigger an SFPM, the applicant must submit information about the capacity of the sewers to which the flow will be added. This information will ensure that the sewers will not experience a dry-weather overflow. Pittsburgh has combined sewers which means rainwater and sewer flow into one pipe. A dry-weather overflow means that the sewer is to its capacity when it is not raining. After PWSA review, several agencies also review the SFPM, including ALCOSAN, several City of Pittsburgh Departments, City Council, and finally, the DEP. This is typically the portion of the development permit process that takes the most time.

A chronological list of steps of the Development Process as shown on our website.

Tap-in Plan Review

While the SFPM is making its way through the agencies, a tap-in plan can be submitted for a concurrent review. The tap-in plan is the technical drawings designed by an engineer that shows where and how PWSA infrastructure connections will be constructed. PWSA plan reviewers ensure that the drawings meet our minimum standards and identify any issues.

Once all three submittals are approved, PWSA engineering techs can provide the fee. The applicant then pays the fee, and the permit is issued. You can read more about the roles of the development services team in the February newsletter.

How long does it take?

Review times can vary for each application. PWSA maintains a goal of under 30 days per review. Review times are tracked through our Headwaters Performance dashboard. As of the publication of the April newsletter, we are averaging 13.60 days per review. That means an applicant will receive a response from our engineering department in under two weeks. 

The process may seem complicated, but we have a team of experts ready to help. Begin the conversation by scheduling a free pre-development meeting.