Water and Sewer

Sewer Connection Fees

Information Only - Not a Legal Notice

 Sanitary sewers are now available to serve most properties in Rochester hills.  The sewer on your street was approved for connection and notice of availability was published. 

Note:  check with the Department of Public Services 248-656-4685 to verify availability to your lot.

If you own an existing home, you may pay for the connection of the sanitary sewer under one of two options:

1. Pay the connection fee (capital and lateral charges) in full, currently $3,000.00.  Capital and lateral charges do not include inspections and contractor fees or,
   
   
2. Pay the connection fee (capital and lateral charge) over a 20 year period (utility obligation agreement).  A lien is placed on your property with interest of 8% per annum on the unpaid balance.  Properties using agreements will receive a bill for the 20 year debt in the amount of $25.09 per month and become a part of the water and/or sewer bill.  You will begin making payments on the next billing date of your cycle.  You will not be billed for sewage treatment until the connection is made and approved.  Since the lien is placed on the property, the deed holder(s) of record must enter into the agreement. If purchase is being made on a land contract, all parties (buyer and seller) must enter into the utility obligation agreement.

Please note that the first installment payment is due at the time of sign-up for the 20 year utility obligation agreement.

The lien may be paid off at any time.  The lien must be retired if property is sold subject to a new mortgage.  A land contract sale or assumption would not require a pay-off.

If a resident desires to use the utility obligation agreement,  proof of ownership of property must be presented to the public  service department.  The warranty deed (recorded) or the title  insurance policy (not the commitment for title insurance) must  be presented.  All parties listed on the deed or title insurance  policy must sign the utility obligation agreement, have it  witnessed and notarized.

A pre-inspection must be approved before paying for the capital and lateral charges. A permit may be pulled after the charges are paid and an approved pre-inspection has been obtained.   All charges relating to these items are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Summary:

1) A pre-inspection of the dwelling must be approved by the Rochester Hills Building Department. The pre-inspection expires (6) six months after approval date.  The Building Department is located on the upper level of the City Hall, 1000 Rochester Hills Drive.  (248-656-4615)
2) After obtaining an approved pre-inspection, connection charges must be paid.
3) A permit can then be issued to a licensed contractor/homeowner to install the sanitary sewer from your dwelling to the property line.

A list of licensed contractors, for underground utilities only, is available at the Department of Public Services Department, upper level, City Hall, 1000 Rochester hills drive.  248-656-4685

All work done by the contractor/homeowner is subject to inspection.  Individual consideration between the homeowner and the contractor is the homeowner's responsibility.

Note:  the contractor/homeowner will be required to present to the Department Public Services the paid permit number issued to  the homeowner at the time payment of sewer charges is made.  This number would be "sooo" followed by four numbers, (if financed) or pds followed by four numbers (if paid in full).

 Customer Charge: 

$12.90 per bill (if water and sewer)

6.46 per bill (if water only)

6.44 per bill (if sewer only)

 Water Capacity Charge (based on the meter size as listed below):  

     Meter Size                                Water Capacity Charge ($)

5/8"	3.46
1"	5.52
1 1/2"	16.94
2"	58.76
3"	79.46
4"	134.76
6"	311.00
8"	639.26

 

Sewer Capacity charge: 

Sewer	$2.06 per bill per city unit factor
	(Residential = 1 unit)

Commodity charge: 
   

Water	$2.45 per unit (no minimum)
Sewer	$2.26 per unit (no minimum)

  Flat Rate Sewer:
  

Customer Charge	$ 6.44
Capacity Charge	2.06
Commodity Charge	36.16
Total	$44.66

 Commercial and out of city residents connected to the City of Rochester Hills water and/or sewer system will need to contact the Accounting Department for correct billing charges at 248-656-4688

Note: For those residents connected to both water and sanitary sewer, a second meter is available to meter outside water usage.  Click here for diagram

All of the above charges and rates are subject to change. The Department of Public Services is located on the upper level of the city hall, 1000 Rochester Hills Drive. 248-656-4685.