Taps & Meters

What types of plans are reviewed for utility plan review?

1. New Construction – Residential and Commercial
2. Additions – Residential and Commercial
3. Change of Use or Occupancy - Residential and Commercial
4. House Moves – Residential
5. Fire-Line Plan Checks- Commercial
6. Site Work – Commercial
7. Remodel or Build Out – Residential and Commercial

What items are reviewed during utility review?

1. Wastewater capacity reservation (WCR) letter and impact fee receipt
2. Infrastructure requirements based on instructions provided in the WCR letter
3. Validation letter – When no impact fees are due for sewer you are required to have a validation form authorized by Impact Fee Administration.
4. Points of connection for water and sewer
5. Total covered square footage of the building, including additions
6. Meter sizes and tap size
7. Number of units served by water meters and sewer
8. Impact fee exemption forms – All required documents must be submitted
9. Demolition project number

What should I upload in ProjectDox for utility review?

All documents for utility review should be uploaded into the Utility Letters folder. The documents listed below are most commonly uploaded for utility review. Other documents could be required based on the specific requirements for your project.

• Wastewater capacity reservation (WCR) letter (required)
• Impact fee receipt (required if not exempt from impact fees)
• Impact fee exemption form: to be approved for impact fee exemption you must upload the exemption form and supporting documents in the Utility folder.
• Impact fee exemption supporting documents:
  • Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) and
  • One of the following: sales sheet, price breakdown form, or buyer and seller contract.
• Validation form: this document is validated by Impact Fee Administration and is only needed if it is stated on your WCR Letter.
• Common area agreement (customer contract): this is validated by Infrastructure and given back to the customer to upload with their plans.>
• Letter of Commitment (Extension Language): this is validated by Infrastructure and given back to the customer to upload with their plans.
• Clear Lake Water Authority letter: this is only needed if it is stated on your WCR Letter.
• TCEQ letter: required if your property is being served by a septic tank system, and this requirement will be listed on your WCR Letter.
• MUD 450 letter: required if your project is in the boundaries for Municipal Utility District 450.
• Shopping center approval letter: these letters are used for change of use for retail and are issued by Impact Fee Administration.

What is a small meter?

Small Domestic Meters

Small domestic water meters are any size meter that is 2” and smaller that may service a permanent structure that can be for residential, multi-family, commercial, or government use. Please see the Small Meter Permit Requirements guide on how to apply for a Domestic meter.

Small Irrigation Meters

Small irrigation water meters that are 2” and smaller and used for plant or landscape irrigation purposes only. They may be used as an additional meter on a property with a Domestic meter, or to irrigate vacant lands such as land along the right-of-way, esplanades, parks, and private property. Please see the Small Meter Permit Requirements guide on how to apply for an Irrigation meter.

Ultrasonic Fire-rated meters

Ultrasonic meters are small water meters that are 2” and smaller that are used when there is a fire suppression system required for your development.

When do I apply for a Small Water Meter?

New Construction

You can apply for a small water meter after your building or utility plans have been approved by Utility Review in Taps & Meters. 1” Meter is the minimum size for new residential and commercial developments.

Enlargement

If you are requesting a larger meter size than the meter you already have existing at your site, then you will apply for a small meter enlargement.

Example: I have a 5/8” meter and I would like to enlarge it to a 1” meter.

Meter Relocation

If you want to move your existing meter to a different location on your lot that is adjacent to the City of Houston right-of-way.

Meter Separation

If you are sharing a meter with another unit and would like to install your own meter.

Cut, Plug, and Abandon Meter

If you no longer require your meter or need to remove an existing meter from your site, apply for a cut, plug, and abandon permit. This permit is also used to close out any existing water accounts associated with your property.

Meter Changeout

Meter changeouts facilitate the replacement of a domestic meter with an Ultrasonic fire-rated meter.

How do I apply for a small water meter?

Online small meter application

Click here to apply for a small meter. Please download the Small Meter Permit Requirements guide to assist you with additional documents required with your permit application.

What happens after Taps & Meters processes my small meter application?

When Taps & Meters approves your application you will be given a Water New Service (WNS) number. The WNS number will be your identifier for your permit for any future updates.

After Taps & Meters approves your small water meter application it is completed by Customer Account Services (CAS) New Service group. CAS New Service is responsible for issuing the invoice for your small water meter permit and setting up new water accounts. If any water or drainage accounts associated with your site are not in good standing, you will not be able to purchase your permit until the account issues are resolved. If you have a billing issue and Customer Account Service at HPC has given you instruction to call the CAS Call Center, you can reach them at 713-371-1400. If you have a billing issue the CAS Call Center is your point of contact to update existing accounts. We are unable to update existing accounts at the Houston Permitting Center.

If you have questions about your permit invoice or work order status, please email CAS New Service at [email protected]. Provide your service address and WNS number.

Once you pay your invoice the plumber of your choice will receive a permit work order from Customer Account Services within 10-15 business days, communicating that the inspection can be set up with the Inspections group and your plumber.

In event that your application is rejected, you will receive an email from Taps & Meters indicating why your application was not approved and what items to provide. You will then be encouraged to submit a new application with the correct documents and information.

If you have application-related questions you may contact us at 832 394.8888.

Helpful Links

What is a transient meter?

A transient water meter service is a “temporary” meter typically installed on a publicly-owned fire hydrant. A transient meter is only permitted for commercial use. They are generally used to provide water for construction projects. They are not designed to provide potable water service in place of installing a permanent water service.

What items are required when I apply for a transient meter?

Please refer to the procedures on detailed requirements for each item. 

• Transient meter procedures
• Original letter on the company's letterhead requesting a transient meter
• Deposit fee based on the size of the meter being requested
• Approved backflow prevention device
• Driver license of company representative
• Company tax ID number

How do I apply for a transient meter?

You can apply for a transient meter with Taps & Meters online at https://www.houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov/ProdDP/Billing/AccountBasedServiceRequest/TransientWaterMeterApplicationRequest/transient. You will need to have all the required documents outlined in the procedures for your use.

What happens after Customer Account Services processes my transient meter application?

When Customer Account Services approves your application, you will be given a WNS (Water New Service) number. The WNS number will be your identifier for your permit for any future updates.

Transient meters will be delivered to the specified job site within 48 hours after the application is accepted and the required deposit is paid and posted to the account. To schedule an appointment for delivery, please call the Transient Water Meter Section at 832.395.6285 between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. For any inquiries, please email [email protected].

Do I need to be present for the installation of a transient meter?

Yes, you or your company representative must be present so the technician can review the final installation and operating instructions with you. You will be asked to sign a verification form indicating the condition of the equipment, meter reading, etc.

What is a large meter?

Large compound meter

A large compound meter is a water meter that is 3 inches or larger, and used for domestic and fire services. These may service a permanent structure that can be used for multi-family, commercial, or government.

Fire only large meter

A fire-only large meter is a water meter that is 3 inches or larger, and serves fire only. These may service a permanent structure that can be use for multi-family, commercial, or government.

Irrigation large meter

An irrigation large meter is a water meter that is 3 inches or larger, and services a property for landscape irrigation or livestock purposes only.

When do I apply for a large water meter?

New and existing construction

Apply for a large water meter after you have received an approved Building Code Enforcement (BCE) utility plan and an approved OCE Plan and Profile provided by the Office of the City Engineer.

Commercial and multifamily developments located Outside the City Limits (OCL) will need an OCL plumbing and utility plan approval from Building Code Enforcement's Plumbing Inspections section.

Cut, plug, and abandon meter

If you no longer require a water meter and need to remove an existing large water meter from the property, you will apply for a cut, plug, and abandon of your large water meter.

How do I apply for a large water meter?

Online large meter application

1. Review the Large Meter Permit Requirements document
2. Fill out Large Job Application - Meters 
3. Email the application and required documents to [email protected]. Please put "Large Job Request" in the email subject line.

Note: Please read the Large Meter Permit Requirements to identify the required documents for your large meter request. There are different requirements and documents that will need to be provided based on project classification.

What happens after my large meter application is approved?

When Taps & Meters approves your application, you will be given a Water New Service (WNS) number. The WNS number will be your identifier for your permit for any future updates. After Taps & Meters approves your large water meter application, Customer Account Services completes the request. Customer Account Services issues invoices for your large water meter permit and sets up new water accounts. If any accounts associated with your permit are not in good standing, you will not be able to purchase your permit until the account issues are resolved. Customer Account Services staff at the Houston Permitting Center may instruct you to call the Customer Account Services call center to resolve billing issues for existing accounts. The call center can be reached at 713.371.1400. We are unable to update existing accounts at the Houston Permitting Center.

Once you pay your invoice, your plumber will receive a work order within 10-15 business days from Customer Account Services to set up an inspection with the Inspections group. If you have not received an invoice or permit work order after receiving a WNS number you may contact Customer Account Service by email at [email protected]

Helpful links:

What is a water meter easement?

A water meter easement is a small piece of land dedicated for a water meter, in which the City of Houston staff can access or install infrastructure.

The purpose of an easement is to safeguard Power and Water's Right of Access to construct, inspect, operate, repair, replace and maintain assets located on private property and to regulate the activities of others within the easement to ensure the safety of all people and safe and reliable operation of the asset.

When is a water meter easement required?

A water meter easement is required for meters that are 3 inches or larger. A water meter easement may be required for meters that are 2 inches or smaller if the meter will be placed on private property. 

When do I apply for a water meter easement?

New and existing construction

You can apply for a water meter easement after your building plans are approved by Utility Review in Taps & Meters. Requirements form other departments include an approved public plan set from the Office of the City Engineer.

It is common for the utility contractor working on the project to coordinate the approval of the meter easement process as it is ultimately tied to the release and installation of the meter itself.

What items are required when I apply for a water meter easement?

Note: please refer to procedures on detailed requirements for each item.

Easement Document Requirements: one of these options must be provided prior to set up of work order. Your specified project will dictate which option you choose to submit.

Option A

• Easement Dedication Submittal - Taps and Meters (OCE-5021)
• 584 Form - original signatures and notarized (owner)
• Recorded deed (owner)
• 11-inch by 17-inch mylar plat signed by registered surveyor
• Metes and Bounds signed by registered surveyor

Option B

• Recorded replat indicating meter easement with Harris County File Number - must have County Clerk's signature and seal
• An electronic copy will be required

Option C

• City of Houston property
• 11-inch by 17-inch mylar plat signed by registered surveyor
• Metes and Bounds signed by registered surveyor

How do I apply for a water meter easement?

You can apply for a water meter easement approval by submitting your documents by email. Please call us at 832.394.8888 for more information on easement submittal requirements. You will need to have all required documents outlined in procedures. A Meter easement cannot be submitted without first obtaining a Job number. Please refer to the Large Meter Procedure link to obtain a Job number.

What happens after the water easement documents have been received?

Once all required documents are submitted for review, the process typically takes up to 8 weeks to gain approval and ultimately record the easement document. During this process:

• The documents will be reviewed by Taps & Meters and then forwarded to the City of Houston Legal department.
• The Legal department reviews and approves any requested amendments.
• The Survey team reviews the technical documents and approves the legal description for the property and verifies the information on the mylars. 
• If any corrections are needed regarding the requested easement, an email will be sent to the contact agents listed on the Large Job Information Sheet.
• The Real Estate team records the conveyance document when the mylars and the 584 form are approved.  

What is a Sponsor Change?

A sponsor change is the process of updating or changing the utility contractor that has been selected to perform the installation of your public utilities. This item may be accepted during or after the permitting process for utilities with the Taps & Meters group.

What items are required when I apply for a Sponsor Change?

Note: Please refer to the Sponsor Change Form for detailed requirements.

• COH Sponsor Change form
• Letter of authorization from the property owner stating the request

How do I apply for a Sponsor Change?

You can request a sponsor change in person at the Houston Permitting Center by pulling a W800 ticket in the main lobby for the Utilities Customer Service Group in Taps & Meters. You will need to have all the required documents outlined in procedures depending on your use.

What happens after Customer Account Services processes your Sponsor Change form?

After the sponsor change form is processed, the new plumber of your choice will receive a work order within 24-48 hours from Customer Account Services, communicating that the inspection can be set up with the inspections group and your plumber.

The Contractor must contact the Water Maintenance Inspection Supervisor of the City Inspector assigned to that project and schedule an inspection of the installation. This must be done at least two (2) working days prior to the meter installation.

The Letter of Authorization will be issued after inspection and meter fees have been received and posted to your account by Customer Account Services.

What is a Water Main Extension, Abandonment, or Offset?

Water Main Extension

A water main extension is the continuation of an existing public water main located in the City of Houston Right-of-Way or public utility easement.

Water Main Abandonment

A water main abandonment is the removal of an existing public water main located in the City of Houston Right-of-Way or public utility easement.

Water Main Offset

A water main offset is the vertical relocation of a portion of an existing public water main located in the City of Houston Right-of-way or public utility easement.

When do I apply for these Water main permits?

New & Existing Construction

You can apply for a water main permit after your utility public plan set is approved by the Office of City Engineer (OCE). The plans must show your proposed water main offset, water main extension, or water main abandonment.

How do I apply for a Water main permit?

Online Large Job Application

You can submit your Large Job Application - Non-Billable and required documents to [email protected]. Please put "Large Job Request" in the subject line. (Water main abandon, water main extension, water main offset)

You must have all required documents for your use as outlined in the procedures.

What happens after Taps & Meters processes my large job water main application?

When Taps & Meters approves your application you will be given a Water New Service (WNS) number. The WNS number will be your identifier for your permit for any future updates.

After Taps & Meters approves your large job application it is completed by a Taps and Meters Customer Service Representative (CSR). The CSR is responsible for issuing the invoice for your large water main permit and sending your work order to the Office of the City Engineer's Construction Services section. If you have a construction or inspections issue or questions, you may contact the Construction Services at 832.394.9079.

Once you pay your invoice, the plumber of your choice will receive a work order within 10-15 business days from a Taps and Meters CSR. A copy of the signed work order and permit will be sent to the Inspectors.

When are Non-Developer Participation Contract Bonds (NON-DPC) required?

Statutory Payment and Performance Bonds for jobs costing more than $25,000. Bond amount for Statutory Payment and Performance Bond is 100% of job cost. Performance and Payment Bonds must be obtained by the Developer/Owner as per Section 47-163(4). 

Statutory Payment and Performance bond require Legal Department’s approval. Bonds must be submitted with two weeks in advance with contract pages to verify ownership, contractor, signatures, scope of work and cost. Bonds will be sent to the Legal Department for their review and approval. Once approved, the contractor will be notified.

Non-DPC Performance and Payment Bond Package

What are the Fire Hydrant Permits?

Fire Hydrant Installation

Fire Hydrant Installation permits are required when a new fire hydrant needs to be installed on an existing public water main located in the City of Houston Right-of-Way or public utility easement.

Fire Hydrant Relocation

Fire Hydrant Relocation permits are required when an existing fire hydrant needs to be:

• removed and a new fire hydrant needs to be installed on an existing public water main located in the City of Houston Right-of-Way or public utility easement; or
• moved to a different location on the water main.

When do I apply for these Fire Hydrant permits?

You can apply for a water main permit after your utility public plan set are approved by the Office of City Engineer (OCE). The plans must show your proposed fire hydrant relocation or fire hydrant installation.

How do I apply for a Water main permit?

Online Large Job Application

You can submit your Large Job Application - Non-Billable and required documents to [email protected]. Please put "Large Job Request" in the subject line. (Fire Hydrant Installation, Fire Hydrant Relocation)

You must have all required documents for your use as outlined in the procedures.

What happens after Taps & Meters processes my large job Fire Hydrant application?

When Taps & Meters approves your application you will be given a Water New Service (WNS) number. The WNS number will be your identifier to your permit for any future updates.

After Taps & Meters approves your large job application it is completed by a Taps and Meters Customer Service Representative (CSR). The CSR is responsible for issuing the invoice for your large water main permit and sending your work order to the Office of the City Engineer's Construction Services section. If you have a construction or inspections issue or questions, you may contact the Construction Services section at 832.394.9079.

Once you pay your invoice, the plumber of your choice will receive a work order within 10-15 business days from a Taps and Meters CSR. A copy of the signed work order and permit will be sent to the Inspectors.

What is a Sanitary Sewer Tap permit?

A sanitary sewer taps is when a lateral sanitary service line taps to an existing public sewer main or manhole located in the City of Houston Right-of-Way or public utility easement.

All lateral sanitary sewer taps serve an existing or proposed commercial or residential structure.

When do I apply for these Sanitary Tap permits?

Tap to direct to exiting main or tap to a manhole

You can apply for a sanitary sewer tap after the proposed building plans are approved by Utility Review in Taps & Meters, and after your utility public plan set are approved by the Office of City Engineer (OCE). The plans must show your proposed sanitary sewer tap to the sewer main or manhole. An excavation permit is required from the Street Cuts group.

How do I apply for a Sanitary Tap permit?

Apply by email only

You can apply for Sewer permits with the Taps & Meters section by email at  [email protected] . You will need to have all the required documents outlined in the procedures depending on your use.

At this time in-person applications will not be accepted.

What happens after Taps & Meters processes my Sanitary Sewer tap application?

When Taps & Meters review approves your application you will be assisted by a Customer Service Representative and prompted to pay for your permit.

After Taps & Meters approves your sanitary tap application it is completed by a Taps and Meters Customer Service Representative (CSR). The CSR is responsible for issuing the invoice for your permit and sending your work order to the Office of the City Engineer's Construction Services section. If you have a construction or inspections issue or questions, you may contact the Construction Services at 832.394.9079.

Once you pay your invoice, the plumber of your choice will receive a work order within 10-15 business days from a Taps and Meters CSR. A copy of the signed work order and permit will be sent to the Inspectors.

What is a Sewer Main Extension or Abandonment?

Sanitary Sewer Main Extension

A sewer main extension is the continuation of an existing public sewer main located in the City of Houston Right-of-Way or public utility easement.

Sanitary Sewer Main Abandonment

A sewer main abandonment is the removal of an existing public sewer main located in the City of Houston Right-of-Way or public utility easement.

When do I apply for these Sewer main permits?

You can apply for a water main permit after your utility public plan set are approved by the Office of City Engineer (OCE). The plans must show your proposed sewer main extension or sewer main abandonment.

How do I apply for a Sewer main permit?

Online Large Job Application

You can submit your large meter application and required documents to [email protected]. Please put "Large Job Request" in the subject line. (Sewer main abandon, Sewer main extension)

You will need to have all the required documents outlined in the procedures depending on your use.

Apply by email only

You can apply for Sewer permits with the Taps & Meters section by email at  [email protected]. You will need to have all the required documents outlined in the procedures depending on your use.

At this time in-person applications will not be accepted.

What happens after Taps & Meters processes my Sewer main application?

After Taps & Meters approves your sanitary tap application it is completed by a Taps and Meters Customer Service Representative (CSR). The CSR is responsible for issuing the invoice for your permit and sending your work order to the Office of the City Engineer's Construction Services section. If you have a construction or inspections issue or questions, you may contact the Construction Services section at 832.394.9079.

Once you pay your invoice, the plumber of your choice will receive a work order within 10-15 business days from a Taps and Meters CSR. A copy of the signed work order and permit will be sent to the Inspectors.

When are Non-Developer Participation Contract Bonds (NON-DPC) required?

Statutory Payment and Performance Bonds for jobs costing more than $25,000. Bond amount for Statutory Payment and Performance Bond is 100% of job cost. Performance and Payment Bonds must be obtained by the Developer/Owner as per Section 47-163(4). 

Statutory Payment and Performance bond require Legal Department’s approval. Bonds must be submitted with two weeks in advance with contract pages to verify ownership, contractor, signatures, scope of work and cost. Bonds will be sent to the Legal Department for their review and approval. Once approved, the contractor will be notified.

Non-DPC Performance and Payment Bond Package

Why should I apply for a TxDOT permit with Taps & Meters?

You will apply for a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) permit when your project includes any utility construction in the TxDOT right of way. You must have an approved TxDOT permit to apply for City of Houston permits if located in the right of way.

If you are applying for a water or sewer main extension, you will need to provide public plan sets approved by the Office of the City Engineer. 

How do I apply for a TxDOT permit?

To apply for a TxDOT permit, TxDOT requires the following:

• Plan and profile of water and sewer connections. Must be drawn to scale and clearly show the right-of-way, distance from the utility line to the edge of the pavement, and any existing utility lines (water, sewer, storm, etc.) and the horizontal and vertical distances. A sketch will be fine. In the case of a water or sewer extension, the plan and profiles must be approved by the Office of the City Engineer.
• Traffic control plan, if required
• Proposed construction schedule (beginning and finishing dates)
• Provide a brief description of the type of work to be done
• A map of the area

Submit the completed application and plans to [email protected]. The link to TxDOT application above is used for water and sewer requests only. Each type of request should be a separate application. 

The project information will be submitted to TxDOT and we will notify you when TxDOT sends updates. We, the Taps & Meters section, act as a liaison between you and TxDOT. This means we upload the information provided to us into TxDOT's online permit system, called the UIR. If TxDOT has any comments, we will notify you, wait for your response, and update the application in the UIR system accordingly.  

We do not control TxDOT's response time. We will do our part to submit the information provided to us as quickly as possible and will update you as we receive updates from TxDOT.

In accordance with the Texas Administrative Code Title 43, Part 1, the City of Houston will request a permit from TxDOT for utility connection to City of Houston utility located within TxDOT right-of-way.

• TxDot Permit Application Form
• TxDot Water Details
• TxDot Sanitary Sewer Details
• TxDot right-of-way Map