Contractor Resources

Permits

1. Plumbing Permits

   Applying

   Go to online.stpaul.gov to apply for plumbing permits.

   Click here for step-by-step application instructions.

   Types of Work Requiring a Plumbing Permit from SPRWS

   1. The installation and replacement of underground water services from the property line to the meter and underground piping within the property after the meter.
   2. The installation or replacement of backflow prevention devices and plumbing work associated with meter settings.
   3. The installation and replacement of water piping above ground after the meter in new and existing plumbing systems when the estimated value of the total market cost of the plumbing work exceeds $600.*

   *#3 Exception: In the city of Saint Paul ONLY, an SPRWS plumbing permit is not required if both of the following conditions are met:

   • Work is on an existing plumbing system with existing water service.
   • The contractor has obtained a plumbing permit from Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspection for both waste and water portions of the plumbing system.

   Areas Requiring Plumbing Permits

   Plumbing permits from SPRWS must be obtained before plumbing work starts in the following cities:

   • Falcon Heights
   • Lauderdale
   • Lilydale
   • Maplewood
   • Mendota
   • Mendota Heights
   • Saint Paul
   • West Saint Paul

   Delivery Mode and Time

   Upon SPRWS' acceptance of a valid credit card payment, the permit will be emailed to the contractor using the email we have on file within 24 hours.

   Refund Policy

   If the work has not started, a full refund will be made upon request of the permittee for cancelation of the permit.

2. Hydrant Permits (and Operation)

   Permits are required to operate water hydrants for construction use. As needs for each use vary, as do locations, size, and other options, if you require a permit to operate a hydrant, you will need to talk to someone at the engineering service desk to help determine the best fit for your needs. The engineering service desk can be reached at 651-266-6270 from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (Monday – Friday).

   Once you have a permit to use a water hydrant, it is essential to operate the hydrant properly. Failure to operate the hydrant properly can result in damage to the water mains near the hydrant. Operating a hydrant without a permit is against the law and subject to a fine of $1,000. Fire departments and other city departments also have the need to operate water hydrants as required by their work. It is essential for these personnel to operate the hydrants safely as well, to prevent damage to the water mains.

   How to Open and Close a Hydrant

   Steps from the video above as text:

   1. Prep the ground so you don’t do damage
   2. Remove the cap from where you are going to attach your diffuser or other attachment.
   3. Attach a diffuser or other attachment for dispersing the water. Be sure the other caps on the hydrant are closed.
   4. Open the hydrant clockwise.
      • For non-pacer hydrants - open a minimum of four turns and no more than eight turns. Some older hydrants may ‘chatter’ – if so, continue to open to a maximum of eight turns.
      • Pacer hydrants can be opened all the way.
      • If you are not sure of the difference, do not open more than eight turns. 
   5. When finished, close the hydrant, turning the wrench counter-clockwise VERY SLOWLY. This means turn the last few turns at a rate of 20 seconds per turn. If you fail to close the valve slowly, it could create a water hammer in the system. A water hammer can cause main breaks. 
   6. Use the hydrant to turn off the water. Do not turn off the water using a ball valve attached to the meter assembly.
   7. After closing the hydrant, be sure the water in the hydrant is wasting—the water needs to drain out completely before you put the cap back on the hydrant. 

3. Backflow Preventer Permits (and Testing)

   Saint Paul Regional Water Services requires plumbing contractors to obtain a plumbing permit before installing or replacing a backflow preventer.
   Only a person licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as a journeyman plumber may lawfully install, replace or rebuild backflow preventers; such person must also have a Certificate of Competency as a plumber/gasfitter issued by the City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections.

   Annual Testing Requirements

   Codes: Minnesota State Plumbing Code Section 4714.0603.5.23 as well as Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 94.18 require annual testing of reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies and testable double check valve assemblies.

   Tester Qualifications: Only a person licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as a “backflow preventer tester” may perform backflow preventer tests.

   Documentation requirement: To ensure the safety of public health and comply with code requirements, SPRWS requires annual submittal of complete documented test results on its Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Test Report or Testable Double Checks Form (PDF - 320 KB). Failure to provide this annually required documentation is a code violation and may result in discontinuation of water service.

   Filing Fees: No permit is required for testing or rebuilding a backflow preventer, however a filing fee does apply (currently $35.00 per device).

   Method of Payment: The plumber is not responsible for paying the testing fee beginning on January 1, 2018. The $35 testing fee will be applied to the customer's water bill.