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Utilities Permitting
Beginning January 1, 2024, UTWC sub-permits are no longer required for every permit with a scope of work that includes adding, changing, or removing plumbing fixtures.
Any/all project(s) that propose to add, change, or remove plumbing fixtures will be required to complete both an Engineering-Water and a Utilities Review on the building permit before it will be issued.
Please be advised that the Engineering-Water Review must be completed before the Utilities Review can be started.
- Utility Water Permit Sign Off Process Flyer (PDF)
- Utility Connection Permit Like for Like Fillable Permit Template (PDF)
- Utility Connection Permit Change Order Fillable Template (PDF)
- Required documentation for an Engineering-Water Permit includes:
- Architectural plans showing water fixtures and locations
- A completed ECU calculator - How to Complete an ECU Calculator (PDF)
- A current City of Aspen Utility Bill for the affected water account
Additional Information:
For additional background, the Engineering-Water Review will use the completed ECU Calculator—which includes the Outdoor Water Budget Worksheet—and Architectural plans to count the proposed number of water fixtures by type and assign the corresponding Equivalent Capacity Unit (ECU) rating of those fixtures. ECU or monetary credit for existing water fixtures will then be applied against the proposed fixture count/ECU rating as described in the City of Aspen (CoA) Municipal Code Section 25.12.070(c) to determine any Utility Investment Charges (aka “tap fees”) due for the project. The ECU rating and tap fees due will then be shown on a Review Utility Connection Permit (UCP) packet. A Review UCP packet will be provided to Applicant upon completion of the Engineering Water Review.
The Utilities Review can only begin after the Review UCP packet is provided by the Engineering Water Review. The Utilities Review process exists to confirm that the Review UCP packet is returned to the City with the Property Owner’s notarized signature. The Utility Investment Charges (aka “tap” fees) shown on the UCP will then be payable by the Applicant. For expedited service once permit moves to “Ready for Issue” status, payment of these fees through Salesforce software’s cart is recommended. Payment can also be made at the Community Development window in City Hall.
Questions?
Please see our Utility Review and Investment Fees FAQs (PDF).
Any additional questions regarding fixture counts, ECU Calculators, and/or general water fixture-related plans review should be directed to the Engineering Water Review group at (970) 920-5080.
Questions regarding the broader Utilities Permitting process should be directed to the Utilities Department at (970) 920-5110.
To apply for an electrical permit, complete the following steps:
- Register in the permit portal by clicking the gray button above labeled "Register for Permit Portal."
- Once registration is complete, begin filling out the permit application.
- When prompted to select a permit type, select ELEC.
If your permit application is served by the City's Electric Department AND requires new or higher-capacity electric service on the property, an Utilities Review will be required.
- To complete an Utilities Review a completed City of Aspen Load Form (PDF) and a copy of a recent City of Aspen Electric Bill for each affected account must be submitted with the permit application.
- More information on the City of Aspen Load Form, please see ECI Fee Handout (PDF) and the Load Form Helper Sheet (PDF).
- Failure to provide a fully completed CoA Electric Load Form will stop the Electrical Permit from moving forward with its review and approval.
- All of the information fields requested on the Electric Load Form and copies of the relevant CoA utility bill(s) are necessary. These documents will be used to determine/confirm the capacity requirements and billing information for the affected City electric accounts and to assess the appropriate Electric Community Investment, (ECI), fee(s). Any sections on the Electric Load Form that do not apply to the proposed project should have the “N/A” bubble marked above that field rather than left blank.
- More information on the City of Aspen Load Form, please see ECI Fee Handout (PDF) and the Load Form Helper Sheet (PDF).
Electric Community Investment (ECI Fee)
The Electric Community Investment (ECI) fee will be charged to any customer requesting services for new development or expansion of existing services within the City of Aspen Electric Service Area. The ECI fee will provide additional capital to the Electric Department to pay for a portion of the needed infrastructure to deliver electric services to new and expanded electric services. Effective January 1, 2018, all residential and commercial customers of the Aspen Electric Department shall pay the ECI fee.
Additional information:
Apply for a Photovoltaic (PV) Installation
Utility Connection Permits (UCPs) are required whenever development and/or improvement projects on an extraterritorial parcel seeking a connection to the City of Aspen potable water distribution system include plans to “add, change, or remove plumbing fixtures,” including outdoor fixtures and those used for irrigation.
To complete the City’s Pitkin County Water Permit (PCWP) please do the following:
- Click on the gray button above labeled "Register for Permit Portal" to register for an account in the City of Aspen permit portal.
- Once registered, please apply for a new permit. During the application, choose the "Pitkin County" Permit Type from the permit type drop down menu. (This is the only type of permit that includes the word "Pitkin").
- Complete all of the required fields and submit all required attachments. The required attachments include:
- Architectural Plans
- A completed ECU Calculator
- The Civil Utility Plan, if making any change to the tap and/or service line on the property.
- A Water Efficient Landscape/Irrigation Plan or at minimum a Pre-Submission Checklist (DOC X) signed by megan.killer@aspen.gov. For more information on the City's Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance and Standards, visit Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Webpage.
Please also be advised that pursuant to City of Aspen Municipal Code Section Sec. 25.08.090.(c): No water features will be allowed on Aspen Water utility accounts effective January 1, 2024, except for hot tubs and pools, and pursuant to Section Sec. 25.08.090.(d) single family residential water accounts served by city treated water will be eligible for a maximum of 4 ECUs per account/parcel effective January 1, 2023.
For more information about the process, please see the PCWP Sign Off Process Flyer (PDF).
WHY does the City of Aspen have Water Efficient Landscaping Standards (WELS)?
- To reduce outdoor water demand – 60-70% of Aspen’s treated water is sold for outdoor use.
- To promote the values and benefits of healthy landscapes while using water as efficiently as possible.
- To establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and managing water-efficient landscapes.
- To use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Water Budget for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount.
To learn more, please read our 2025 Water Efficient Landscaping Standards (PDF).
WHEN is a WELS review needed?
A WELS Review is generated from the Master Building Permit submission when 1 of the following apply:
- The disturbance area of the build or addition is over 1000 square feet AND greater than 25% of the entire lot.
- Permit applications with more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of affected area.
- All permit applications with internal work that demolishes greater than 50% of the existing structure.
If you aren’t sure if you will be triggered for a WELS review, send a Pre-Submission Checklist (PDF) to the WELS Plans Reviewer (megan.killer@aspen.gov | 970-429-1975)
WHAT do I need to submit?
WELS Application Package
- City-provided checklist of all documents. For list of documents, please see the WELS Document Requirements (PDF).
- Project information (WELS Section 3.1.2)
- Applicant signature with date with statement, “I agree to comply with the requirements of the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards and submit a complete WELS Application Package”.
- Complete Outdoor Water Budget Worksheet (XLS)
- Signed Landscape Design Plan
- Signed Irrigation Design Plan
Inspection Requirements (to be submitted before an inspection can be scheduled)
- Third Party WELS Irrigation Audit Report (PDF) and Irrigation Audit Approval Letter (PDF).
- Landscape and Irrigation As-Builts or plans noting “built according to plan.”
- Updated Outdoor Water Budget Worksheet or the approved noting “no deviations.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WELS - Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Webpage | 970-429-1975