Kelowna Sewer Connection Fees - City Bylaw

Utilities and Infrastructure British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 26, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Kelowna, British Columbia property owners and developers must follow municipal rules when applying for sewer connections. This guide explains how connection fees are administered, what permits or applications may be required, enforcement pathways, and practical steps to apply or dispute charges. For official procedures and utility billing guidance see the City of Kelowna utilities pages City of Kelowna utilities pages[1].

Overview of Sewer Connection Fees

Sewer connection fees in Kelowna typically cover system capacity, inspection and administrative costs charged at the time of development, building permit issuance, or when a new service is requested. Fees depend on property type, meter size, and whether the work occurs with subdivision or individual property development. Specific fee schedules and the controlling instrument are established by City bylaws and fee schedules.

Confirm the current fee schedule with City finance or development services before budgeting.

How fees are calculated

  • Capacity and connection charges: based on unit counts or Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs) where applied.
  • Permit and inspection fees: additional charges may apply when permits are required for excavation or plumbing work.
  • Administrative fees: plan review, processing and utility account setup fees may be added.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sewer connection requirements is carried out under applicable City of Kelowna bylaws and the authority of municipal departments responsible for utilities, bylaws, and development services. Exact monetary fines for unlawful connections, failure to obtain permits, or non-compliance are set by bylaw and may vary; where specific amounts are not published on the City utilities page they are not specified on the cited page.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: details for first, repeat or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to connect, stop-work orders, remediation orders, or court action may be imposed by the City.
  • Enforcer and inspection: By-law Enforcement, Utilities or Development Services staff carry out inspections and issue orders.
  • Complaint/report pathway: report suspected illegal connections or storm/sewer cross-connections to City services via official contact channels.
If you receive an enforcement notice, act quickly to meet deadlines and avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

Applications for sewer connections are generally made through the City of Kelowna Development Services or Building Permit process. Specific form names and numbers are published on City pages or in the applicable development servicing/bylaw schedules; if no published form is available for a particular request, the City accepts applications via the development services intake or utility billing office.

  • Connection application: see Development Services or Building Permit application procedures.
  • Fees: pay at time of application or permit issuance as required by the fee schedule.
  • Submission: in-person at City offices or via the City online portal where available.
Some projects require both a development servicing agreement and building permit before a sewer lateral is connected.

Action steps: apply, pay, report, appeal

  • Confirm whether your project needs a connection permit or is covered by subdivision servicing.
  • Request the current fee schedule from City Finance or Development Services before finalizing costs.
  • Book inspections and obtain written clearance before backfilling any excavations.
  • If you receive a notice, follow the appeal or review process outlined in the enforcement or bylaw notice.

FAQ

Who sets sewer connection fees in Kelowna?
The City of Kelowna sets fees through its bylaws and fee schedules; the responsible departments include Finance, Utilities and Development Services.
How can I find the exact fee for my property?
Request the current fee schedule from City Finance or Development Services and reference your property type, meter size or ERU classification.
What happens if a property is connected without a permit?
Non-permitted connections may result in orders to remedy, fines or court action under municipal bylaws.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the work requires a development servicing agreement or building permit with Development Services.
  2. Obtain the current fee schedule and calculate applicable connection and inspection fees.
  3. Submit the connection or permit application with required plans and pay applicable fees.
  4. Schedule and pass required inspections before final acceptance of the connection.
  5. If you disagree with a fee or enforcement action, file the prescribed review or appeal within the time limits stated on the notice or bylaw.

Key Takeaways

  • Fees vary by property type and are set by City bylaws or fee schedules.
  • Apply through Development Services or Building Permit processes and confirm inspection rules.
  • Contact City staff early to avoid delays and enforcement risks.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Kelowna utilities pages

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