London Bylaw Guide: Water & Sewer Connections

Utilities and Infrastructure Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Overview

This guide explains municipal rules and practical steps for developers connecting new sites to London, Ontario water and sewer systems. It summarizes available city guidance, application and inspection pathways, common compliance issues, and how enforcement and appeals are handled so you can plan design, budgeting and scheduling before site works begin.

Permits & Approvals

Developers must coordinate servicing with the city’s engineering and development services before construction. Typical stages include feasibility, servicing design, utility coordination, permit submission and inspection scheduling. Contact Development Engineering early to confirm capacity, right-of-way needs and any off-site works required Learn more about city water and sewer services[1].

Engage the city’s Development Engineering team at the design stage to avoid rework.

Penalties & Enforcement

The city enforces connection, excavation and discharge rules through municipal staff and bylaw channels; specific monetary fines and scales are not listed on the cited city pages, so exact amounts are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Enforcer: City of London engineering and bylaw units handle inspections and enforcement; complaints are submitted through official contacts listed in Resources.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; refer to official enforcement notices for numeric values.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences may be subject to escalating actions; ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, remedial work orders, permit suspensions and court action are possible depending on the breach.
  • Inspections: formal inspections required for connection, backflow prevention and commissioning; failure to pass may delay service activation.
If enforcement action is threatened, request the written order and note the appeal deadline immediately.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes application and servicing information through its development services pages; specific form names, numbers, fees and submission portals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with Development Engineering before filing.[2]

  • Forms: contact Development Engineering to obtain required water/sewer connection and servicing forms; some documents may require an online submission or in-person drop-off.
  • Fees: connection and inspection fees vary by project and are listed or quoted by the city on request; not specified on the cited page.
  • Deadlines: tie permit submissions to your construction schedule and allow lead time for design review and utility coordination.

Action Steps for Developers

  • Step 1: Confirm servicing availability and capacity with Development Engineering during predesign.
  • Step 2: Prepare servicing drawings and submit required applications and forms to the city for review.
  • Step 3: Coordinate private contractor work, city inspections and any required off-site works or trench reinstatement.
  • Step 4: Pay applicable fees and secure permits before activating services.
Keep inspection records and commissioning documentation until final acceptance.

FAQ

What approvals are required to connect a new development to city water and sewer?
Connections require development servicing approvals and permits from the city’s engineering/development services; confirm requirements early with Development Engineering.
Who inspects the connection work?
City engineering inspectors and bylaw officers conduct required inspections and issue occupancy or connection clearance where applicable.
What happens if work is done without a permit?
Unauthorized work may trigger stop-work orders, remedial orders, fines or court action; precise penalties are not specified on the cited city pages.

How-To

  1. Contact Development Engineering for servicing availability and preliminary requirements.
  2. Prepare and submit servicing drawings and any required applications to the city.
  3. Coordinate utility locates and schedule city inspections during connection works.
  4. Obtain final inspection sign-off and pay any outstanding fees before requesting service activation.

Key Takeaways

  • Engage city engineering early to avoid delays and extra costs.
  • Keep accurate inspection and commissioning records for final acceptance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London - Water and sewer services
  2. [2] City of London - Development Services

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