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Development Services
When initiating a construction project, there may be a variety of requirements related to water service that must be undertaken as part of your project. These requirements are established and administered by Soquel Creek Water District.
Projects may include:
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- New construction
- Renovations requiring installation of a fire sprinkler system
- Renovations adding water fixtures beyond existing meter capacity
- Dedicated irrigation meters
- Relocating an existing water meter
See the correct tab below for your project.
Apply for New Water Service
START HERE: Download the New Water Service Installation Checklist to see the steps for getting a new water service. Once you fill out the online form and pay the Will Serve fee, District staff will follow up as soon as possible.
For a new Fire Service, see the tab below.
Note, for new service line installations, the customer is responsible for hiring a qualified contractor and paying for new service in addition to the fees listed on the appropriate type of construction below. Engineering deposits are held until final accounting is completed, and may result in a refund or invoice of costs in excess of the deposit several months after project completion.
All residential development projects where new dwelling units are added must be assessed by the District to determine new water service requirements. District Ordinance No. 25-01 requires that all residential units be supplied through individually metered service connections, supplied, and monitored by the District, except as prohibited by law. Depending on the proposed development, different application procedures and fees will apply.
All new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in our service area are required to have a District water service. Conversion or internal ADUs are not required to install a new water service.
Process
- View the ADU Requirements (PDF) to determine if your ADU is considered a conversion ADU.
- Read the New Water Service Installation Checklist
Fees
- Use the New Meter Sizing Worksheet (PDF) to figure out the fixture value units for your new ADU
- Input that number of fixtures into the New Water Service Charges for ADUs (PDF) to get your water capacity fee charge.
The following commercial project types must be assessed for water service requirements by the District:
- All new commercial developments
- Commercial expansions and/or changes in use
Water service requirements for commercial projects may include a new water service, additional metering, a change in meter size, and/or new District infrastructure. Note, for new service line installations, the customer is responsible for hiring a qualified contractor and paying for a new service in addition to the fees listed below.
Process
Projects which require a new domestic service or a change in domestic service size will follow this process:
Larger or more complex projects that may require a mainline extension, more than one hydrant, or other improvements beyond a new service may require an infrastructure agreement. These projects require assessment on a case-by-case basis by District staff, but these projects typically follow this process:
Fees
The total District fees for new water service for commercial construction are best assessed on a case-by-case basis. A customized estimate will be prepared after an application with a detailed project description is submitted.
Fire Service Only
If the project does not need a will-serve letter for your permitting process, but the fire department is requiring changes or upgrades to the fire protection system, please fill out the new fire service online form.
If you are remodeling or rebuilding a home or making commercial tenant improvements, which triggers the addition of fire sprinklers, this page will outline the process of constructing a new fire water service or hydrant.
Start Here: Download the New Fire Service Installation Checklist.
New Unit
If you are building a brand new unit (i.e., the number of habitable units on the property is increasing) or your commercial unit is changing use, please visit the correct tab on this page for accessory dwelling units (ADU), single-family homes, or commercial developments and expansions.
Size of Fire Service
The Fire District determines the size of the fire service. They must review your building plans and sign off on the bottom portion of our Fire Protections Requirement Form (PDF).
Most single-family residences will require our 2-inch Fire Service, which will follow Standard Detail S-17 or S-20, depending on the project.
Installation
You will need to hire your own contractor to install the new Fire Service and tap the watermain in the street. This process is detailed in the Applicant Installed Service Flow Chart (PDF).
Costs & Rates
- Each fire service will require one new 'detector check' water meter – the standard 5/8 inch size. Please refer to our current Rates and Fees page. Fire services are not subject to water capacity fees, only the cost of the meter.
- You will also be responsible for paying the District an Admin/Inspection deposit to cover our time reviewing and inspecting your Contractor's work. This amount is determined based on the size of the project.
Request More Information
Please check the District Boundary Map to make sure your project is within our District boundaries. If it is, you may reach out for more information and a staff member will review your project and get back to you for the next steps.
Please complete the online submission form for new Fire Services or by phone at 831-475-8500, ext. 165.
Fire Flow Information
If you are looking for Fire Flow information for the nearest hydrant to perform your own hydraulic calculations for a fire sprinkler suppression system, please complete this online form. Allow 2-5 days for a response. Please do not call the office.
Note: The Engineering Department does not work on Fire Flows on Fridays
All residential development projects where new dwelling units are added must be assessed by the District to determine new water service requirements. District Ordinance No. 25-01 requires that all residential units be supplied through individually metered service connections, supplied, and monitored by the District, except as prohibited by law. Depending on the proposed development, different application procedures and fees will apply.
Process
Single-Family Homes
All new construction single-family homes in our service area are required to have a District water service. Conversion or internal ADUs are not required to install a new water service.
- New Water Service Installation Checklist
Minor Land Divisions, Residential Subdivisions, Townhomes, and Apartments Process
Some residential projects may require additional District infrastructure to serve them adequately. These projects are generally larger and/or more complex and require assessment on a case-by-case basis. District staff will assist you in determining what may be required for your project.
Fees
- View the Rates and Fees page for current Water Capacity Fees or download the New Water Service Charges for Single and Multi-Family Construction (PDF)
Fire Service Only
If your project doesn’t meet the above criteria, but the fire department requires a new fire service or fire hydrant for your project, please reference the Remodels & Fire Service section on this page.