Thank you for your interest in working with the Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District. The steps below outline what to expect before, during, and after construction. Following this process will help ensure timely approvals and a smooth transition to service.
Phase I focuses on planning, review, and securing the necessary approvals before any construction begins. During this stage, developers submit pre-applications, engineered plans, and required documentation for both District and State review. Completing these steps thoroughly and in the correct order helps prevent delays, ensures compliance with District standards, and sets the foundation for a smooth construction process.
1. Submit a Pre-Application
All new construction projects must begin with a pre-application. The pre-application allows the District to:
- Evaluate available system capacity
- Estimate projected water usage
- Identify required upgrades
- Review fire protection needs
Please complete the application as thoroughly as possible. A submission fee is required (contact our office for current rates). Once reviewed, you will receive a formal letter indicating approval or disapproval of the project.
2. Submit Engineered Plans
Projects involving water main extensions or new construction require engineered plans prepared by a North Carolina licensed professional engineer. Plans should be submitted early to allow time for:
- District review
- Comments or revisions
- Final approval and stamping
Once all revisions are complete, resubmit final plans for District approval. Approved plans will be stamped “Approved.”
3. Submit Approved Plans to the State of North Carolina
All extensions, additions, or capacity increases must be submitted to the State for approval. This is typically handled by your engineer.
- Developers are responsible for obtaining state approval.
- State review may take 2–8 weeks.
- A state plan review fee is required at submission.
After approval, provide the District with a copy of the State’s approval letter.
4. Obtain Required Easements & Permits
Depending on your project, additional permits may be required:
- Municipal building or street-cut permits
- NCDOT encroachment agreements (if within state right-of-way)
- Utility easements for all mains maintained by the District
If a water main crosses private property, a permanent easement must be secured. Encroachment agreements with NCDOT are the responsibility of the developer and/or project engineer.
5. Verify Existing Utilities
Before construction begins, verify the location of all utilities. Contact NC811.org + any additional required individual utility providers.
6. Schedule a Pre-Construction Meeting
Once state-approved plans are returned, schedule a pre-construction meeting with the District. This meeting confirms:
- Materials
- Timeline
- Construction procedures
- Inspection expectations
Requirements
Questions?
We’re here to help ensure your project moves forward smoothly. Contact the Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District main office at:
(828) 253-5551
Phase II is when approved plans move into active construction. During this stage, infrastructure is installed in accordance with District standards and the stamped engineering plans. Clear communication, proper documentation of any minor adjustments, and written approval for major changes help keep the project on track. This phase concludes with required sanitation and testing to ensure the system is safe, compliant, and ready to be placed into service.
1. Notice to Proceed
After completing all required pre-construction steps, the District will issue a Notice to Proceed. Construction must:
- Follow approved engineering plans
- Meet District minimum standards
Minor variations (such as slight line shifts or meter box adjustments) must be documented on the plans. Major variations require written pre-approval from the District and include:
- Substitution of pipe materials
- Reduction in required valves or hydrants
- Substitution of fittings or construction materials
- Major relocation of proposed mains
2. Sanitize & Test Infrastructure
All new infrastructure must be:
- Sanitized per state regulations
- Tested for absence of coliform bacteria
Test results must be submitted to both the District and the State before the system can be placed into service.
Requirements
Questions?
We’re here to help ensure your project moves forward smoothly. Contact the Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District main office at:
(828) 253-5551
Phase III finalizes the project and prepares the infrastructure for official service. During this stage, required documentation is submitted, easements are deeded to the District, and as-built plans are provided. Ownership of the infrastructure is formally transferred, an in-service date is issued, and the one-year warranty period begins. Completing this phase properly ensures a smooth transition to long-term operation and maintenance.
1. Submit Inspection Guarantee Form
A signed inspection guarantee form must be submitted to confirm:
- Installation followed approved plans
- Construction was completed in a workmanlike manner
Each project must designate a responsible inspection contact.
2. Provide Deeds for Easements
All easements not part of an existing right-of-way must be deeded to the District. A recording fee applies (contact our office for current rates).
3. Submit Infrastructure Relinquishment & As-Built Plans
When construction is complete and ready for service:
- Submit a signed infrastructure relinquishment form
- Provide a complete set of as-built plans
- Provide a GIS-ready electronic file
Ownership transfers to the District at this stage. An official in-service date will be issued.
4. One-Year Warranty Requirement
All developer-installed infrastructure (pipes, hydrants, grading, etc.) must be warranted for one year from the in-service date against defects in materials or workmanship.
Requirements
Questions?
We’re here to help ensure your project moves forward smoothly. Contact the Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District main office at:
(828) 253-5551