Wastewater Capacity Charge
Please be advised that a new wastewater capacity charge was imposed beginning July 1, 2005 pursuant to City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Resolution No. 05-0045. The resolution requires any User requesting a new connection or requiring additional collection or treatment capacity to pay a capacity charge. 

What is a Wastewater Capacity Charge?

The Wastewater Capacity Charge (WCC) ensures that any additional stress on the wastewater system from new or expanding capacity usage fairly compensates existing customers for their investment.  Most cities in the Bay Area and throughout

California have already adopted capacity charges to compensate existing ratepayers that have invested into the current capacity of the wastewater system. The charge acts as a “buy-in” for any construction, residential, non-residential or mixed-use, that places new or additional demands on the system.  It is applicable to residential, non-residential and mixed-use types of construction.

All funds raised through the capacity charge will be directly used to offset the cost of future wastewater capital improvement projects and repairs.

Do I owe a Wastewater Capacity Charge?

Any developer, contractor or property owner whose development will establish a new connection to the wastewater system or requires additional collection or treatment capacity on an existing connection is subject to the Wastewater Capacity Charge.

Residential constructions that do not increase the number of dwelling units (e.g. bathroom remodels, adding an extra floor to your home, etc.) do NOT need to pay a capacity charge.  Similarly non-residential constructions that do not increase demand on the wastewater system do NOT need to pay a capacity charge.

How much will I have to pay?

Residential:
A new dwelling unit can be construction of new separate dwelling unit or units or modifying an existing dwelling unit or units that increases the total of dwellings on the property. The charge per dwelling unit is $2,604.

Example - Residential Project: Construction of 10 new residential units:

Description	Square Footage / Units	Charge per Square Foot / Unit	Total
Residential Units	10 units	$2,604 each	$26,040
Total			$26,040

Non-Residential:
The non-residential charge applicable to each building type is calculated using projected volume and strength  characteristics of discharge for general building types. For each building type, calculate the fee based on the charge per square foot (see Table A at back) and then sum the various uses. 

Example - Non-Residential Project: Construction of a 50,000 square foot office building with 1,500 square foot coffee shop and a 3,000 square foot book store:

Description	Square Footage / Units	Charge per Square Foot / Unit	Total
Office	50,000 sq. ft.	$0.29 sq ft	$14,500
Coffee Shop (Retail –Medium group)	1,500 sq. ft.	$1.78 sq ft	$2,670
Book Store (Retail - Low group)	3,000 sq. ft.	$0.13 sq ft	$390
Total			$17,560

Mixed-use (both residential and non-residential):

To determine the charge for mixed-use buildings, it is necessary to calculate two different charges, one for residential and one for non-residential, and then sum the two. For non-residential building uses, calculate the fee based on the charge per square foot and then sum the various uses. For residential uses, a $2,604 charge is applied per dwelling unit.

Example - Mixed-Use Project: Construction of 10 residential units, 50,000 square foot office building with 1,500 square foot coffee shop and a 3,000 bookstore:

Description	Square Footage / Units	Charge per Square Foot / Unit	Total
Residential Units	10 units	$2,604 ea	$26,040
Office	50,000 sq. ft.	$0.39 sq ft	$14,500
Coffee Shop (Retail –Medium group)	1,500 sq. ft.	$1.78 sq ft	$2,670
Book Store (Retail - Low group)	3,000 sq. ft.	$0.13 sq ft	$390
Total			$43,600

What about credit for existing building usage?

You may be eligible for credit on immediate prior building usage.  In order to qualify you will be asked to present documentation that supports your claim.  This may come in the form of architectural drawings, revised DBI permits or approved plans.

Are worksheets available to calculate my Capacity Charge?

You can find the Wastewater Capacity Charge Applicant Worksheet here below or pick one up at the Department of Building Inspection located at 1660 Mission Street.

How do I pay?

Payment of the Capacity Charge will be made at the time of permit issuance at the Department of Building Inspection’s Central Permit Bureau located at 1660 Mission Street or, if billed directly from the SFPUC, payment can be made in person or by mail:

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
1155 Market St., 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103

What happens if I refuse to pay?

Your building permit may not be approved without full payment of the Wastewater Capacity Charge and other applicable building permit fees.

In addition, failure to pay the capacity charge may result in refusal to connect or termination of water and wastewater service and further collection and enforcement actions as authorized by law. 

Who can I call for more questions?

If you have additional Capacity Charge questions, please call the SFPUC at (415) 575-6941.

Table A: Non-Residential Charge Per Square Foot*

Common Building Categories	Charge Per Square Foot
Auto / transit services, gas stations	$0.25
Clinics — Medical / Dental	$0.21
Convalescent and Nursing Homes	$2.90
Hospital	$0.36
Hotels with restaurants	$1.28
Hotels without restaurants	$0.91
Office, general	$0.29
Restaurants	$7.48
Retail–Low, i.e. book, clothing, gallery, liquor, department, pet food only, pharmacy, dry cleaner agent, with no cleaning or wash and fold onsite	$0.13
Retail–Medium, i.e. coffee sales no kitchen, bar, market/food no kitchen or butcher	$1.78
Retail–High, i.e. bakery, supermarket with kitchen or butcher, hair/nail, animal grooming/sales	$5.42
School	$0.11

*Table above contains partial list of building categories; for additional categories please call the SFPUC at (415) 575-6941.

A Brochure, Fact Sheets (in English, Spanish and Chinese) and a Checklist are also provided for your use.