The short answer
Yes, in nearly every case. Repairing or replacing a side sewer means digging up and reconnecting a pipe that ties into a public system, and the agency that runs that system wants to inspect it. Which agency that is depends on where you live.
In Tacoma
The City of Tacoma says a city permit is required when you work on your own private plumbing or side sewer. Permits come from Planning and Development Services (City of Tacoma). Tacoma also notes that the property owner is responsible for the side sewer from the building to the city main.
On Pierce County sewer
If Pierce County Public Works runs your sewer, county code requires a sewer service permit for any new connection and for any modification, repair, disconnection, inspection, or addition to an existing building sewer (PCC 13.04.055).
Everywhere else
Many cities in our area run their own sewer utility, and some areas are served by a separate sewer district. The rules are similar but the office is different. The fastest way to find yours is your sewer bill: whoever bills you for sewer is usually who permits the connection. On each of our city pages we list who provides sewer there.
What the permit usually involves
- An application before digging starts, with fees
- Utility locates through 811 before excavation
- An inspection of the new pipe and connection before backfill
- Right-of-way or street permits if the work goes past your property line
Why it matters to you
An unpermitted sewer repair can come up when you sell the house, and if the connection fails inspection later, it gets dug up again. A permitted, inspected repair is on record. Before we start any sewer replacement we confirm the permit path with your jurisdiction and include it in the quote.