How Much Are Water and Sewer Tap Fees in Lake City, Colorado?

The Town of Lake City's 2026 Schedule of Fees and Charges lists a water plant investment fee of $6,000 for a three-quarter-inch tap or smaller and a sewer plant investment fee of $7,000 for the same size. That is $13,000 for a typical small residential connection before inspections, deposits and other costs. Larger taps cost more, and fees can change, so confirm with the Town.

This post summarizes Exhibit A of the Town of Lake City's 2026 fee schedule as I reviewed it on November 4, 2026. It applies to Town of Lake City utility service. Properties outside town on a well and septic are a different path (see my well and septic post). This is general information, not legal advice.

What is a plant investment fee?

A plant investment fee (often called a tap fee) is a one-time charge to connect to the town's water or sewer system. The Town's schedule lists separate water and sewer fees, with the sewer fee set by the size of the water tap.

What are the fees by tap size?

From the Town's 2026 schedule:

As arithmetic on the table, a ¾-inch water tap plus its sewer connection adds up to $13,000, and a 1-inch pair adds up to $20,911. Which size your project needs depends on the building, so ask your builder and the Town.

What other tap and service fees are listed?

• Inspection for new taps or service lines: $75 per tap
• Service line inspection: $100 flat fee
• Service line jetting: $400 per hour, one-hour minimum
• Deposit for new water or sewer accounts: $500, refundable when the account closes
• Administrative fee for deferring separate water and sewer taps: $750 per tap
• Shut-off for abandoning taps: $100 per tap
• Shut-off and reconnect for delinquent accounts: $100

What about monthly water and sewer rates?

The schedule lists base rates that differ inside and outside town, plus tiered water usage charges. For water usage, it lists $3.00 per 1,000 gallons over 9,999 up to 17,999 gallons, $4.25 per 1,000 gallons over 17,999 up to 23,999 gallons, and $5.50 per 1,000 gallons over 23,999 gallons, in both areas. The schedule shows two figures for several base rates without labeling the difference, so I am not quoting the base amounts. Ask the Town for your current monthly rate.

What building and permit fees does the Town list?

The schedule includes, among others:

• Plan review: 10 percent of the building permit fee
• Mechanical permit: $25 plus 2 percent of the installed equipment cost, excluding labor
• Additional plan review for changes or revisions: $50 per hour
• Floodplain development review: $250
• Variance application: $25
• Sign permit: $25 plus $1 per square foot
• Building permit fees: based on a valuation schedule that the document does not list in numbers

The schedule also lists a building moving permit ($15), a factory-built structure siting permit ($10), a preliminary plat filing ($100) and a minor subdivision plat or replat ($50). Third-party consultants are charged at actual cost.

Does this apply to my lot?

Only if the lot is served by the Town's water and sewer system. Many properties around Lake City are in unincorporated Hinsdale County and may use a well and septic system, which have their own permits and costs. The Hinsdale County Building Department handles county permits, as I covered in my building permit guide. Ask the Town and the county which applies to the exact parcel.

What should land buyers ask?

• Is the lot served by town water and sewer? Or is a main extension needed?
• Has the tap fee already been paid? Ask for proof from the Town in writing.
• What size tap does the plan need? The fee jumps with size.
• What are the monthly rates inside and outside town? The schedule lists different base rates.
• Are there other fees? Floodplain review, plan review and county use tax may apply.
• What do the covenants say? Subdivision rules can add design or use limits.

Why does it matter to buyers and sellers?

On vacant land, a prepaid tap can be a selling point, and an unpaid or unavailable tap can be a significant added cost. If you are buying a home, ask whether the utility accounts are current and request the last 12 months of water and sewer bills.

Who do I call?

The Town of Lake City's contact information is on its website, townoflakecityco.gov. I did not confirm a utilities phone number this run, so check the site before you call. For building questions inside town, my earlier post listed the Town's number as 970-944-2333, per the Lake City visitor site.

What is the bottom line?

The Town of Lake City's 2026 schedule makes the basic numbers clear: $6,000 for a ¾-inch water tap and $7,000 for the matching sewer connection, with higher fees for larger taps and a handful of smaller charges. Get the Town's confirmation for your lot in writing before you close. A local agent can help you ask the right questions.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a water tap in Lake City, CO?

The Town's 2026 schedule lists a $6,000 water plant investment fee for a ¾-inch tap or smaller.

How much is a sewer tap in Lake City?

$7,000 for a ¾-inch water tap size, per the schedule. Sewer fees rise with tap size.

Is there a deposit for a new account?

Yes. The schedule lists a $500 refundable deposit for new water or sewer accounts.

Do these fees apply outside town limits?

They apply to Town of Lake City utility service. Properties on a well and septic follow different rules.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Lake City, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties.

Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Source: Town of Lake City, 2026 Schedule of Fees and Charges (Exhibit A), tlcco.specialdistrict.org, reviewed November 4, 2026. Fees can change. Not legal advice.