you are here: Home > Business > Development, Land Use & Construction > Utility Activation Procedure

Utility Activation Procedure

How do I get my utilities activated and accepted by the city?

1. DPW provides DPU with the utilities defect bond amount within 14 days of the approved plan.

2. DPU notifies the developers of the following requirements (ACTIVATION PACKAGE):

   • Affidavit of No Dues

   • Backflow Prevention Inspection

   • Certificate to Operate

   • Construction Record Drawings

   • Cost of Utility Improvements

   • Deed of Dedication of Utilities

   • Deed of Easement

   • Defect Bond

   • Health Dept / DEQ Approval

   • On Site Statement of Completion

   • Pro Rata (paid)

   • Statement of Responsibility

3. Developers:

   1. Submit the Activation Package to DPU and Construction Record Drawings (flowchart) to DPW. The CRD’s are to be prepared on the approved construction plans and in accordance with all requirements of the City of Chesapeake Public Facilities Manual, Volume 3, Chapter 2.

   2. Purchase the large meter (> 2”) and deliver it to the DPU Maintenance & Operations Division at 906 Executive Boulevard a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days prior to anticipated utility activation date.  All utility connection fees must be paid prior to delivery of the large meter.

   3. Record the Subdivision Plat.

4. DPW and DPU review/approve the Construction Record Drawings (flowchart) simultaneously.

5. M&O forwards the desired dig-up locations to DPW for contractors’ coordination with Miss Utility upon 1ST submittal of CRD’s.

6. DPU forwards the paperwork to the City Attorney’s Office and the DPU Director for review and approval. All approvals to be obtained three (3) days prior to final inspection.

7. DPU Engineering notifies DPW and Maintenance and Operations (M&O) of receipt and approval of the activation package. (This includes completion of Construction Record Drawings.)

8. DPW performs the substantial completion inspection coordinating with M&O as necessary. DPW forwards the punch list to the contractor / developer. All punch list items will have to be completed prior to Final Inspection.

9. DPW sends the Certificate of Completion to the State Health Department, DEQ and DPU upon satisfactory completion of all utilities.

10. DPW authorizes the contractor to proceed with chlorinating and taking water samples. See the Flushing and Disinfection Policy.

11. DPW coordinates scheduling of the Final Inspection with M&O Division upon approval of the Construction Record Drawings, receipt of the passing results of the water samples, and verification of completion of sewer and water punch list. Final Inspections will be held Tuesday through Friday.

12. DPW notifies the developer / contractor of the schedule for Final Inspection.

13. The contractor will have a punch list crew available on the day of Final Inspection to excavate sewer laterals and water service lines and make minor repairs as deemed necessary by the inspection team. The contractor is responsible for coordinating with Miss Utilities. All punch list items found during the Final Inspection will need to be repaired before the water samples expire, otherwise additional water samples will be taken and another final inspection will be held.

14. DPW sends DPU Final Inspection Memo with all test results.

15. A certificate to operation (CTO) from the Department of Environmental Quality shall be submitted to DPU prior to activation (if applicable).

16. DPU issues Notice of Activation.

17. DPU activates the system. No meter will be set until DPU receives the CRD mylars and the appropriate connection fees paid.