Water Sewer Contractor
Any sewer, water, or combination sewer and water contractor who wishes to work in the City of Columbus, must first be licensed.
Before submitting an application to the Department of Building and Zoning Services, contractors must first obtain approval from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). If you have not yet received approval, please visit the link.
Once you have received the required approval, you may submit an application, to be licensed as a sewer, water, or combination sewer and water contractor (based on approval from the Department of Utilities) to the Department of Building and Zoning Services.
In order to be licensed in the City of Columbus as a sewer, water, or combination sewer and water contractor, applicants must meet one (1) of the following requirements:
- Have a minimum of three (3) years of cumulative work experience, under the supervision of a Columbus or other recognized jurisdiction's licensed contractor, on sewer lines, water systems (including water service lines and taps), or combined sewer and water lines or systems
- Hold a current, valid license as a contractor in another recognized city, county, or state to work on sewer, water, or combined sewer and water lines or systems
- Have a minimum of two (2) full years of experience working on sewer lines, water systems, or combined sewer and water lines or systems.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants must successfully pass an in-person interview conducted by an appointed DPU review panel at the DPU administrative offices located at 910 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Water, sewer, and combination sewer and water contractors, who have not yet received approval from the DPU, must appear before their review board prior to submitting an application to the Department of Building and Zoning Services.
Upon review of the DPU application, DPU will mail a response, which will include a date and time for an interview with the Review Board. The Board meets monthly every third Thursday from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Please submit your application no less than 15 days prior to the monthly Review Board meetings. A certified letter indicating the results of the review will be mailed within 5 days of the interview.
Related Code Information: Chapter 1131 Licensing of Sewer Contractors
Water, sewer, and combination sewer and water contractors who have been approved by DPU, and issued a license (by the Department of Building and Zoning Services) will be overseen by the Skilled Trades Review Board. The board meets once per month.
Once a license has been issued, it may be necessary for contractors to appear before the Skilled Trades Review Board for the following reasons.
- Adjudications
- Due process complaints (filed against or by the contractor)