Sewer Release Process

Process Description:
When a backflow water valve is installed, a Sewer Release form is required. This is an agreement between the property owner and the City of Raleigh that states the City assumes no responsibility if the sewer backs up on the property. The form must be notarized and signed by the property owner. Both the form and a payment of $26.00 (check or money order made payable to the Wake County Register of Deeds) must be submitted to the Development Services Customer Service Center. The submitted document package and payment will be forwarded to the City of Raleigh Attorney's Office for review and then to the Wake County Register of Deeds for recording.

How do I start the process?
Complete a Sewer Release package. There are six different signature pages. Make certain that the correct page is chosen and completed based upon the type of property ownership. See details below in the section - What are the keys to success?

What do I need to submit to the City?

Where can I find detailed information regarding submittals?
The Homeowner/Client must provide all required information. All information may be acquired from the Wake County Real Estate Website - http://services.wakegov.com/realestate/search.asp

Information needed from the Wake County website:

1. Brief Description - Use Property Address or Real Estate ID# (Do not use the property description)
2. Property I.D. Number - Only use Parcel Identification Number (PIN #)
3. Legal Description - Use Book and Page Reference

Where do I submit the Sewer Release package?

Office: City of Raleigh
Department: Planning and Development
Location: Development Services Customer Service Center
Address: One Exchange Plaza Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601
Adjacent to: 219 Fayetteville Street
Phone #: (919) 516-2500
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What are the keys to success?

• Make sure the correct information about the property has been used and matches the information provided by the Wake County Real Estate website
• The date of the document must match the date of the Notary Seal
• The document must be typed; handwritten versions will not be accepted
• The property owner listed on the Wake County website must be the same property owner listed on the Sewer Release Form

Make sure the correct signature page has been used. There are six (6) different signature pages. Please select the signature page that corresponds to the ownership of the property. (See links to the right for each signature page.)

1. Individual (if there are multiple owners, each owner will need to sign)
2. Corporation
3. Corporation (VP/President Only)
4. Limited Liability Partnership
5. Limited Liability Company
6. Partnership (General)

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

• The sewer release package consists of three (3) pages. The total cost for processing the Sewer Release package is $26.00
• Payment types accepted are money order or check made payable to: Wake County Register of Deeds
• Payment is submitted with the Sewer Release package to the Development Services Customer Service Center

How long will this process take?

It takes approximately seven (7) business days to process a Sewer Release package.