Developer FAQ

• What are the fees for items such as a commercial site plan review, a water service availability request, or a STEP tank and plot plan?

  CUD offers a webpage that carries a full list of review, design, and inspection activities and their associated costs.

• What are the steps involved in a water service availability request?

  • The Applicant must notify CUD of their plans to develop within our service area by submitting a “Water Service Availability Request Form.”

  • Based on the information submitted, CUD will study the existing infrastructure and determine its ability to serve the proposed development. CUD will respond to the request in a timely manner. If you are notified that adequate facilities exist, move to the “Plan Submittal and Review Process.” A “will serve” letter is available upon request.

  • Should adequate facilities not exist, you may additionally request a “Facilities Improvement Determination Study” to be conducted by our District Engineer. The study will determine the required upgrades you would be responsible for installing to serve your development. If you wish to have this study conducted, you may submit a request in writing along with a $1,000 check made payable to Consolidated Utility District. Please allow an estimated 4-6 weeks for this study to be completed.

• What are the meter rates for developers?

  This varies according to size, ranging from 5/8-inch to 2 inches. This webpage provides a list of the charges.

• How do I request a meter for my development?

  We offer a meter application/water supply fixture form that covers commercial, residential, industrial, and multi-family residential use.

• What is CUD's Plan Review Process?

  The process begins when a developer submits a “Plan Review Application” accompanied with the associated plans. Then there are three steps …

  • CUD will review the submitted plans at CUD’s Plan Review Meeting, which meets every Thursday morning. Items must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. on Monday to qualify for review or submitted items will generally be reviewed the following Thursday. CUD will endeavor to provide a timely response which usually occurs within 14 business days following review.

  • If it is determined that public main line extensions or upgrades to the existing main line are required, a digital CAD file of your plans must be submitted to cudengineering@cudrc.com for the engineering design to be completed once preliminary plans have been approved by local planning commissions. The applicant must submit the “Developer Agreement for Extension of Water Service” form. Engineering fees and inspection fees will need to be paid to CUD at this time.

  • The applicant must submit a completed “Meter Application and Fixture Count” form (digital entry preferred) to CUD’s Engineering Department for tap fee calculation, proper meter sizing, and approval. The completed “Meter Application and Fixture Count” form and a PDF copy of the mechanical/plumbing plans and plumbing schedule may be submitted to cudengineering@cudrc.com or in person at CUD’s Engineering Building at 709 New Salem Highway in Murfreesboro. CUD will review the submitted “Meter Application and Fixture Count” form and the PDF copy of the plumbing plans for calculation of the tap fee. Please allow a minimum of 14 business days for review and calculation. Once completed, the approved Meter Application will be sent back to the contact email address provided. Please bring the approved Meter Application and payment for the tap fee to the Customer Service Department to sign up for service.

• What are the steps required for a developer to install water lines?

  • Once engineering design has been completed and reviewed by CUD, plans will be stamped for construction and submitted to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) for approval.
  • After state approval, a Notice to Proceed will be issued to the contractor by CUD prior to water line construction. Public sewer lines must be installed prior to the construction of water lines.
  • All new water lines must be inspected by authorized CUD personnel and installed in accordance with current CUD Technical Specifications prior to acceptance.
  • Upon completion of construction, all water lines must be disinfected and subjected to the necessary pressure tests. CUD will take the bacteriological samples for testing.
  • Once bacteriological testing and pressure testing have been completed and approved, a “Cost of Construction” must be submitted by the developer/contractor to CUD.
  • Once all of the steps listed above are complete, the new water line is eligible for acceptance by CUD upon the signing of a letter of acceptance by the inspector and the developer/contractor. The contractor must enter into a one (1) year warranty period agreement from the date of formal acceptance for repairing any leaks or maintenance issues.

• How do I request permission to place landscaping in a dedicated easement area?

  We offer a form that requires the signature of a notary public.

• Can I place a sign on an easement?

  CUD has built a form for requesting installation of a sign on a water line easement. There are possible limits on the dimensions of the sign, and the form requires a notary’s signature.

• Do you have a packet that carries all of the forms relevant to developers?

  Yes, our website carries a downloadable package that runs about 40 pages.

• How do I request a fire hydrant?

  We have a form for this purpose, though CUD does not manage installation of fire hydrants.

• Is there a form to certify plats?

  Yes, we have created a form that covers STEP sewers, site plans for water, approval of water systems, and the final plat for fire sprinklers.

• How do I find the technical specs for water lines (from materials to installation)?

  Our downloadable online packet details all of those processes and provides guidance on testing/disinfection, pavement replacement, excavation and backfill, approved products and manufacturers, and more.

• What are my rights and responsibilities, and what are those of CUD?

  We have produced a “Rights, Responsibilities, and Quick Reference” booklet that answers this question. It’s also available in Spanish.