What are service fees? Am I subject to them?
New development in Tuscaloosa creates increasing demands upon our city’s infrastructure and services. To best serve our citizens, service fees will be charged on most new residential and commercial development to help pay the costs of new or upgraded water and sewer infrastructure.
All residential and commercial developments located within the city limits or police jurisdiction of Tuscaloosa will pay service fees on newly purchased water meters except for these three types:
- Single-family detached homes
- Townhomes
- Duplexes in single-family neighborhoods as part of a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
If your project is one of the three types listed, you will not owe service fees.
Service Fee Process - five simple steps
- If your project will require you to purchase a water meter(s) from the City of Tuscaloosa, submit a Water Meter Permit Application online by clicking here. Instructions to the online application can be found by clicking here.
- If you prefer not to submit the form online, you can come to the Office of Urban Development in person for assistance with the form. You may print a paper copy of the application form under Forms and Documents.
- Your application will be reviewed and approved by City staff. If any information is missing, you will be contacted.
- After the review is complete, you will be contacted to confirm the amount you owe for service fees.
- Pay your service fees when you purchase your water meters or building permit. You may pay online or in person at 2230 Gary Fitts Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
How are the fees calculated?
Most projects will pay fees on each new water meter purchased according to the size of the meter (see fee schedule to the right). However, for master-metered residential attached-housing developments and RV parks, the fee will instead be calculated by multiplying the fee for the 3/4” meter size by the number of housing units or RV pads. If a development is mixed-use residential and commercial, the total fees would be calculated using a combination of both methods. These fees may be adjusted each year for inflation.
Meter Size | Water Service Fee | Sewer Service Fee | Total Service Fee |
3/4” | $1,427 | $1,387 | $2,814 |
1” | $2,379 | $2,312 | $4,691 |
1.5” | $4,755 | $4,621 | $9,376 |
2” | $7,610 | $7,396 | $15,006 |
3” | $14,268 | $13,864 | $28,132 |
4” | $23,781 | $23,109 | $46,890 |
6” | $47,562 | $46,216 | $93,778 |
8” | $76,099 | $73,945 | $150,044 |
Fees effective October 1, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m redeveloping a property. Do I get a credit against my service fees for the old water meters that were on the site?
You will receive a credit for each meter that actively supplied water at the property within two years before the issuance of the building permit for the redevelopment. The credit is based on meter sizes and quantities, follows the fee schedule on this page and can’t exceed the service fee due. 5/8” meters are credited at the 3/4” size.
When are the fees due?
Fees are payable in full depending on whichever comes first: the date your building permit is issued or when you purchase a new water meter.
What if I don’t agree with the service fee owed?
You may file a written appeal with the Office of Urban Development within three business days of the service fees being assessed. Include all relevant information, including your project information, contact information and reason for the appeal. Attach any supporting documentation to your written statement.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2089
Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
Physical Address
2230 Gary Fitts Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Monday - Friday
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.