The City of Perry's sewer connection fee for a standard 3/4-inch residential meter is scheduled to rise from $2,500 to $5,450 on January 1, 2027, and to $8,400 on January 1, 2028. The schedule is part of Perry's fee schedule as amended by Resolution 2025.72, adopted December 16, 2025.
The fee applies per equivalent residential unit, so larger meters pay a multiple of the base amount. For anyone planning to build a home, buy a lot or price new construction in Perry, Georgia, the 2027 step is less than two months away.
Perry's increase comes as Houston County is also reviewing its own water connection fees and approved a new infrastructure agreement with the City of Perry in September 2026. Here is the full schedule, what is and is not published about who pays, and how it fits into new home pricing in Houston County.
Key Takeaways
• Perry's sewer connection fee for a 3/4-inch meter is $2,500 in 2026, $5,450 starting January 1, 2027 and $8,400 starting January 1, 2028.
• The schedule was adopted through Resolution 2025.72 on December 16, 2025.
• Fees for larger meters are based on an equivalent residential unit factor, from 1.67 for a 1-inch meter to 143.33 for a 12-inch meter.
• Perry's separate water meter installation fee for a 3/4-inch meter is $1,300 under the same fee schedule.
• The published fee schedule does not state whether existing homes converting from septic to city sewer pay the connection fee.
• Houston County approved an updated infrastructure intergovernmental agreement with the City of Perry on September 22, 2026 covering water infrastructure and water connection fees.
What are Perry's sewer connection fees for 2026, 2027 and 2028?
The City of Perry fee schedule lists sewer connection fees by meter size, each tied to an equivalent residential unit (ERU) factor. A 3/4-inch meter, the size used for most single-family homes, is one ERU. Larger meters pay a multiple based on their factor.
City of Perry sewer connection fees by meter size
Meter size | ERU factor | From 1/1/2026 | From 1/1/2027 | From 1/1/2028 |
3/4-inch | 1.00 | $2,500 | $5,450 | $8,400 |
1-inch | 1.67 | $4,175 | $9,102 | $14,028 |
1 1/2-inch | 3.33 | $8,325 | $18,149 | $27,972 |
2-inch | 5.33 | $13,325 | $29,049 | $44,772 |
3-inch | 10.67 | $26,675 | $58,152 | $89,628 |
4-inch | 16.67 | $41,675 | $90,851 | $140,028 |
6-inch | 33.33 | $83,325 | $181,649 | $279,972 |
8-inch | 53.33 | $133,325 | $290,649 | $447,972 |
10-inch | 76.67 | $191,675 | $417,852 | $644,028 |
12-inch | 143.33 | $358,325 | $781,149 | $1,203,972 |
The schedule is phased. The 2027 step more than doubles the 2026 amount for every meter size, and the 2028 step raises it again. For Houston County builders and lot buyers in Perry, the timing of the connection matters because the fee in effect at that point is set by date. Commercial and multifamily projects on larger meters face the largest dollar amounts, which can affect the cost of new apartments, retail and offices in Perry, not only single-family homes.
Why is Perry raising its sewer connection fee?
Citizen Portal reported on November 17, 2025 that Perry city staff presented a sewer connection charge of $8,435 per equivalent residential unit, based on a year-long rate study and a project cost allocation model. Staff recommended phasing the fee in over two years, and the charge was intended to fund $45.7 million of capital costs allocated to new growth. Council members asked to postpone a formal vote so the full council could be present and to get more interest cost figures.
The fee schedule adopted on December 16, 2025 reaches $8,400 for a 3/4-inch meter in 2028, slightly below the $8,435 figure presented in November 2025. The adopted schedule is the controlling document.
A City of Perry follow-up to its January 16, 2025 town hall listed connection charges among the city's infrastructure funding sources and said the city requires new construction to pay, where appropriate, the cost of expanded infrastructure. That document also broke down the average residential monthly sewer charge of $64.79, with debt service at $14.66 of that amount.
Do existing Perry homes on septic pay the sewer connection fee?
The City of Perry fee schedule does not say whether an existing home converting from a septic system to city sewer pays the sewer connection fee. The schedule separately lists a sewer tap inspection fee of $28 for residential one and two family units and $170 for non-residential connections, but it does not tie that fee to septic conversions.
Homeowners on septic who are considering a connection, and buyers of older Perry homes on septic, should call the City of Perry utilities office to confirm which fees apply and when the fee is assessed, such as at permit, at tap or at connection. That answer determines which year's fee applies to a project already underway.
What other utility fees apply to new homes in Perry and Houston County?
Perry's fee schedule lists water meter installation fees for new service connections: $1,300 for a 3/4-inch meter, $1,600 for 1-inch, $2,700 for 1 1/2-inch and $3,100 for 2-inch, with larger sizes at actual cost. A residential water activation fee is $54.
Some Perry area properties are served by Houston County water. The Houston County water department page lists a 1-inch connection fee of $2,500 and a 2-inch connection fee of $5,500, plus meter and installation fees of $600 and $3,000. The county page does not list effective dates.
An April 7, 2026 Houston County commission agenda document included a proposed schedule raising water connection fees each year, with the 1-inch fee going from $2,500 in 2026 to $3,500 in 2027, $4,800 in 2028 and $6,500 in 2029. The copy of that document reviewed for this article did not record a vote, so adoption should be confirmed with the county water office.
On September 22, 2026, the Houston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an infrastructure intergovernmental agreement with the City of Perry. The minutes say it updates standards for transition meters, county water infrastructure and water connection fees and replaces prior infrastructure agreements with the city. Specific dollar terms were not stated in the minutes.
What does the sewer fee mean for lot buyers and new construction in Perry?
Connection and tap fees are part of the cost of turning a lot into a finished home. When those fees rise, someone pays them: the developer, the builder or the buyer, depending on how the lot and home are priced and what the contract says.
For anyone buying a lot in Perry to build on, the key questions are who pays the sewer connection fee, when it is assessed and whether the lot is on city sewer, county water, city water or septic. For buyers of new construction, the contract and closing statement will show whether utility connection costs are built into the price or listed separately.
The fee schedule applies inside Perry's sewer service area. It does not set fees in Warner Robins, Centerville, Bonaire, Kathleen or neighboring Byron, which have their own utility providers and rules.
Does Perry's sewer fee increase affect the value of my lot or land?
Perry's sewer connection fee for a 3/4-inch meter rises to $5,450 on January 1, 2027 and $8,400 on January 1, 2028, which adds to the cost of building on an unconnected lot inside the city's sewer service area.
If you are selling a buildable lot in Perry, I expect informed buyers and builders to ask whether sewer is available, whether the lot is already connected and which fees remain. Having that answer in writing from the city before you list makes your lot easier to compare. If the lot has already been tapped or the fee has been paid, that is worth stating clearly in the listing. I can help you gather the utility details and price the lot against recent land sales in Perry and the rest of Houston County.
Should I build a home in Perry, GA before the 2027 sewer fee increase?
Under Resolution 2025.72, Perry's 3/4-inch sewer connection fee is $2,500 through December 31, 2026 and $5,450 beginning January 1, 2027; which amount applies to a project depends on when the city assesses the fee.
Most new home projects cannot go from lot to connection in eight weeks, so for many buyers the 2027 or 2028 fee is the realistic number to plan around. What I recommend is getting the city's answer on timing in writing, then making sure your builder contract or lot purchase agreement says who pays the fee. If you are comparing a Perry new build with a resale home or with options in Warner Robins, Bonaire or Kathleen, I can help you line up the full costs side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the sewer connection fee in Perry, GA in 2027?
The City of Perry sewer connection fee for a 3/4-inch meter is $5,450 starting January 1, 2027. A 1-inch meter is $9,102 and a 2-inch meter is $29,049. The fees come from the city's fee schedule as amended by Resolution 2025.72.
What is the Perry, GA sewer connection fee in 2026?
The 2026 sewer connection fee in Perry, GA is $2,500 for a 3/4-inch meter. A 1-inch meter is $4,175 and a 2-inch meter is $13,325. These amounts are in effect from January 1, 2026 until the 2027 amounts take effect.
Will Perry's sewer fee go up again in 2028?
Yes. Starting January 1, 2028, the Perry sewer connection fee for a 3/4-inch meter is scheduled to be $8,400. A 1-inch meter is $14,028 and a 2-inch meter is $44,772. The schedule was adopted December 16, 2025.
Why did Perry raise its sewer connection fee?
Perry city staff presented a sewer connection charge of $8,435 per equivalent residential unit in November 2025, based on a year-long rate study. The charge was intended to fund $45.7 million of capital costs allocated to new growth, and staff recommended phasing it in over two years. The adopted schedule reaches $8,400 for a 3/4-inch meter in 2028.
Do homes converting from septic pay Perry's sewer connection fee?
The City of Perry fee schedule does not state whether existing homes converting from septic to city sewer pay the connection fee. The schedule lists a $28 residential sewer tap inspection fee but does not tie it to septic conversions. Owners should confirm with the City of Perry utilities office.
What is an ERU in Perry's sewer fee schedule?
ERU stands for equivalent residential unit. In Perry's schedule, a 3/4-inch meter equals 1.00 ERU, a 1-inch meter equals 1.67 and a 2-inch meter equals 5.33. Larger meters pay a multiple of the base fee based on their ERU factor.
How much is a water meter installation in Perry, GA?
The City of Perry fee schedule lists water meter installation fees for new service of $1,300 for a 3/4-inch meter, $1,600 for 1-inch, $2,700 for 1 1/2-inch and $3,100 for 2-inch. Meters 3 inches and larger are charged at actual cost. A residential water activation fee is $54.
What is the Houston County water connection fee?
The Houston County water department page lists a connection fee of $2,500 for a 1-inch meter and $5,500 for a 2-inch meter, plus separate meter and installation fees. An April 7, 2026 commission agenda document proposed raising the 1-inch fee to $6,500 by 2029. Adoption of that schedule should be confirmed with the Houston County water office.
What did Houston County and Perry agree to in September 2026?
On September 22, 2026, the Houston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an infrastructure intergovernmental agreement with the City of Perry. It updates standards for transition meters, county water infrastructure and water connection fees and replaces prior agreements. Specific dollar terms were not stated in the minutes.
Does Perry's sewer fee apply in Warner Robins or Bonaire?
No. The City of Perry fee schedule applies to Perry's own sewer system. Warner Robins, Centerville, Bonaire, Kathleen and neighboring Byron have separate utility providers and fee structures. Property owners should check with the provider that serves their address.
When is the Perry sewer connection fee charged?
The City of Perry fee schedule lists amounts by effective date but does not explain on its face whether the fee is assessed at permit, tap or connection. That timing determines whether the 2026, 2027 or 2028 amount applies. Builders and owners should confirm timing with the City of Perry before December 31, 2026.
About the Author
William Walton-Dean is a licensed REALTOR® with Walton Dean Realty, operating under Real Broker LLC, serving buyers and sellers across Houston County, Georgia, including Perry, Warner Robins, Bonaire, Kathleen, Byron, and the surrounding Middle Georgia housing market. He brings a data-driven, hyper-local approach to both residential and commercial transactions, working with first-time buyers, move-up sellers, investors, and families relocating to the area, including those tied to Robins Air Force Base. Drawing on a prior career as a C-level executive, he helps buyers and sellers at every price point make clear, confident decisions backed by real market insight.
📱 478-371-7069
Walton Dean Realty | Real Broker LLC
Buying or Selling in Perry? Let's Talk About Lots and New Construction
If you are buying a lot, building a home or selling land in Perry, I can help you sort out utility costs and compare them with options elsewhere in Houston County. Schedule a consultation or send me a DM to get started.
William Walton-Dean | Walton Dean Realty
📱 478-371-7069
A More Strategic Approach to Real Estate
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Utility fees and policies can change. Confirm current fees and when they apply with the City of Perry and Houston County utility offices before buying land or signing a construction contract.
