Northern California Sewer Lateral Requirements
Sewer laterals are privately owned and are, therefore, required to be maintained by the property owner. Maintenance of the sewer main is generally the responsibility of the public service department such as "Public Works" or local sanitation district.
AVOID DELAYS TO YOUR CLOSING
Numerous California cities have an ordinance in place that requires some form of compliance certification upon the sale of the property. Be sure to identify your local requirements and act swiftly to ensure that your escrow is not delayed by required permits, inspections, or repairs.
The following cities in Northern California have put in place some form of compliance requirement:
WHAT IS A SEWER LATERAL?
Simply put, a private sewer lateral (sewer lateral) is a pipe that connects the plumbing system of a building or residence to the public sewer (sewer main) typically located in the street, alley, or easement. Sewer laterals are privately owned and are, therefore, required to be maintained by the property owner. Maintenance of the sewer main is generally the responsibility of the public service department such as "Public Works" or local sanitation district.
ALAMEDA
ALBANY
BELMONT
BELVEDERE
BERKELEY
BETHEL ISLAND
BRISBANE
BURLINGAME
CASTRO
VALLEY CORTE
MADERA
CROCKETT
EL CERRITO
EL SOBRANTE
EMERYVILLE
EUREKA
FAIRFAX
HEALDSBURG
HERCULES
HILLSBOROUGH
KENSINGTON
LARKSPUR
MILL VALLEY
MILLBRAE
MONTEREY
MORGAN HILL
OAKLAND
OAKLEY
PACIFIC GROVE
PACIFICA
PIEDMONT
PINOLE
RICHMOND
RODEO ROSS
SAN ANSELMO
SAN BRUNO
SAN CARLOS*
SAN MATEO
SAN PABLO
SANTA CRUZ
SAUSALITO
SONOMA
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
TARA HILLS
TIBURON
TORMEY
*Unincorporated
IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING YOUR CLOSING
Please be sure to keep your escrow team informed regarding any applicable sewer later requirements and certification progress to ensure your successful closing timeline. Regulations continue to change and cities continue to be added to the list. Contact your local public works department or sanitation district for current, local requirements and complete details.