Your Complete Guide to Northern California Sewer Lateral Requirements

Your Complete Guide 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. 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 compliance requirements, click on the city's name to access the information. ALAMEDA ALBANY BELMONT BELVEDERE BERKELEY BETHEL ISLAND BRISBANE BURLINGAME CITY OF CARMEL CASTRO VALLEY CORTE MADERA CROCKETT CUPERTINO 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 PLACERVILLE RICHMOND RODEO ROSS SAN ANSELMO SAN BRUNO SAN CARLOS* SAN MATEO SAN PABLO SAN RAFAEL SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SAUSALITO SONOMA SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO TARA HILLS TIBURON TORMEY WATSONVILLE *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. Download a copy of this article