The City of San Mateo has been struggling with sanitary sewer overflows due to broken or damaged private sewage laterals that allow rainwater and groundwater seepage, posing a terrible risk to its people. To handle the emergency situation, the city council passed the Sewer Lateral Ordinance (Municipal Code 7.38.432) in 2011 which was then updated again in 2020 for better results aimed at decreasing sanitary sewer overflow hazards. This post discusses all you need to know about San Mateo CA’s Sewer Lateral Program – from what it is and how it works, up to why you should adhere strictly to this ordinance if applicable.
What Sewer Lateral Compliance Means
Sewer lateral compliance means following the local rules for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the private sewer pipe that connects a home or building to the public sewer system. In many cities, that private lateral is the property owner’s responsibility, including cracks, root intrusion, blockages, leaks, or other damage that can affect the public sewer system.
Compliance requirements vary by municipality. Some cities require inspections at specific trigger points, while others require periodic inspections or prompt repairs when damage is found. Homeowners should confirm the rules that apply to their property and keep clear records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacement work in case proof of compliance is needed during a sale, permit review, or city request.
Staying compliant helps protect public health by keeping wastewater moving safely to the treatment system. It can also help homeowners avoid backups, environmental damage, fines, penalties, legal issues, and more expensive emergency repairs later. If you are unsure whether your lateral meets local requirements, a licensed plumber can inspect the line and recommend repair or replacement options.
What Prompts a Sewer Lateral Inspection?
The revised private sewer lateral ordinance has four prompts that require a property to conduct a sewer lateral inspection. These are:
- Sale of real property
- Improvements to property that are greater than or equal to $90,000
- Sewer class change as defined by section 3.54.020
- Sewer lateral backup or blockage resulting in a sanitary sewer overflow for commercial or multifamily residential buildings
If any of the above prompts apply to your property, you must conduct a sewer lateral inspection.
What Happens After Inspection?
If your sewer line passes inspection, it will be good for the next five years without any further action. However, if you receive a failed inspection on your sewer lateral, then you must either repair or replace it to avoid larger issues down the road. Repairs require no additional inspections in the following five years while replacements are guaranteed up to 25 years free of required assessments.
How Can the City Help?
The City of San Mateo is offering a cost-sharing program for the total replacement of your sewer lateral. Submit your application prior to any replacements and receive up to 50% reimbursement on the lowest bid, with a maximum $5,000 reward. Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Apply for Sewer Lateral Reimbursement
Property owners should submit the required application and Private Sewer Lateral Inspection Form before starting a full sewer lateral replacement. The application typically asks for basic property and contact information, including the owner’s name, address, and details about the sewer lateral. The City reviews the inspection report, property details, photographs or supporting documentation, and any health, safety, street moratorium, or wastewater infrastructure concerns before approving the application.
To be eligible, the work must be approved before replacement begins. The program is not retroactive, so work that has already been completed generally does not qualify for funding. It is also intended for full sewer lateral replacement and does not cover partial replacements, spot repairs, pothole repairs, additional street resurfacing, or CCTV work by itself. If a street moratorium or related resurfacing requirement applies, the property owner may be responsible for those additional costs.
After approval, property owners typically have three months to complete the full sewer lateral replacement and submit reimbursement paperwork. The program requires estimates from three licensed contractors, and reimbursement is based on 50% of the lowest bid up to the program maximum. Contractors should be licensed to work in San Mateo County and experienced with sewer lateral replacement. Once the replacement is complete, the reimbursement request and supporting documents are submitted to the City; processing may take 4-6 months, and incomplete paperwork can delay reimbursement.
A damaged sewer lateral can cause backups, property damage, and environmental problems, so completing the work through a qualified contractor helps protect both the home and the local sewer system. Make sure the completed replacement meets the City’s requirements before submitting final paperwork.
What’s at Stake?
When too much wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater intermingle, it can lead to disastrous sanitary sewer overflows that harm our health and contaminate nearby creeks and lagoons. Unprocessed water then further pollutes San Francisco Bay if not kept in check. To protect your community’s well-being, make sure you maintain your sewer lateral properly – this avoids potential public hazards.
How to Contact San Mateo Public Works
If you require more information regarding the San Mateo CA Sewer Lateral Program, reach out to Public Works at 650-522-7300 or email publicworks@cityofsanmateo.org. Alternatively, if you prefer further ordinance details then remember to visit www.cityofsanmateo.org/PSLO for all your answers.
Final Thoughts
The San Mateo CA Sewer Lateral Program is designed to help reduce sanitary sewer overflows caused by damaged or defective private sewer laterals. As a property owner, you need to conduct sewer lateral inspections and maintain your sewer lateral to avoid public health hazards and fines. If you need any assistance with your sewer lateral repair or replacement, you can contact Discount Plumbing Rooter, Inc., a trusted plumbing company in San Mateo, CA.
