Are you a property owner in San Mateo, CA, wondering what the Sewer Lateral Program is and how it applies to you? The City of San Mateo recently updated its Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance (PSLO) which requires inspections for certain types of real estate transactions. Knowing what this ordinance means and understanding the reimbursement process are key to taking advantage of the program.
In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the sewer lateral program in San Mateo including information on submitting applications, requirements for approval, timelines for reimbursement, and more. Read on to learn how the Sewer Lateral Program can help you.
How to Submit an Application and What is Reviewed
To submit your application for reimbursement, first, fill out the Private Sewer Lateral Inspection Form at pwencroachment@cityofsanmateo.org. The form requires detailed information about the property and its sewer lateral, including photographs of the lateral’s condition.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by City staff to ensure that all requirements are met. They will look at the report for any potential health or safety concerns and consider its impact on the city’s wastewater infrastructure. If everything looks good, you will be approved for the reimbursement program and your application will move forward.
Requirements for Approval and Timeline
To be eligible for the program, property owners must submit an application for approval before the replacement of their full sewer lateral. The program does not have a retroactive component, so property owners who have already completed the work are not eligible for funding. Additionally, the program only covers full replacements and does not cover partial replacements, spot repairs, pothole repairs, additional street resurfacing, and CCTV.
Once the application is approved, property owners have three months to complete the full replacement of their sewer lateral and submit the reimbursement paperwork before their application is void. Property owners must contact three licensed contractors for estimates for full sewer lateral replacement and submit those estimates for review and approval. The program only reimburses 50% of the lowest bid up to a maximum of $5,000.
When the replacement work is completed, property owners must submit the reimbursement request form for the program and return it to the City along with all the necessary paperwork. The reimbursement process may take up to 4-6 months to complete due to the large number of participants. If the documents are not correct, this will delay the reimbursement process.
The City of San Mateo has adopted an amendment to the Sewer Lateral Ordinance to help reduce sanitary sewer overflows. Effective Dec. 1, 2020, the revised private sewer lateral ordinance requires property owners to conduct a sewer lateral inspection when prompted by the sale of real property, improvements to property that are greater than or equal to $90,000, sewer class change, or sewer lateral backup or blockage resulting in a sanitary sewer overflow for commercial or multifamily residential buildings.
Property owners can find more information about the program and the updated sewer lateral ordinance on the City of San Mateo’s website or by contacting the Public Works Department. The program for FY2023/24 will open in July 2023, and updates and guidelines will be available soon.
Click here for more information about the Private Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program. For a free estimate on sewer lateral replacement and to participate in the Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program approved by the City of San Mateo, contact Discount Plumbing Rooter Inc. today. Our licensed contractors can guide you through the application and bidding process and help you take advantage of this cost-saving opportunity.
