Private Sewer Lateral Inspection Program

Selling a property in the Oro Loma Sanitary District? Here's what you need to know about the private sewer lateral program, step by step.

Effective August 1, 2026, all properties sold within the Oro Loma Sanitary District must have a valid Sewer Lateral Compliance Certificate prior to transfer of title (ref. Ordinance 35-17). This program is designed to ensure that privately owned sewer laterals are properly maintained and, when necessary, repaired or replaced at the time of a property sale, in accordance with the Oro Loma Sanitary District's standards. This program is important because damaged sewer laterals can allow rainwater and groundwater to enter the sewer system, placing additional strain on the District's wastewater infrastructure during storm events. 

The ordinance applies to property sales that enter into escrow on or after August 1, 2026.

To determine whether a property is located within the Oro Loma Sanitary District's service area and subject to the Point-of-Sale Private Sewer Lateral Inspection program, use this interactive map.

To apply for a Lateral Compliance Certificate, use this portal. 

A 4-step guide for the Oro Loma Sanitary District covering checking for certification, application, inspection, and CCTV review.
Step 1: Confirm Whether a Certificate Already Exists 

Check the Oro Loma Sanitary District's permit portal to confirm whether your property already has a valid Certificate of Compliance on file. If one exists, you're done. No inspection is needed. Certificates are valid for up to 10 years or 20 years (full replacement). Actual certificate duration is determined by the Oro Loma Sanitary District based on the completed work and applicable requirements.

If no certificate is on file, proceed to Step 2. 

Step 2: Apply for a Certificate 

If no valid certificate exists, apply for a Certificate of Compliance from the Oro Loma Sanitary District and hire a qualified professional to perform a CCTV inspection and an air or water test on the sewer lateral.

To obtain a Certificate of Compliance ($450), you can pay online through the permit portal or in person at 2655 Grant Avenue, San Lorenzo, CA 94580. 

Below is a list of businesses known to perform CCTV inspections and air or water tests:

  • ECast Engineering (510) 833-0907
  • LS Construction (510) 773-0518
  • Nexgen Rooter and Plumbing (510) 876-3549
  • Pro Rooter Inc (510) 670-1115
  • Star Rooter & Plumbing (510) 377-4749
  • Streamline Plumbing Co (510) 481-0380

These local contractors regularly perform sewer lateral replacements in the areas served by Oro Loma Sanitary District. Inclusion on the list does not indicate a recommendation by the District, and the District does not guarantee the work performed by any listed contractor. 

Step 3: Conduct CCTV and Air or Water Test 

Once you have a Certificate of Compliance and a qualified professional, an Oro Loma Sanitary District representative must be present during the closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection and air or water test.

Step 4: Inspection Review 

Once the qualified professional completes the inspection, the Oro Loma Sanitary District will review the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and the air or water test results to determine whether the sewer lateral passes or fails according to standard criteria.

• If it passes, the Oro Loma Sanitary District will issue a Certificate of Compliance valid for up to 10 years or 20 years (for a full replacement).
• If it fails, the Oro Loma Sanitary District will issue a Notice to Repair within 15 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I need to repair or replace a sewer lateral? 

If the sewer lateral needs repair or replacement, the work can be done either before or after escrow closes, provided a time-extension certificate (TEC) is obtained. This TEC request must be submitted prior to the escrow closing, as the Oro Loma Sanitary District will not accept requests after escrow closes. The contractor must obtain a sewer repair permit prior to performing work.

  • Partial repair: Certificate valid up to 10 years.
  • Full replacement: Certificate valid for 20 years.

Note: Certificate terms may vary and are determined by the Oro Loma Sanitary District.

How can I request an extension? 

If you cannot get a Compliance Certificate for your private sewer lateral before transferring the title, you may request a time extension certificate (TEC). The TEC gives you an additional 30 days to submit an inspection report after the transfer. Subsequently, the Notice of Repair shall list the deficiencies to be corrected and set a 180-day deadline for the owner to complete the necessary repairs.

If you have any questions, please contact the Oro Loma Sanitary District at psl@orolomasanitarydistrict.ca.gov.

When is a sewer lateral inspection required? 

A private sewer lateral inspection is required in the following circumstances:

  • Transfer of property. Per the Oro Loma Sanitary District's Ordinance No. 35-17, properties being sold must have their sewer laterals inspected, and any necessary repairs completed prior to the close of escrow. Inspections will include both CCTV visual inspection and pressure testing.
  • Addition or improvements. Building addition, such as adding plumbing fixtures, that result in a 25% or more increase in building size, or improvements valued at $50,000. Accessory Dwelling Unit or additional building units constructed.
  • Lateral failure or lack of maintenance.
  • Age of pipe or extent of foliage causing high flow within the service area.
  • Lateral has been repaired or installed without a permit from the District.
  • When the District finds that a lateral was not installed per the District's Ordinance or standards.
What should I do if I know my sewer lateral will not pass the preliminary CCTV inspection and air or water test? 

If you already know the sewer lateral will not pass the preliminary CCTV inspection or air or water test, you do not need to schedule a verification inspection before making repairs. You may first obtain a sewer repair permit, complete the necessary repairs, and schedule the required inspections. Once the repairs pass inspection, you may apply for a Sewer Lateral Inspection Certificate and can expect it to be issued.

Alternatively, you may apply for the Sewer Lateral Inspection Certificate before completing the repairs, then complete the required work and inspections. However, if repairs are performed, a sewer repair permit is still required, even if the lateral ultimately passes inspection.

Note: A sewer repair permit is required for any repair works performed, even if the lateral passes inspection afterward.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Oro Loma Sanitary District at psl@orolomasanitarydistrict.ca.gov.

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