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 Inspection Exemption Certificate prior to the close of escrow (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. 

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.

A 4-step guide for Oro Loma Sanitary District: check certificate, obtain permit, conduct inspection/test, 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 Inspection Exemption Certificate on file. If one exists, you're done. No inspection is needed. Certificates are valid for 10 years (inspection) or 30 years (full replacement).

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

Step 2: Obtain Permit and Hire a Contractor 

If no valid certificate exists, obtain a Lateral Inspection Certificate permit from the Oro Loma Sanitary District and hire a licensed contractor to perform a CCTV inspection and a pressure or water test on the sewer lateral.

To obtain a Lateral Inspection Certificate permit ($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 pressure or water tests:

  • Amigo Rooter & Plumbing - 510-363-2927
  • Evenflow Plumbing - 510-782-3649
  • King Rooter - 510-783-5464
  • Pro Rooter - 510-670-1115
  • Rescue Rooter - 510-729-6227
  • Roto Rooter - 510-483-2324
  • Star Rooter & Plumbing - 510-377-4749
  • Streamline Inc. - 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 Pressure or Water Test 

Once you have a Lateral Inspection Certificate permit and a licensed contractor, an Oro Loma Sanitary District representative must be present during the closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection and pressure or water test.

Step 4: Inspection Review 

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

• If it passes, the Oro Loma Sanitary District issues a Compliance Certificate valid for 10 years for a repair or for 20 years for a full replacement.
• If it fails, the Oro Loma Sanitary District issues a Notice to Repair within 30 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 permit is obtained. This permit 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 $250 sewer repair permit prior to performing work.

  • Full replacement: Certificate valid for 20 years.
  • Partial repair (50%+): Certificate valid for 10 years.
How can I request an extension? 

If you're unable to obtain a Compliance Certificate for your PSL before transferring the title, you can buy a time extension certificate (TEC). This TEC grants you 180 days from its issuance to complete the PSL work.

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.

 

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