As private laterals age, they can become clogged by fats, oils, grease, and grease build up. In addition, roots from trees and other vegetation can enter the private lateral through cracks or other pipe deficiencies. Routine maintenance can increase their useful life and avoid premature and costly replacement or repair. 

Sewer Lateral Replacement

OPTION ONE: Work within Right-of-Way done by Private Contractor

Private contractor installs the sewer lateral from the sewer main in the City right-of-way or easement to the property line. City crew shall be on-site for sewer lateral connection into the sewer main.

1. What to do for sewer lateral:

Hire a private contractor and obtain a Construction Permit (form 5515) from the Land Development Division, Permits Section (619) 691-5272 for work to be done by private contractor in City right-of-way easement.

Submit all forms, drawings, documents, Request for Initial Inspection or Approval to Commence Work (form 5512), and Traffic Control Plan (form 5515) for review and approval. Provide bond, certificate of insurance, and show proof of current contractor's license.

Pay the following fees: Construction Permit application fee, Inspection fee, Traffic Control Plan fee,Utility/Sewer Permit (form 4569) for connection with the building installation within the private property.

2. What to do for Connection with the building

Obtain and pay fee for Utility Permit (form 4569) from the Building Division for sewer lateral installation within the private property. The private contractor will install the sewer lateral from the property line to the structure.

Construction for work within the City right-of-way shall be scheduled in accordance with work on private property with City crew on-site for sewer lateral connection into the main.

OPTION TWO: Work within Right-of-Way done by the City

The City installs the sewer lateral within the right-of-way or easement from the sewer main to the property line. Private contractor installs the connection with the building within the private property from the property line to the structure.

1. What do to for the sewer lateral:

Call (619) 691-5024 for a sewer connection cost estimate for sewer lateral installation and tapping into sewer main.

2. What to do for a connection with the building

Obtain and pay fee for a Utility Permit (form 4569) from the Building Division for sewer lateral installation within the private property. The private contractor will install the sewer lateral from the property line to the structure. The City work will then be scheduled.

• Sewer Lateral Policy

• Sewer Lateral Replacement Process

• Tree Preservation Policy

The maintenance of the sewer lateral from the connection point with the public sewer to the connection with the building shall be the responsibility of the property owner. Please review the Sewer Lateral Policy for details.

Contact Public Works Operations at (619) 397-6000 on a property line sewer cleanout location. Call Dig Alert prior to digging by calling 8-1-1 or visit www.digalert.com.

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