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Alameda · Buying & selling

Sewer lateral inspection in Alameda

City rule: before title transfer of a parcel with a structure, an upper sewer lateral compliance certificate or a time extension certificate is required. City rule: owners must maintain, repair and replace their sewer laterals; after a transfer, the buyer alone must get the compliance certificate.

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Key points

  • Sewer lateral: City rule: before title transfer of a parcel with a structure, an upper sewer lateral compliance certificate or a time extension certificate is required.
  • Lateral repairs: City rule: owners must maintain, repair and replace their sewer laterals; after a transfer, the buyer alone must get the compliance certificate.

Each rule below links to the section of the Alameda Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Alameda's code says

Alameda code What Alameda's code adds
Fee or permit
  • The property owner pays any fees the City sets for this chapter, in addition to district fees.
    § 18-5.3 · code text
    The City may establish fees for administration of this chapter. The property owner shall be responsible for paying any fees established by the City in addition to any fees established by the district.
When an inspection is required
  • Before a title transfer of a parcel with any structure, get a compliance certificate for the upper sewer lateral.
    Applies: Applies at title transfer, unless a time extension certificate is obtained.
    § 18-5.3 · code text
    Before completing a title transfer associated with a parcel containing any structure, either the transferor or transferee, as negotiated between them, shall obtain a compliance certificate for the upper sewer lateral from the district, unless a time extension certificate is obtained, see paragraph g.
  • Get a compliance certificate before the final permit for new construction or remodeling above the Regional Ordinance dollar amount.
    Applies: Applies to new construction or remodeling.
    § 18-5.3 · code text
    Whenever a property owner submits an application for any permit or other approval needed for new construction upon a parcel, or for remodeling of an existing or previously existing structure, the property owner shall obtain a compliance certificate for the upper sewer lateral from the district before obtaining a final permit.
  • Get a compliance certificate before the final permit or approval to increase or decrease water meter size.
    Applies: Applies when the property water meter size is increased or decreased.
    § 18-5.3 · code text
    Whenever a property owner applies for any permit or other approval from the district for an increase or decrease in size of the property owner's water meter, the property owner shall obtain a compliance certificate for the upper sewer lateral from the district before obtaining a final permit or approval.
  • Owners in common interest developments must get compliance certificates as the Regional Ordinance describes.
    Applies: Applies to common interest developments.
    § 18-5.3 · code text
    Property owners within common interest developments must obtain compliance certificates for the upper sewer lateral from the district as described in the Regional Ordinance.
  • A condition assessment plan, corrective action work plan and compliance certificate are required.
    Applies: Applies when upper sewer laterals exceed 1,000 feet in total combined length within the parcel or parcel group.
    § 18-5.3 · code text
    The property owner of any parcel or any parcel group with upper sewer laterals exceeding one thousand (1,000′) feet in total combined length within the parcel or parcel group must comply with the requirements for a condition assessment plan, corrective action work plan and compliance certificate as specified in the Regional Ordinance.
Owner's responsibility
  • Owners own the entire sewer lateral and must maintain, repair and replace it as needed to meet the chapter's standards.
    § 18-5.3 · code text
    Property owners own the entire sewer lateral and must maintain, repair and replace all sewer laterals associated with their parcels to the extent necessary to ensure the sewer laterals meet the standards of this chapter.
  • After the title transfer, only the buyer is responsible for getting a compliance certificate.
    Applies: Applies after the title transfer is complete.
    § 18-5.3 · code text
    After the title transfer is complete, the transferee is solely responsible for obtaining a compliance certificate for the upper sewer lateral.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Does Alameda require a sewer lateral inspection when you sell a home?

City rule: before title transfer of a parcel with a structure, an upper sewer lateral compliance certificate or a time extension certificate is required. City rule: owners must maintain, repair and replace their sewer laterals; after a transfer, the buyer alone must get the compliance certificate.

General information, not legal advice.

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