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Avalon · Buying & selling

Sewer lateral inspection in Avalon

Avalon's own rules on sewer lateral inspection, with the code text for every value.

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

What Avalon's code says

Avalon code What Avalon's code adds
Deadline to comply
  • By the date stated in the City's written notice.
    Applies: Applies to corrective work the City orders by notice.
    § 6-7.305 · code text
    the City may provide the property owner with a written notice to maintain, repair, rehabilitate or replace the private sewer lateral by taking specified corrective actions by a date to be specified in the written notice.
  • Before the property is sold.
    Applies: Applies to corrective work found in the inspection required at sale; the owner and buyer may agree who pays.
    § 6-7.305 · code text
    the property owner shall cause a licensed plumber to perform the corrective actions identified in the inspection report prior to the sale of the property and in accordance with the requirements of this article.
  • Before the City gives final approval of a permit.
    Applies: Applies to corrective work for significant construction, remodeling, or a change in use.
    § 6-7.305 · code text
    the property owner shall cause a licensed plumber to perform the corrective actions identified in the inspection report prior to final approval of a permit by the City.
Owner's responsibility
  • A licensed plumber must do the inspection and report, including a video of the lateral.
    § 6-7.304 · code text
    The inspection and inspection report shall be completed by a licensed plumber.
  • The owner must inspect, maintain, repair and replace the private sewer lateral as needed, at the owner's cost.
    § 6-7.303 · code text
    Each property owner shall, at the property owner's expense, inspect, maintain in good working order, repair, rehabilitate and replace, as necessary, the private sewer lateral so that it does not cause or contribute to any sewage leakage or overflow from either the private sewer lateral or the public sewer.
  • The private sewer lateral belongs to the property owner and is not part of the public sewer.
    § 6-7.303 · code text
    The private sewer laterals are the property of the property owner and are not part of the public sewer.
When an inspection is required
  • After the owner receives written notice from the City.
    Applies: Applies when the City finds a private sewer lateral defective or likely to leak or block.
    § 6-7.304 · code text
    A property owner shall cause the private sewer lateral to be inspected by a licensed plumber upon receipt of written notice from the City that an inspection is required.
  • Before, and as a condition of, any sale of the property.
    Applies: Applies to the sale of a property.
    § 6-7.304 · code text
    A property owner shall have the private sewer lateral inspected by a licensed plumber prior to and as a condition precedent to any sale of the property.
  • Once every 10 years, starting January 1 of the year after this article was adopted.
    Applies: Applies to common interest developments and commercial properties.
    § 6-7.304 · code text
    the property owner or property owners of any common interest development or commercial property shall have the private sewer lateral inspected in accordance with the requirements of this article once every 10 years beginning January 1st of the year following the adoption of this article.
  • When the owner applies for a permit to build, remodel or alter a structure with a private lateral.
    Applies: Applies to construction, remodeling or alteration that needs a permit or other approval.
    § 6-7.304 · code text
    Applies for any permit or other approval needed for construction, remodeling, modification or alteration of any structure with a private sewer lateral within the City;
  • When remodel costs exceed $75,000.
    Applies: Applies to significant remodeling.
    § 6-7.304 · code text
    Undertakes significant remodeling (remodel costs exceed $75,000; or
  • When the owner remodels to add a bathroom or major plumbing.
    Applies: Applies to a remodel that adds a bathroom or major plumbing.
    § 6-7.304 · code text
    Undertakes a remodel to add a bathroom or major plumbing.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

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

Avalon's code: After the owner receives written notice from the City. (Applies when the City finds a private sewer lateral defective or likely to leak or block.) (§ 6-7.304); By the date stated in the City's written notice. (Applies to corrective work the City orders by notice.) (§ 6-7.305).

General information, not legal advice.

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