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Pacific Grove · Buying & selling

Sewer lateral inspection in Pacific Grove

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

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

What Pacific Grove's code says

Pacific Grove code What Pacific Grove's code adds
Deadline to comply
  • Within 60 days of city notice.
    Applies: Applies to inspection and testing work when no specific deadline is set.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    In the absence of a specific deadline, all inspection and testing work shall be completed within 60 days of notification by the city that such inspection is required.
  • Within 60 days of city notice.
    Applies: Applies to repair or replacement work when the public works director sets no specific deadline.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    In the absence of a specific deadline established by the director of public works, all repair or replacement work shall be completed within 60 days of notification by the city that such repair or replacement is required.
Fee or permit
  • A building permit, and an encroachment permit if needed, are required.
    Applies: Applies when the lateral is found defective and must be repaired.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    if found defective, the property owner shall obtain a building permit and (if applicable) an encroachment permit and thereafter repair the lateral
When an inspection is required
  • When building a new structure on a lot with an existing lateral, or connecting a new structure to one.
    Applies: Applies to new structures or new connections to an existing lateral.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    When building a new structure on property with an existing lateral, or when otherwise proposing to connect a previously unconnected structure to an existing lateral;
  • As a condition of approval for any major remodel.
    Applies: Applies to major remodels the city estimates at $50,000 or more.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    As a condition of approval of any major building remodel project. A major building remodel project is one that is estimated by the city to cost $50,000 or more;
  • Before close of escrow.
    Applies: Applies when property is sold or ownership is otherwise transferred by deed or writing.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    Prior to the close of escrow when the property is transferred via sale or other transfer of ownership by deed, instrument or writing;
  • When the city finds a lateral overflow reached public property or another owner's private property.
    Applies: Applies when sewage from a lateral reaches public property or another owner's land.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    Whenever the city finds that a sewage overflow emanating from a lateral has reached public property, including but not limited to a city street or the city storm drain system, or has flowed onto private property owned by another property owner;
  • When the city finds a lateral overflow threatens public health.
    Applies: Applies even if the sewage has not crossed a property line.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    Whenever the city finds that a sewage overflow emanating from a lateral presents a threat to public health, even if it has not flowed across a property line.
  • The city may order the owner to inspect the lateral.
    Applies: Applies when the city knows or reasonably suspects a defect, including during sewer main work.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    The city may order the property owner to conduct an inspection, repair or replacement of any lateral that the city knows or reasonably suspects to be defective.
How long a certificate lasts
  • No inspection is needed on sale for 10 years after a full replacement.
    Applies: Applies to laterals fully replaced under a valid building permit and any needed encroachment permit.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    the property owner is not required to inspect the lateral upon sale of the property for 10 years following the date of complete replacement of the lateral.
Owner's responsibility
  • Owners must inspect and report results to the city; if defective, they get permits and repair the lateral.
    Applies: Applies at new construction or connection, remodels of $50,000 or more, sale or transfer, or overflows reaching others or threatening health.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    Property owners shall inspect, and provide to the city a report of the results of an inspection of, the laterals on their property prepared by a licensed plumber using closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection or other inspection or test method approved by the director of public works, and if found defective, the property owner shall obtain a building permit and (if applicable) an encroachment permit and thereafter repair the lateral, as follows:
  • The owner repairs or replaces the lateral at the owner's sole cost.
    Applies: Applies whenever a defective lateral is found.
    § 9.20.040 · code text
    Whenever defective laterals are found, the property owner, at the sole expense of the property owner, shall repair or replace the lateral.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Does Pacific Grove require a sewer lateral inspection when you sell a home?

Pacific Grove's code: When building a new structure on a lot with an existing lateral, or connecting a new structure to one. (Applies to new structures or new connections to an existing lateral.) (§ 9.20.040); No inspection is needed on sale for 10 years after a full replacement. (Applies to laterals fully replaced under a valid building permit and any needed encroachment permit.) (§ 9.20.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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