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Sewer lateral inspection in San Jose

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

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

What San Jose's code says

San Jose code What San Jose's code adds
Fee or permit	Apply in writing to Public Works at least 10 days before the connection is needed, and pay the permit fee. Applies: Applies to building a sewer lateral between the public sewer and the property line. § 15.16.350 · code text and shall thereupon deposit with said department the fee for such sewer lateral permit as is established in this chapter. The owner pays a council-set fee for labor and materials if Public Works installs the wye cleanout. Applies: Applies when the lateral has no wye cleanout and the owner asks the city to install one. § 15.16.420 · code text the department of public works shall install same after an installation fee covering labor and materials in the amount as set forth in the schedule of fees established by resolution of council has been paid by the owner to the city.
Owner's responsibility	At their own cost, the owner must raise the wye cleanout to within 24 inches of grade and uncover it. Applies: Applies before the city clears a blocked lateral between the property line and the sewer main at the owner's request. § 15.16.420 · code text the owner, at his own cost and expense, has brought the wye cleanout to within twenty-four inches below the surrounding surface grade and exposes the wye cleanout in instances where it is covered. The owner must have a wye cleanout installed at own expense, or have Public Works install it for a fee. Applies: Applies when the lateral between the property line and the sewer main has no wye cleanout. § 15.16.420 · code text If the lateral does not have a wye cleanout, the owner shall cause, at his own expense, a wye cleanout which reaches within twenty-four inches of the surrounding surface grade and is not covered by dirt, asphalt, concrete or other similar material to be installed The city repairs the lateral without charge to the owner. Applies: Applies between the property line and the sewer main, after city rodding finds a repair is needed and the owner signs a repair order. § 15.16.420 · code text the department of public works shall repair the said lateral, without charge to the owner after the owner has filled out a repair order form provided by city

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