Sewer lateral inspection in Stockton: the local rules

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

What Stockton's code says

Stockton code What Stockton's code adds
Deadline to comply	Within the time the Director approves. Applies: Applies to installing a missing cleanout or backwater valve, or disconnecting non-sewer connections found on the upper lateral. § 13.50.060 · code text If either cleanout does not exist, the property owner will be required to install the cleanout(s) within the time requirements approved by the Director. Immediately test, inspect, maintain, repair or replace the defect. Applies: Applies after any sewer overflow caused by an upper lateral defect. § 13.50.060 · code text Following any sanitary sewer overflow caused by an upper lateral defect, the property owner shall immediately test, inspect, maintain, repair and/or replace the defect as follows: Within 45 days of notice, remove the roots and repair the upper lateral, or agree to an approved schedule. Applies: Applies when the city finds roots growing from the upper lateral into the lower lateral and notifies the owner. § 13.50.060 · code text Should the City, at any time, determine that roots are growing into lower laterals from upper laterals, upon notification the property owner shall, within 45 days, either remove the roots from the upper lateral and make all necessary repairs to the upper lateral to prevent a reoccurrence of root intrusion that reaches the lower lateral, or enter into a compliance time schedule according to Section 13.50.110.
Fee or permit	All required plumbing and sewer permits. Applies: Applies before repairing an upper lateral. § 13.50.060 · code text Owners shall obtain all required plumbing and sewer permits prior to making any repairs of upper laterals, and shall retain the inspection card(s), signed and approved by City inspector(s), as proof of completion of work. A sewer lateral certificate from the Director, after proof of compliance and payment of any required fee. Applies: Applies after required inspection, repair or replacement of the lateral. § 13.50.070 · code text Sewer lateral certificates, as required by this chapter, shall be issued by the Director upon sufficient proof that a property owner has complied with this chapter, and upon payment of any required fee.
When an inspection is required	After any sewer overflow caused by an upper lateral defect. § 13.50.060 · code text Following any sanitary sewer overflow caused by an upper lateral defect, the property owner shall immediately test, inspect, maintain, repair and/or replace the defect as follows:
Owner's responsibility	The city maintains the lower lateral; owners keep the upper lateral free of roots, grease and solids, with sound pipes. Applies: Applies to existing upper laterals, or when any work is done on the upper lateral; joints must also be tight. § 13.50.040 · code text A. Lower laterals are maintained by the City of Stockton. The owner pays the city's costs to clear or repair an upper private lateral. Applies: Applies when the city acts to abate a public nuisance. § 13.50.060 · code text Any cost, expense, liability, fine, penalty or other payment made or incurred by the City to clear or repair any upper private lateral shall be borne by the property owner and shall constitute a debt to the City, due and payable upon demand and collectable in any manner provided by law.

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Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: the city maintains the lower lateral; the owner must keep the upper lateral free of roots, grease and solids. City rule: within 45 days after a city notice about roots, the owner must repair the upper lateral or enter an approved schedule.

Sewer lateral inspection in Stockton

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What Stockton's code says

Who this affects

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