San Mateo sewer lateral cost sharing program 2026/27
For FY 2026/27 the City reimburses 50% of the lowest approved bid for a full lateral replacement, up to $2,500, while funding lasts. You must be accepted and have your quotes approved before any work starts. This guide walks through each step and the City document you need for it.
The City runs this program and takes applications. Sewer Lateral Help is independent and is not the application.
- of the lowest approved bid
- 50%
- maximum per property
- $2,500
- quotes, approved before work
- 3
Who qualifies
Any owner of property within San Mateo city limits can apply, regardless of income or property type.
The work must be a full lateral replacement. If your inspection called for something smaller, the program does not apply to it.
What isn't covered
- Spot repairs
- Partial replacements
- Pothole repairs
- Additional street resurfacing
- CCTV inspection
- Root work
The process, step by step
Step 1: Apply to the City and wait for acceptance
Any owner of property within San Mateo city limits can apply, regardless of income or property type.
The program is not retroactive: work done before the City accepts the application and approves the quotes is not reimbursed.
Documents for this step
- Online application (FY 2026/27)(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Apply and wait for acceptance before any work.
- Printable application (FY 2026/27)(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
The same application as a fillable PDF.
- Online application (FY 2026/27)(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Step 2: Get three quotes from licensed contractors
After reviewing an application, the City emails detailed quote instructions. Quotes sent in with the application may need to be revised to match them.
Quotes should cover full lateral replacement, a cleanout if needed, a new wye connection if needed, and permits (included or listed separately).
Step 3: Submit the three quotes for City approval
After acceptance, the owner gets quotes from three licensed plumbers or contractors and submits those three for City approval before any work starts.
Step 4: Choose one of the three contractors
Once the quotes are approved, the City emails you to choose one of the three contractors. Reimbursement is based on the lowest approved bid.
Step 5: Pull building and encroachment permits
Lateral work needs City permits: a building permit for work on private property and an encroachment permit for work in the public right-of-way.
Either the contractor or the owner can pull the permits. Program participants should tell their contractor they are in the cost sharing program so it is noted on the permits.
Streets recently resurfaced are under an excavation moratorium. Lateral work in one is allowed as an exception but carries extra repaving requirements, which the City spells out for program quotes.
Documents for this step
- Road segments moratorium list(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Check whether your street was recently resurfaced.
- City permit lookup(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Look up permits on a property, including a past full replacement.
- Road segments moratorium list(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Step 6: Complete the full replacement and final the permits
Any change to the approved scope or cost must be approved by the City before the work goes ahead, or the owner loses eligibility.
Step 7: Submit the reimbursement packet
After the work and permits are finaled, the owner submits a reimbursement form, a zero-balance final invoice, the finaled permit numbers and a W-9. Checks are mailed within about 3–4 months of approval.
Incomplete or incorrect reimbursement packets are sent back for correction, which can delay payment.
The grant is taxable; recipients receive a 1099-G from the City.
Documents for this step
- Reimbursement request form (FY 2026/27)(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Submitted after the work and permits are finaled.
- IRS Form W-9(IRS website, opens in a new tab)
Part of the reimbursement packet.
- Reimbursement request form (FY 2026/27)(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Getting three quotes that will be approved
After acceptance, the owner gets quotes from three licensed plumbers or contractors and submits those three for City approval before any work starts.
The City does not recommend plumbers or contractors.
Each quote should show
- Full lateral replacement, from the building to the main
- A cleanout, if there is none
- A new wye connection, if needed
- Permits, included or listed separately
- Extra street repaving language, if your street is under moratorium (the City emails it)
- The contractor's license number
After reviewing an application, the City emails detailed quote instructions. Quotes sent in with the application may need to be revised to match them.
Contacting the program
Cost sharing questions go to pslp@cityofsanmateo.org (preferred) or (650) 522-7330 / (650) 522-7367. The program handles applications and correspondence on Mondays and Fridays.
Need three quotes for the program?
Tell us where you are in the program and when you need the work done. We'll follow up about next steps.
- A person at Baysix Media reads every request.
- Your details go to a contractor only if you tick the referral box.
- The City does not recommend plumbers or contractors. Check any contractor's license before you hire.
The request form opens soon
It isn't taking requests yet, so nothing can get lost. Until it opens: check any contractor's license before you hire, and if you're planning a full replacement, apply for City cost sharing before work starts.
City cost sharing program(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Program questions
Checked against City of San Mateo sources on
Who is eligible for San Mateo cost sharing?
Any owner of property within San Mateo city limits can apply, regardless of income or property type.
How much does the City reimburse?
For FY 2026/27 the City reimburses 50% of the lowest approved bid for a full lateral replacement, up to $2,500, while funding lasts.
Can I start work before I am accepted?
The program is not retroactive: work done before the City accepts the application and approves the quotes is not reimbursed.
What if my contractor finds more work once they start?
Any change to the approved scope or cost must be approved by the City before the work goes ahead, or the owner loses eligibility.
Is the reimbursement taxable?
The grant is taxable; recipients receive a 1099-G from the City.
How long does reimbursement take?
After the work and permits are finaled, the owner submits a reimbursement form, a zero-balance final invoice, the finaled permit numbers and a W-9. Checks are mailed within about 3–4 months of approval.
Incomplete or incorrect reimbursement packets are sent back for correction, which can delay payment.
Who do I contact about the program?
Cost sharing questions go to pslp@cityofsanmateo.org (preferred) or (650) 522-7330 / (650) 522-7367. The program handles applications and correspondence on Mondays and Fridays.
Sewer Lateral Help is an independent resource. We are not affiliated with the City of San Mateo and do not process applications.