San Mateo sewer lateral requirements when selling a home
If you're selling a detached single-family or two-family house in San Mateo, the lateral needs an inspection before the sale unless an exemption applies. Here is what the seller and the buyer each do, from listing to after closing.
Checked against City of San Mateo sources on
Selling a condo or townhome?
The City's regulations apply the sale and remodel requirements to detached single-family and two-family homes. If you own a condo, townhome or a building with three or more units, confirm with Public Works whether a requirement applies to you.
Seller and buyer, step by step
Before you list
Seller
- Check for an exemption first: a passing inspection in the last 5 years, or a full replacement in the last 25 with a City permit.SMMC 7.38.432(c)(2)(A); Admin Regs §III.A(source: San Mateo Municipal Code §7.38.432, Private sewer laterals, opens in a new tab)
- An inspection is required when a detached single-family or two-family home served by a private lateral is sold, and it must be done before the sale.SMMC 7.38.432(c)(1)(A); Admin Regs §II.A(source: San Mateo Municipal Code §7.38.432, Private sewer laterals, opens in a new tab)
Buyer
- Ask early whether the seller has a current report or a replacement permit. It shapes the offer.
Report in hand
Seller
- The City recommends that sellers share the completed inspection form with potential buyers.Admin Regs §II.A(iv)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
- The completed inspection form is emailed to San Mateo Public Works at lateral@cityofsanmateo.org.Sewer Lateral Inspection Form(source: Sewer Lateral Inspection Form, opens in a new tab)
Buyer
- Read the pass/fail box and the required-work boxes on page 1.
- If there is no inspection report and the seller does not provide one, the buyer must have a qualified plumbing contractor inspect the lateral and submit the report to the City before closing.Private Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program(source: Private Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program, opens in a new tab)
If the lateral fails
Seller
- If a pre-sale inspection fails, the buyer and seller decide between them who handles the repair or replacement.Admin Regs §II.A(v)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
- If the seller takes on the repair, it should be completed before the sale closes, or as otherwise arranged with the buyer.Admin Regs §II.A(vii)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
Buyer
- If the buyer takes on the repair, the work must meet City standards no later than 90 calendar days after the sale.Admin Regs §II.A(vi)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
After closing
Seller
- The City keeps inspection results and completed repairs in its permitting system. Questions about an existing inspection go to the Public Works encroachment permit team.Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
Buyer
- A failed inspection that is never repaired stays on the property file, can lead to City enforcement, and must be addressed with any future permit.Admin Regs §II.A(ix), §II.D(viii)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
Check your sale
Answer for the property you're selling or buying. If an exemption may apply, the result tells you what record proves it.
Question 1
Book an inspection before you list
Tell us about the property and your closing timeline. Booking early leaves room to handle a failed result before closing.
- 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)
Seller and buyer questions
Who pays for the inspection when I sell?
The rules make the owner responsible for having it done before the sale. Who pays is part of your deal with the buyer.
An inspection is required when a detached single-family or two-family home served by a private lateral is sold, and it must be done before the sale.
What if the seller doesn't provide a report?
If there is no inspection report and the seller does not provide one, the buyer must have a qualified plumbing contractor inspect the lateral and submit the report to the City before closing.
Can the buyer take on the repair after closing?
If a pre-sale inspection fails, the buyer and seller decide between them who handles the repair or replacement.
If the buyer takes on the repair, the work must meet City standards no later than 90 calendar days after the sale.
Is there a certificate to give the buyer?
The City does not issue Certificates of Compliance. The sewer lateral inspection report serves as proof of compliance.
The City recommends that sellers share the completed inspection form with potential buyers.
Can I reuse an inspection from a few years ago?
No new inspection is needed if the lateral was inspected in the previous 5 years and that inspection found either no repairs needed, or only partial repairs that were then completed.
Where to go next
- All San Mateo sewer lateral requirementsEvery trigger and exemption in one place.
- What happens at the inspectionWho inspects, what the camera checks, how it is graded.
- If the lateral fails before closingRead the required work and set the plan.
- Repair and replacement optionsScope, permits and comparing quotes.