In Emeryville and the other East Bay communities in the EBMUD regional program (Alameda, Albany, Oakland, Piedmont and the Stege Sanitary District area), there is an ordinance that requires residents to update their sewer laterals before the sale of a property. This is to help with the growing problem of leaky sewer laterals, causing pollution and sewer main overflows all over the bay area. This ordinance is called the Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program (PSL) and has been in effect since August of 2011 in some regions. If you have had your sewer lateral repaired or replaced, then you will need a compliance certificate from the EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District).
When You Need Emeryville PSL Compliance
The City of Emeryville is one of the agencies in the EBMUD Regional Private Sewer Lateral program. You need a PSL compliance certificate when you:
- Sell the property or transfer title (the certificate is needed to close escrow)
- Build or remodel for more than $100,000 (at final permit sign-off)
- Change the size of your water meter
- Want one voluntarily: certificates can be obtained at any time
A certificate is valid for 7 years if the lateral passed as-is or was repaired, and for 20 years after a full replacement; lining the full length counts as a replacement (EBMUD guidelines).
Keep The Bay Area’s Water Clean
This ordinance is primarily in existence to help maintain the cleanliness of the area and the bay itself. Old sewer laterals leak wastewater into the ground and storm drain system. This seepage of raw sewage into the water supply is both hazardous to the health of Bay Area citizens as well as local wildlife. Keeping this water and land clean should be the top priority for city officials and area residents. A faulty sewer lateral can also allow rainwater to seep into the sewer system, which causes overflows and dangerous sewer backups.
Who Does This Emeryville PSL Ordinance Apply To?
This private sewer lateral replacement program applies to anyone who is selling/being sold a property or anyone who is increasing/decreasing water service that requires a change in meter size. Obtaining the PSL certificate from EBMUD is also needed for anyone who does $100,000+ worth of renovations on their home or property.
Why Emeryville Homeowners Choose Streamline for PSL Compliance
- Sewer work is all we do – more than 10,000 sewers replaced since 1990.
- Licensed and insured: California Sewer Contractor License #672250 (C-42, C-36); insured PL & PD.
- A+ BBB accredited business.
- 24/7 emergency service for homes, apartments, businesses and HOAs.
We handle the same certificate work for Oakland sewer lateral replacement, and our EBMUD PSL compliance guide covers the whole regional program.
What Customers Say
★★★★★“Full service from working with EBMUD, getting timing and approvals, to getting me the certificate. Great work – everything was left clean and lovely hardly disruptive to my small street. […] Professionalism experienced at every step, with each person I came into contact with during the process.”
– Elizabeth A., November 2016
Emeryville PSL Compliance FAQ
How do I get an Emeryville PSL compliance certificate?
Check your property’s status with the EBMUD PSL search tool, have a contractor test the lateral and repair or replace it if needed, pull any required permits, and pass EBMUD’s inspection confirming the lateral is leak-free. We typically schedule that inspection for you, and EBMUD then issues the certificate.
Do I need Emeryville PSL compliance to sell my home?
Yes. A certificate is required to close escrow on a sale or title transfer. If the work can’t be finished before closing, EBMUD offers a Time Extension Certificate that gives 180 days to complete it, with a $4,500 refundable deposit (EBMUD).
How long is an Emeryville PSL certificate valid?
7 years if the lateral passed as-is or was repaired, and 20 years after a full replacement, including lining the full length (EBMUD guidelines).
Does the Emeryville private sewer lateral ordinance apply to condos and HOAs?
Yes. EBMUD publishes separate condo and HOA guidelines, and we work with HOAs and apartment owners on shared laterals.
Is the Emeryville PSL ordinance the same everywhere in the Bay Area?
No. The regional ordinance covers only Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont and the Stege Sanitary District. Other cities’ requirements depend on their local sewer agency (Castro Valley, for example, has its own sewer lateral ordinance), and we can help you check.
Contact Us For More Emeryville PSL Compliance Information
Our plumbing professionals have the knowledge and experience to help you with your PSL repairs and the certification process. Contact us if you have any further questions regarding the PSL certificate, or its cost to you.