Private Sewer Lateral

 Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance

Request a Certificate of Lateral Compliance (COLC)

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The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide for the operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater conveyance and treatment facilities in a reliable and serviceable manner and to reduce infiltration and inflow into the City’s sanitary sewer collection system and to reduce or eliminate sanitary sewer overflows. This Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance establishes regulations and enforcement for the inspection, testing, repair, replacement, and ongoing maintenance of Private Sewer Laterals and Private Services, resulting in the issuance of a Certification of Lateral Compliance (COLC).


RESPONSIBILITY & MAINTENANCE


The property owner(s) are responsible for maintaining their sewer systems. Where portions of the sewer system exist on two or more adjoining lots, each property shall be responsible for the maintenance of their portion. 

  • The PSL shall be kept free from roots, grease deposits, and other solids which may impede or obstruct the flow.
  • All joints shall be tight, and all pipes shall be sound and free from structural defects, cracks, breaks, openings, and missing portions to prevent ex-filtration by waste or infiltration by ground water or storm water.
  • There shall be no Non-Sanitary Sewer Connections to the PSL plumbing. Any non-sanitary sewer connections shall be subject to immediate removal when discovered at the property owner’s sole expense. Illicit waste is also not permitted.


CERTIFICATE OF LATERAL COMPLIANCE


A certificate will be issued for sewer systems that are in compliance with current standards. The certificate will remain valid for a period of 20 years. Below is a list of the possible situations where the obtainment a COLC will be required, as well as any exceptions that may apply:


  • Prior to title transfer (Extension Offered)
  • Division of a parcel
  • Addition of plumbing fixtures 
  • Alteration of structure exceeding 25% of market value 
  • Alteration of sewer system 
  • The sewer system is in violation of the code 
  • Unlawful construction of a sewer system


EXCEPTIONS:

Where a valid COLC is on file for the property.

Where the sewer system has been permitted to be installed within the last 20 years.



VERIFICATION INSPECTION

The best way to ensure a properly functioning sewer system is to have it inspected and certified. If the obtainment of a COLC is required, a verification inspection must be performed. A video inspection of the PSL shall be from the building drain cleanout serving the structure(s) to the connection to the public sewer main. Verification Inspections shall be performed by a licensed contractor.



COLC FLOW CHART