SECTION I – WHEN INSPECTION IS REQUIRED
This section explains when inspection is required; outlines the administrative process used to notify property owner of inspection requirement; and details the timeline for compliance.
A. Health And Safety Inspections (SBMC 14.46.040.A.) - this includes inspections required in response to:
· A spill from a private sewer lateral; and/or
· Observing lateral problems (roots, excess clear flow, failed mainline connection) during inspection of City lines; and/or
· Potential problems noted during smoke testing (smoke emitting from the ground or connection of outdoor drain).
1. Property owner will be sent a letter notifying them that a described defect has been identified, and will be provided with a list of qualified plumbers to conduct an inspection. Property owner will be directed to inspect the line and submit the required inspection form and video tape within 30 days.
2. If inspection form is not submitted within 30 days, a second letter will be sent to the property owner directing that the inspection be completed within 15 days and notifying the property owner that failure to complete the required inspection within the designated time frame will result in the issuance of an administrative citation.
3. If inspection is not conducted and/or required forms are not submitted within the required time, a Notice of Administrative Citation will be issued together with direction to complete the required inspection within 10 days of the date of the notice or face an additional Administrative Penalty of $150, and referral to the City Attorney’s office for enforcement.
Nothing in the above guidelines shall prevent the City from requiring a more timely (or immediate) response if the sewer lateral is causing an on-going threat to public health or safety. An example of such a threat is a cross connection with a storm drain, or an overflow into the public right-of-way.
B. Events Requiring An Inspection Of Residential Sewer Laterals (SBMC 14.46.040.B.):
1. Inspections required for addition of 400 or more square feet of new dwelling space as determined by the Building Official.
a. Property owner will be notified of the requirement to submit a sewer lateral inspection video and inspection form by Community Development staff at the time that they submit plans for Community Development review.
b. The property will be “flagged” in the computerized permit monitoring system – Advantage.
c. Submittal of the standardized inspection report will be required prior to issuance of a Building Permit.
d. Public Works staff will review the video and issue either a Compliance Certificate or Notice of Required Repairs. Prior to issuance of the Building Permit, the Advantage database will be updated to indicate whether repair work is needed.
If review of the video shows that the sewer lateral needs repair or replacement, that work will be required to be completed prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Repairs will be verified by either the Building Inspector, or Public Works Inspector.
2. Inspections required for two or more new plumbing fixtures:
a. Property owners will be notified of the requirement to submit a sewer lateral inspection video and report by Community Development staff at the time that they submit plans for Community Development review.
b. The property will be “flagged” in the computerized permit monitoring system – Advantage.
c. Submittal of the standardized inspection report will be required prior to issuance of a Building Permit.
d. Public Works staff will review the video and issue either a Compliance Certificate or notice of required repairs. Prior to issuance of the Building Permit, the Advantage database will be updated to indicate whether repair work is needed.
e. If review of the video shows that the sewer lateral needs repair or replacement, that work will be required to be completed prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Repairs will be verified by the Building Inspector, or Public Works Inspector.
C. Inspection Of Commercial Properties, Condominiums And Other Common Interest Developments (SBMC 14.46.040.C.)
1. Commercial properties and common interest developments are required to inspect their laterals once every ten years.
a. Public Works staff will identify the APN numbers and accompanying addresses for the owners of all properties requiring sewer lateral inspections, using data available from the City’s automated map.
b. Notices will be sent to the property address, and listed property owner. If a property management company is on record for the site, they will also be provided with a notice. Notices will advise the property owner that a sewer lateral inspection must be completed, and proper documentation submitted to the City within 90 days of the date of the notice.
c. If no inspection occurs within the required time, a second notice will be sent requiring inspection within 30 days of the date of the notice, and advising that failure to complete the required inspection will result in the issuance of a $100 Administrative Penalty.
d. If the inspection is not conducted and/or required forms are not submitted within the required time, a Notice of Administrative Penalty will be issued together with direction to complete the required inspection within 10 days of the date of the notice or face an additional Administrative Penalty of $150, and referral to the City Attorney’s office for enforcement.
D. Exemptions – Sewer Lateral Inspections Will Not Be Required Under The Following Conditions (SBMC 14.46.040.D.):
1. The Property owner submits documents showing that the sewer line has been installed within 20 years of the current date, and proper documents can be produced to show that the line was installed in accordance with codes and inspected. Proof of either a Building Permit or Public Works Permit shall be required.
2. The sewer line has been inspected within three years of the current date and the property owner can produce a copy of the Compliance Certificate showing that inspection did not indicate a need for repair.