SECTION V - INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Purpose: To encourage City residents connected to the City’s sewer system to proactively inspect and repair private sewer laterals.

A.     Incentives

1. Inspection incentive -    Up to $150 per property when City is provided a videotape and inspection report by a qualified inspector and the City review certifies that the lateral is in good repair.  Rebate amount shall not exceed the cost of the inspection.
2. Replacement repair incentive – Up to $2,000 per property.  Rebate amount limited to half the cost of repairs or $2,000, whichever is less.

B.     Eligible Properties

1. Residential properties with three or fewer units (regardless of zoning); and
2. These properties have not been issued an Administrative Penalty for failure to inspect and/or repair the sewer lateral within the last twelve months.

C.     Ineligible Properties

1. Commercial properties.
2. Residential properties with four or more units.
3. Common interest developments.
4. Any property that has received an Administrative Penalty within the past 12 months for failure to inspect or repair their sewer.

D.    Eligible Repairs

1. Sewer lateral repair or replacement. 

E.     Eligible Costs

1. City-approved costs and work.  (All costs must be approved by the City and all work must be done and completed under appropriate permit or permits.)
2. Costs associated with repair/replacement of lateral.
3. Slip lining costs where slip lining is done by a method approved by the City.
4. Replacement of the line through pipe-bursting when done in accordance with City standards.
5. Installation of cleanout(s) if associated with repair or replacement of existing line.
6. Installation of back-water valve if associated with replacement/repair costs to lateral.
7. Materials for work performed by property owner.

F.      In-eligible Costs

1. Labor if performed by property owner.
2. Installation of backwater valve or clean-out not associated with repair/replacement work on lateral.
3. Work performed without required permit(s).
4. Landscaping.

Eligible properties will be identified by information contained in the City’s Building Permit tracking system and the City’s automated map.  Eligibility will be determined by the Public Works Director or his designee(s).

G.    Requests To Receive Incentive Payment For Inspection Or Repair

All requests for reimbursement shall be made to the Wastewater Collection System Superintendent.  Incentive payment requests must be received by the City within 30 days of completion of the work.

1.      Incentive payment request forms and all accompanying materials shall be mailed or hand delivered to one of the following locations:

Public Works Counter
630 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA  93101

Wastewater Collection System Project Coordinator
El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant
520 East Yanonali Street
P.O. Box 1990
Santa Barbara, CA  93102-1990

2.      Sewer Lateral Incentive Payment Request Forms may be hand delivered between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m and 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

3.      Requests shall be made using the standard Sewer Lateral Incentive Payment Request Form (Exhibit F). 

4.      Proof of work completed shall include:

                          a.          A copy of the inspection tape and inspection form (Exhibit A);

                         b.          A copy of the invoice from a licensed plumber detailing the work performed and listing the cost of the work; and

                          c.          A copy of the inspection form showing the work was completed in compliance with City codes.

The amount of money available for incentives, and the amount of the incentives, shall be set by City Council each year as part of the budget process.  Incentive payments will be provided to eligible properties on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

H.    Other Financial Assistance

Low interest loans may also be available to qualified owners for sewer repair.  Please visit the City’s housing program on-line at:

http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Resident/Home/Housing/preservation.htm

or phone the Affordable Housing Programs staff at (805) 564-5461.

I.       Permit Fees

Eligible properties (as described in paragraph B above) shall have the permit fees listed below waived:

1.      Construction Permit.

A Sewer Line Permit issued by the Building Division typically runs about $220.00.  Eligible property owners will be provided with a transfer slip that will allow the Wastewater Fund to be charged for the amount of this fee.

2.      Public Works Fees.

                          a.          Public Works Trench Inspection Permits are required for work in the public right-of-way.  The amount of this fee is currently $279.50 (2006).  Eligible property owners who are required to do repairs in the public right-of-way will be issued a form waiving this fee.

                         b.          Public Works Tap - When replacement of the lower lateral and re-connection to the sewer main is required, the work will be completed by the City of Santa Barbara or a City contractor. 

Normally the person undertaking the work reimburses the City for the cost of labor and materials to connect to the City’s sewer.  The fee for work performed at eligible properties will be waived.  This fee is $553.00 (2006).