The City of Arcata would like to remind the community that the Sewer Lateral Certification Program is still active and requires that private sewer laterals are inspected for leaks before a property can be sold.

The Arcata City Council approved Ordinance 1461 in 2015. The ordinance includes provisions to protect groundwater, creek, watershed and bay water quality by putting a routine inspection and repair system in place. The ordinance requires the inspection of sewer laterals for buildings and homes that are over 25 years old when the property is being sold, when there are building permit valuations exceeding $30,000 or due to the addition of two or ­more fixture units.

A significant amount of water that enters the city sewer system during wet weather comes from leaky private sewer laterals, roof downspouts and sump pumps that drain directly into sanitary sewer laterals. The laterals are small pipes which connect a building’s plumbing to the public sewer main and deteriorate over time, allowing roots and rainwater to infiltrate the pipes. Most laterals are not replaced until after the property owner experiences a sewer backup. By this time, the damage is done. Raw sewage can overflow not just into people’s homes, but into the street and waterways leading to the bay.

Sewer lateral inspections and necessary repairs need to be completed prior to the close of escrow. Additionally, a sewer cleanout must be installed in the public right of way or public utility easement, if one is not already in place. A Private Sewer Lateral Certificate will be provided by the City Building and Engineering Department following repair or replacement of the lateral. Property owners can post a bond or deposit to allow escrow to close and get a time extension of up to one year to complete necessary repairs.

Some property sales are exempt from this ordinance. Exemptions include when property is transferred between family members and there is no reassessment of property value or when the sewer laterals have already been repaired or replaced within the last 25 years.

For details on exceptions and more information about the new time of sale provision, contact the City of Arcata Building and Engineering Department at (707) 825-2128 or engineering@cityofarcata.org.