Private Sewer Lateral: Real Estate Transactions

The Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance comes into effect on June 1, 2022, and will require all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to have their private sewer laterals inspected by a Qualified Plumbing Contractor for any defects and any repairs completed prior to the sale of property to meet the city’s standards as specified in the Inspection Report (PDF).

This ordinance applies to all properties that are more than 15 years old. If the property completed construction in 2008 or later, this inspection is not required. Starting in 2024, any property constructed in 2009 or later will not be required to complete the inspection. The exemption date will be annually updated following this pattern. 

Process Prior to Sale

The seller of the property is responsible to have the inspection completed by a Qualified Plumbing Contractor (PDF). A qualified plumber meets the following criteria:

1. Licensed with the State of California
2. Morgan Hill Business License
3. NASSCO Certified

If the sewer lateral passes the inspection: 

1. Email psl.wc@morganhill.ca.gov the completed Inspection Form and request a Dropbox link to upload the CCTV footage. 
2. City teammates will review and verify information. 
3. Once information is verified, the City will issue a Certificate of Compliance within five (5) business days. 
4. Buyer submits the Certificate of Compliance when applying to start water services with the Utility Billing Department.

If the inspection does not pass inspection: 

1. The deficiencies must be repaired before the property transaction can be completed. 
2. After repairs are made complete a new inspection by a Qualified Plumbing Contractor (see list above).
3. Email the new inspection report that passes the city’s standards to psl.wc@morganhill.ca.gov and request a Dropbox link to upload the CCTV footage.
4. Once verified, the City will issue a Certificate of Compliance in five (5) business days. 

Option to Transfer Responsibility to Repair 

If there is a failed inspection, the seller may transfer the responsibility to repair the private sewer lateral to the buyer. This must be agreed to by both parties. If this option is chosen:

1. Seller and Buyer complete and notarize a Transfer of Responsibility to Repair Form (PDF).
2. Buyer submits the Transfer or Responsibility form when applying to start water services to the Utility Billing Department.
3. Buyer has 180 days to complete the repairs, after utility service has been turned on. 
4. After repairs are made complete a new inspection and new video footage must be completed by a Qualified Plumbing Contractor (PDF).
5. Email the new inspection report and new video footage that passes the city’s standards to psl.wc@morganhill.ca.gov and request a Dropbox link to upload the CCTV footage.
6. Once verified, the City will issue a Certificate of Compliance in five (5) business days. 

Please see view a flow chart (PDF) that shows the process step-by-step for private sewer lateral requirements during a resale transaction.