A Compliance Certificate is issued when a Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) is verified to be leak-free. Your property needs a Compliance Certificate when meeting one of the following three triggers:
| Reason | Trigger |
| Buying or selling property | Required to close escrow |
| Building or remodeling in excess of $100,000 | Final permit sign-off |
| Changing water meter size | Changing water meter size |
You can always voluntarily obtain a Compliance Certificate without meeting any of the above triggers.
How to obtain a Compliance Certificate:
- Check your property's compliance status.
- Hire a contractor to assess your PSL and perform repairs or replace it, if necessary. See guidelines for detailed information on the certification process.
- Schedule an EBMUD inspection to verify that your PSL is leak-free.
- A Compliance Certificate will be issued once the PSL passes the EBMUD witnessed inspection.
You can check compliance status, schedule an inspection, apply for an exemption, and more using EBMUD’s PSL Program portal.
How long Compliance Certificates remain valid:
7-years
-
The lateral is not in need of repair, or is repaired if work is needed. The lateral is not completely replaced. The inspection confirms the lateral is free of leaks.
20-years
-
The lateral is completely replaced. The inspection confirms the lateral is free of leaks.
Where does the ordinance apply?
The regional PSL ordinance is in effect in the following cities:
- Alameda
- Albany
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- Richmond Annex
City of Berkeley:
The city of Berkeley operates its own separate program. If your property is in Berkeley, please contact them to determine your requirements.
http://www.cityofberkeley.info/psl/
publicworks@cityofberkeley.info
1-510-981-6300