If your PSL was fully replaced before the program effective date, you may qualify for an exemption from the PSL requirements. In this and other specific circumstances, you can seek an exemption certificate from EBMUD.
| Location | Program effective date |
| Alameda and Albany1 | January 1, 2015 |
| Emeryville and Piedmont | August 22, 2011 |
| Oakland | January 16, 2012 |
| Stege Sanitary District (serving El Cerrito, Kensington and Richmond Annex)1 | October 17, 2011 |
1If your parcel has a valid and unexpired Compliance Certificate or similar documentation from your city, it may also be eligible for an exemption from the Regional PSL Ordinance requirements.
You may also be eligible for an exemption if any of the following scenarios apply:
- No PSL has ever existed on your property's parcel (e.g. a vacant parcel)
- Your PSL or septic system is not connected to the public sewer main
- The PSL associated with your parcel is pressurized only
Home sale exemption:
While certification is required when selling your home, you may be eligible for an exemption in the case of title transfers from the following:
- A fiduciary administering a decedent's estate or trust
- Between existing co-owners
- A trustor to fund or defund a living trust
- An executor to fund a testamentary trust
- A person who is related to one or more of the transferors in a lineal consanguinity relationship (e.g., parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, but not aunt and niece, uncle and nephew, siblings, or cousins of any degree). Adopted stepchildren may be eligible.
- Divorce or legal separation
- A financial institution resulting from a foreclosure or similar process
- Certain transfers between a business entity and an individual or corporation (e.g. an LLC)
How to get an exemption
To obtain an Exemption Certificate, select your property using the property search tool. Provide the reason for the exemption request when prompted. EBMUD will review supporting documentation or perform a site visit of the property, if necessary.
An email notification will be sent to you whether the exemption is approved or denied. If your request is denied, you must obtain a Compliance Certificate or a Time Extension Certificate. If approved, print and retain the Exemption Certificate for your records. You’ll need to provide a copy of this certificate in the following circumstances:
- To a buyer, before title transfer if you are selling the property.
- To city permitting staff prior to building or remodeling in excess of $100,000.
- To EBMUD’s New Business Office if you are applying for a change in your water meter size.