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Private Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program
Private Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program
THE PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED. CHECK BACK IN JUNE 2026 FOR UPDATES TO THE PROGRAM!
Read the instructions and FAQs before submitting:
To ensure a smooth application process, please thoroughly review the detailed instructions and FAQs prior to starting your submission. This helps you understand requirements, avoid errors, and complete the form confidently.
Program Information FY25/26
- The Private Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program is a cost share grant program created to assist and encourage property owners to properly maintain their lateral and ultimately reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the City’s sewer system.
- The application and quotes must be accepted and approved prior to the replacement of your full sewer lateral. Be sure to read below.
- This program does not have a retroactive component (You will not be reimbursed for any work prior to being accepted into the program).
- The program does not cover partial replacements, spot repairs, pot hole repairs, additional street resurfacing, and CCTV.
- Funds are awarded on a first come/first served basis.
- The City will reimburse 50% of the lowest bid, up to a $2,500 maximum until funding is exhausted.
- Permits must be pulled to be eligible for reimbursement (Your contractor can help facilitate this).
- Application submission and review will begin on July 1st, 2025. Please check your email for application acceptance and further instructions. Applications will be reviewed on Mondays and Fridays each week.
- Street Moratorium Maps - View our Road Segments Moratorium List.
Program Steps - Please Read
1. Property Owner must submit an application for acceptance first for review, once reviewed and accepted instructions will be email with detailed instructions regarding quote requirements. If quotes are submitted with application they may need to be revised (you will be informed if changes need to be made via email).
2. Property Owner will receive an email with acceptance and instructions to contact three licensed plumbers/contractors for written estimates. Please only submit 3 quotes.
3. Property Owner will submit 3 quotes to the City for review and approval prior to starting any work.
4. Quotes should include the following language and information:
- Full sewer lateral replacement
- Cleanout, if one does not already exist or is damaged, near the property structure
- New wye connection at the main line if necessary (price should be included in quote)
- Permits should be included in the overall price or stated as a separate charge
5. If your street is under Moratorium for street resurfacing or slurry seal you will be required to complete additional work. Based on the type of work that has been completed on your street, the City will email you with additional parameters and language that must be included in the quotes.
- All work should comply with the CA plumbing code and, pursuant to City standard.
- Inform contractor you are part of the Sewer Lateral Program so they can add this information to the permits
- Is my street on moratorium - View our road segments moratorium list.
6. Once Quotes are reviewed and approved by the City, Property Owner will be directed via email to choose one of three contractors and proceed with completing the sewer lateral replacement.
7. Contractor or Property Owner obtains proper permits at City Hall or through the City’s website:
- Building permit for working on private property
- Encroachment permit if working in the public right-of-way
8. Once Work is Complete and Permits are Finalized Property Owner will submit the following documents to the City for reimbursement (email preferred)
- Reimbursement Request Form - Must be complete
- Final invoice / Showing Paid / Zero Balance
- Finalized Building and Encroachment Permit #'s - Check Permits
- Completed W-9 - Must be completed by Property owner / person receiving the reimbursement and reporting Forms (available at City Hall or online at http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs)
9. Grant Reimbursement Check
- The reimbursement check will be mailed to the property owner within 3-4 months of receiving and approving the reimbursement packet.
- If documents are incomplete or have errors, they will be returned for correction. This may cause delays as we process documents on a first come, first served basis.
- What is a private sewer lateral?
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A private sewer lateral is the pipe that carries sanitary sewage from a private building to the City mainline. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their private sewer lateral (SMMC 7.38.432). In the City of San Mateo, private sewer laterals are defined as extending from the property structure all the way to, and including, its connection with the public sewer main. This is true whether the private sewer lateral is under a public right-of-way (street) or on private property in an easement.
- What is the Private Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program?
-
The Private Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program is a cost share grant program created to assist and encourage property owners to properly maintain their lateral and ultimately reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the City’s sewer system.
- Who is eligible for the program?
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Anyone who owns property within the City of San Mateo city limits is eligible, regardless of income or property type.
- What does the City provide?
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The City will provide financial assistance in the form of a grant reimbursement for the full lateral replacement costs reimbursement. The reimbursable amount will be 50% of the lowest approved bid, up to a $2,500 maximum reimbursement.
- What costs are not part of the program?
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Spot repairs, partial replacements, root work costs are not covered in this program.
- How quickly does the City respond to inquiries?
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The City will respond to inquiries on Monday and Friday of each week. Email is the preferred method. When contacting the City regarding this program please provide contact information, address of property, and question.
- Does the grant amount have to be reported to the IRS?
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Yes, grant recipients will receive a 1099G form from the City to report this amount on their personal income tax.
- Does the City provide printed form packets? How can I turn in my forms? How does the City correspond to property owners?
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- Property owners will need to have access to email. All application acceptance, quote approvals, and correspondence with the City will be via email.
- You can pick up a Sewer Lateral Program packet at City Hall if needed.
- The documents can be filled out and returned by mail, email, or directly to City Hall. When turning in documents via mail, or to City Hall make to the Attention: Sewer Lateral Program.
- Does the City Provide recommendations for service providers?
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The City cannot provide recommendations for service providers.
- What happens if there is a change in the scope of work?
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Any change in the original estimated scope of work/cost must be approved by the City. Changes must be submitted to the City for approval prior to proceeding with work. If you fail to do so you will NOT be eligible to receive reimbursement.
- What if my street is under moratorium?
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The City will email the applicant with parameters/language to add to quotes for the additional resurfacing work that will need to be completed by the property owner. Please refer to Municipal Code 17.32.020.
- Does the City offer Certificates of Compliance for Sewer Lateral Replacements?
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The City does not provide Certificates of Compliance for sewer laterals replacements. Instead, your Sewer Lateral Inspection Report serves as proof of compliance.
If you don’t already have a sewer lateral inspection report:
- The seller should provide a copy for your records and submit it to the City promptly to demonstrate compliance.
- If the seller hasn’t done this, you must schedule a sewer lateral inspection, completed by a qualified plumbing contractor and submitted to the City before closing.
Review City Ordinance Requirements and Inspection Form to be completed by contractor and send to City per the instructions:
- Does the City offer Sewer Lateral Inspections?
-
The City does not provide sewer lateral inspections. The sewer lateral is on private property which is the homeowner’s responsibility.
Contact and Hours of Operation for Program
- Applications and Correspondence will be handled on Mondays and Fridays Only.
- Email is the preferred method for questions and concerns.
- Email: pslp@cityofsanmateo.org
- Phone: (650) 522-7300
Sewer Lateral Inspection Inquiries
If you're contacting us to confirm whether your property has already undergone a sewer lateral inspection, please note that the Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program does not manage these types of inquiries. Please contact our Encroachment Permit Team via email for inquiries.
Email: pwencroachment@cityofsanmateo.org
Please Note:
The City does not provide Certificates of Compliance for sewer laterals replacements. Instead, your Sewer Lateral Inspection Report serves as proof of compliance.
f you don’t already have a sewer lateral inspection report:
- The seller should provide a copy for your records and submit it to the City promptly to demonstrate compliance.
- If the seller hasn’t done this, you must schedule a sewer lateral inspection, completed by a qualified plumbing contractor and submitted to the City before closing on the property.
Review the City Ordinance & Municipal Code Tab for more information
Sewer Lateral Ordinance and Municipal Code Guidelines
Effective Dec. 1, 2020, the revised private sewer lateral ordinance has four prompts that require a property to conduct a sewer lateral inspection. Learn About the Sewer Lateral Ordinance Guidelines and Property Owner Responsibilities
2024/2025 Sewer Lateral Stats
Take a look at our 2024/2025 Sewer Lateral Report for stats.
Sewer Lateral Inspection Inquiries
If you're contacting us to confirm whether your property has already undergone a sewer lateral inspection, please note that the Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program does not manage to these types of inquiries.
Email: pwencroachment@cityofsanmateo.org
Please Note:
The City does not provide Certificates of Compliance for sewer laterals replacements. Instead, your Sewer Lateral Inspection Report serves as proof of compliance.
f you don’t already have a sewer lateral inspection report:
- The seller should provide a copy for your records and submit it to the City promptly to demonstrate compliance.
- If the seller hasn’t done this, you must schedule a sewer lateral inspection, completed by a qualified plumbing contractor and submitted to the City before closing on the property.
Review the City Ordinance & Municipal Code Tab for more information
Application is Now Available
CLOSED - Apply Now - Click Here for Online Application Form
Or
Click Here for Fillable or Printable Application Form with Detailed Instructions
and
Reimbursement Forms - Complete the reimbursement form only after the lateral replacement has been fully finished. The submission should include all required documentation