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.

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.

Anyone who owns property within the City of San Mateo city limits is eligible, regardless of income or property type.

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.

Spot repairs, partial replacements, root work costs are not covered in this program.

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.

Yes, grant recipients will receive a 1099G form from the City to report this amount on their personal income tax.

• 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.

The City cannot provide recommendations for service providers.

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.

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.

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:

 Sewer Lateral Ordinance and Inspection Requirements 

The City does not provide sewer lateral inspections. The sewer lateral is on private property which is the homeowner’s responsibility.