California Private Sewer Lateral Programs
Cities across California operate private sewer lateral (PSL) inspection programs to reduce sewer spill risk, limit inflow and infiltration (I&I), and protect public wastewater infrastructure. While program requirements vary by jurisdiction, most include defined inspection triggers, defect standards, and documentation procedures.
This page provides a structured overview of how municipalities design and administer private sewer lateral programs. You’ll find program types, common triggers, implementation approaches, and links to public ordinances and reference materials.
Whether you are evaluating a new PSL ordinance or refining an existing program, these examples illustrate how cities across California approach inspection, repair, and compliance tracking.
City of Santa Barbara. A vast PSL program, with construction, commercial/industrial, CIP projects, Sanitary Sewer Overflow triggers for inspection.
City of Laguna Beach. Construction-triggered + wastewater inspection van driven private sewer lateral program focused on inspection consistency and documented repair compliance.
City of Eureka. Point-of-sale, construction, spill triggered PSL program, designed to reduce spill risk and improve long-term lateral documentation in one of the oldest sewersheds in California.
Town of Hillsborough. A point-of-sale, construction triggered PSL program in an affluent area with rolling hills and long sewer laterals.
Sausalito Marin City Sanitary District. A district-administered PSL program overseeing inspections and compliance across the consolidated Sausalito sewer shed.
Sanitary District No.5 of Marin County. A district-run private sewer lateral program supporting spill prevention and long-term compliance tracking right on the Bay.
Sanitary District No. 2 (Corte Madera). PSL inspections required under District No. 2 standards to identify structural defects and ensure repair prior to clearance.
Tamalpais Community Services District. A community services district–run private sewer lateral program supporting spill prevention and long-term inspection tracking.