Oakland Seller Checklist: Sewer Lateral, Permits, and Escrow

Selling your Oakland home and worried the sewer lateral could slow you down? You are not alone. Many sellers only learn about this requirement when escrow asks for paperwork. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step checklist so you can handle the sewer lateral, city permits, and escrow without last-minute surprises. Let’s dive in.

What Oakland’s PSL rules require

If your property is served by EBMUD, the EBMUD private sewer lateral program requires a Compliance Certificate when certain triggers occur. For sellers, the key trigger is a title transfer. Triggers also include building or remodeling permits over $100,000 and water meter size changes. Escrow will expect either a Compliance Certificate or an allowed alternative at closing.

EBMUD issues a Compliance Certificate after a witnessed pressure test shows the line is leak free. Certificates are valid for 7 years if the line passed without full replacement and 20 years if the line was fully replaced, per Compliance Certificate details and testing. This is why checking your status early can save you time and stress.

Your step-by-step seller checklist

1. Check status before you list.

• Use the EBMUD PSL portal to see if your parcel already has a valid Compliance Certificate or if an HOA has a Statement of Responsibility on file. Early confirmation prevents delays later in escrow.

2. Get a video scope and multiple estimates.

• If you do not have a current certificate, hire a licensed plumbing contractor to scope the line and provide written bids. EBMUD suggests getting several estimates and verifying credentials, which you can review in EBMUD’s contractor guidance.

3. Confirm permit needs with the City of Oakland.

• If work will occur in the public right of way or as local rules require, your contractor must obtain a City Sewer Lateral (SL) Permit and coordinate city inspections with at least 48 hours’ notice. Start here: Oakland Sewer Lateral permits.

4. Complete repairs and schedule the EBMUD test.

• After repairs or replacement, your contractor schedules the EBMUD verification test. When the line passes, EBMUD posts the Compliance Certificate.

5. If you cannot finish before closing, use a TEC.

• When timing is tight, you may close with a Time Extension Certificate that gives you 180 days to complete compliance. Learn the process and requirements on the Time Extension Certificate page.

6. Provide escrow-ready documents.

• Deliver the final Compliance Certificate to escrow. If you are closing with a TEC, provide the completed TEC form and required deposit as instructed. For condos or HOAs, include any HOA Statement of Responsibility.

Permits and inspections in Oakland

Oakland requires a Sewer Lateral Permit for PSL inspections and any work in the public right of way. Contractors must schedule city inspections at least 48 hours ahead and follow city standards for trenching, compaction, and concrete restoration. Coordinate the city permit and inspections as soon as bids are in to keep your timeline on track.

Remember that EBMUD handles the verification test and issues the Compliance Certificate, while the City inspects any right of way work. Align both schedules early to avoid rework.

For contractor licensing, sewer and plumbing work is commonly performed by CSLB-licensed C-36 Plumbing or C-42 Sanitation System contractors. You can review typical license classifications in regional permitting guidance and verify credentials with the state.

Costs, timelines, and escrow

Program fees change periodically. As of the current posted schedule, the Compliance Certificate fee is $370 and the TEC application fee is $130. See the current fee schedule on the EBMUD program fees page and confirm amounts before you rely on them.

If you close with a TEC, you get 180 days from the issue date to obtain the Compliance Certificate. A $4,500 refundable deposit must be mailed to EBMUD at title transfer along with the completed TEC. Once compliance is achieved, EBMUD typically processes refunds in about 4 to 6 weeks, as outlined on the Time Extension Certificate page.

Contractor costs vary a lot by length, depth, access, and whether you use trenchless or open-cut methods. Market references show ranges from a few thousand dollars to 10,000 or more, with many projects falling around 2,500 to 7,500. Always get site-specific bids. See typical ranges in this regional cost overview.

For resale planning, a passing test without full replacement yields a 7-year certificate, and a full replacement yields a 20-year certificate, per Compliance Certificate details and testing. If your property has a valid, unexpired certificate, you may not need additional work for this sale.

Special cases: condos and HOAs

Some HOAs maintain the private sewer laterals and have filed a Statement of Responsibility with EBMUD. In those cases, individual unit sellers may be exempt from getting a Compliance Certificate, but escrow will expect the HOA documentation in the file. Confirm HOA records early through the EBMUD private sewer laterals program.

If your HOA does not maintain the line or lacks a current Statement of Responsibility, follow the standard seller checklist above.

Quick reference checklist

• Verify PSL status before you list.
• Scope the line and get multiple written bids.
• Confirm Oakland permit needs and schedule city inspections with 48 hours’ notice.
• Complete repairs and schedule the EBMUD verification test.
• Provide escrow with a Compliance Certificate or a completed TEC and deposit.
• For condos, include the HOA Statement of Responsibility if applicable.

Ready to make this smooth and stress free? If you want a local plan tailored to your property and timeline, reach out to Mark P. Choi for guidance from prep to closing.

FAQs

Do Oakland home sales require a sewer lateral Compliance Certificate?

• Yes. For EBMUD-served properties, a Compliance Certificate is required at title transfer, or you must close with a Time Extension Certificate that allows 180 days to complete compliance.

What does a Time Extension Certificate mean in Oakland escrow?

• A TEC lets you close while you finish PSL work, requires a completed TEC before title transfer, and includes a $4,500 refundable deposit mailed to EBMUD at closing.

How long is a PSL Compliance Certificate valid in Oakland?

• Seven years if the line passed a pressure test without full replacement and twenty years if it was fully replaced.

What permits do Oakland contractors need for sidewalk or street work?

• Contractors must obtain a City of Oakland Sewer Lateral Permit for right of way work and schedule city inspections with at least 48 hours’ notice.

Who pays for PSL repairs in an Oakland sale?

• It is negotiated in the purchase agreement. Many sellers choose to obtain the certificate before close to simplify escrow, or the parties use a TEC and assign costs in contract.