Permits

Do I need a Sewer Permit?

Before performing any work on a private sewer lateral, a sewer permit must be obtained. 

Events requiring a Sewer Permit include:

• Abandonment
• Connections & Extensions
• Pressure Tests
• Repairs & Installations
• Replacements

District Ordinances regulate the maintenance of private sewer laterals and contain testing and inspection requirements that must take place during specific events to ensure compliance. 

Events requiring Sewer Compliance include:

• Additions/Remodels/Improvements (valued at $75k+)
• Bathroom Additions
• New Connections
• Property Sales

Click here for more information on how to comply with these requirements.

Obtaining a Sewer Permit

The guidelines below outline the steps necessary to obtain a Sewer Permit:

Step 1: Determine if your Property falls within RVSD's Jurisdiction. 

Click here to view our interactive parcel search map and determine whether your property falls within our jurisdiction.

Step 2: Determine if your Property is Compliant.

Contact us at 415-259-2949 or email info@rvsd.org to determine whether your property is exempt from the District's testing requirement.

Step 3: Hire a Licensed Contractor.

If the property is not exempt, hire a licensed contractor to conduct a video inspection of your sewer lateral to determine the condition. You may qualify for our Lateral Replacement Grant or Lateral Replacement Loan Program. 

More information about our grant and loan programs and hiring a contractor is provided below.

Step 4: Obtain a Sewer Permit.

Your contractor will need to obtain a sewer permit to perform work. Click here for our Sewer Permit Application Form. 

Contractors must submit the following materials as a packet:

• Sewer Permit Application Form
• Private Sewer Lateral Inspection Report Form
• Sketch of the Site Plan
• Video Inspection
• Permit Fee Payment (only checks accepted as payment)

*COMPLETED permit application forms can be mailed in or dropped off at our office location. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Permit & Capacity Fees

In accordance with Ordinance No. 92, the District has fees associated with permitting, re-inspections, new connections, and remodels. These fees will apply (as appropriate) to any work needed to bring the private sewer lateral into compliance.

Fees increase annually each year on July 1. All permit fees and capacity charges are non-refundable. Click here to download the current fee schedule.

Hiring a Contractor

Please click here to check the California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for information before hiring a plumbing contractor.

Make sure any plumber you hire is licensed and familiar with District standards and procedures. The District has a list of local contractors available. Click here to download the form.