Sewer Connection

Sewer Lateral Regulations

In an effort to meet new state and federal requirements for preventing entry of stormwater into the municipal sewer system, the City of Eureka adopted revisions to City's Sewer Ordinance effective January 17, 2020. These changes shift responsibility for the portion of the sewer lateral located between the main and the property line to the owner of the property served by the lateral.

• Blockages occurring anywhere in the lateral are the responsibility of the property owner. 
• Repair or replacement of the lower lateral between the property line and the public main is now at the owner's expense.
• All claims for damages due to a blocked lateral will be denied.

CCTV Inspection of the Lateral Is Required

• A property is sold.
• A building permit for work valued at $50K is issued.
• A paper land division is approved.
• Any part of the sewer lateral is being repaired or replaced.

Repair or replacement of the lateral, including the section between the property line and the main will be required when the lateral is deemed to be defective based on the inspection. All Clay laterals are deemed defective and require replacement with modern materials, regardless of condition.

We understand that these costs are significant, especially given that they may be unforeseen. In an effort to reduce the burden on property owners, the City will accept a FEE IN LIEU of replacement. Please see City of Eureka fee schedule for current fee.

In an effort to ease the additional burden on property owners, the City has committed to providing low/no interest loans and grant funding to owners when replacement is required. For more information about applying for loan funds, please call 441-4203.

Sewer Lateral Loan Program

If you are required by the City to replace your sewer lateral (either the Upper or Lower lateral or both) loans will be made available from the City to help ease the unanticipated cost burden of the project. 

Loan Program Specifics

• Maximum repayment term is 10 years
• Interest Rate is 2.5% annually
• Maximum loan amount is $15,000
• Can be used to finance repair or replacement of both the Upper and Lower lateral (the part on private property and the part in the public right-of-way, respectively)
• No credit or background check
• No income requirements
• Owner must sign a Deed of Trust to the City for the loan amount requested
• Default on the loan results in a lien or special assessment against the property
• Loans apply to work performed by properly licensed contractors only. Owner / builder work is not covered

Loan Application Process and Use of Funds

1. CCTV inspection of sewer lateral is performed (owner's responsibility)
2. City verifies inspection and requires replacement
3. Work is bid by private contractor (Class A contractor for work within right-of-way or Class A or C36 Plumbing contractor on private property)
4. Owner files loan application with the Engineering Division
5. Owner is notified that their loan application has been approved
6. Owner signs a Deed of Trust for the loan amount and sets up a billing account
7. Plumbing Permit obtained from Eureka Building Division for lateral work on private property
8. Work performed by properly licensed contractor
9. Work is inspected by City staff and the permit closed
10. Contractor invoices the City of Eureka Engineering Division for payment
11. City pays contractor loan dollars in the amount specified in the Deed of Trust

Loan Program Information Sheet (PDF)