Brisbane Amps Up Sewer Lateral Program

The City of Brisbane is proposing changes to their sewer lateral testing/notification requirements. Point-of-Sale inspection/testing/repair/replacement are NOT included.

Brisbane is proposing:

1. Creation of a "sewer lateral certificate" program under which city staff will review information provided by homeowners (which may or may not require provision of a video of the line) and then certify that the line meets current standards. Sewer lateral certificates will be required, in general, when additions or alterations to the property exceeds 50% of the floor area of the pre-existing building -OR- If there is work performed that causes a change in water meter size, or the addition of a water meter. (i.e., if a major alteration or a larger water meter is required there must be a video test of the lateral.) According to the city, review of material under item 1 is proposed to be at no charge.
2. Establishment of a disclosure requirement to notify parties at the time of sale that such a program exists. Please note that item 2 only requires the disclosure of what's already contained in the municipal code. There is NO requirement to obtain a sewer lateral certificate prior to a sale or transfer though the city does encourage all parties to make their own determination as to whether or not a certificate is necessary for determining the condition of the lateral. Such an action will remain a voluntary item for discussion/negotiation between seller and buyer.  The only times when a certificate will be required are when the one of two caveats previously noted occur.

City staff is expected to bring the proposal before the City Council in the near future and SAMCAR will be working on a draft disclosure for use by the members.