--- title: "Berkeley Sewer Lateral Certificate at Sale" description: "Berkeley runs its own private sewer lateral program, separate from EBMUD's. What sellers need to close escrow." canonical: https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/city/berkeley/ --- # Berkeley private sewer lateral requirements **Quick answer:** Berkeley is not in the EBMUD regional program. It runs its own, and a Sewer Lateral Certificate of Compliance is generally required before transfer of title: the lateral passes a city-witnessed verification test, or the owner shows a qualifying replacement under city permit. Berkeley is **not** in the EBMUD regional program. It runs its own ([City of Berkeley PSL](https://berkeleyca.gov/city-services/streets-sidewalks-sewers-and-utilities/private-sewer-lateral); [BMC 17.24.080](https://berkeley.municipal.codes/BMC/17.24.080)). * A Sewer Lateral Certificate of Compliance is generally required before transfer of title. The lateral passes a city-witnessed verification test, or the owner shows a qualifying replacement under city permit. * Time extensions with a deposit and certain exempt transfers exist. Details summarized from city documents found 2026-10-12. Spot-check before launch. ## Which contractors on EBMUD's list are based in Berkeley? 2 of the 41 contractors we list from EBMUD's PSL contractor list (August 2026) have a business address in Berkeley. Berkeley runs its own program, so ask whether they handle Berkeley's city certificate. EBMUD doesn't publish service areas, so contractors based elsewhere may also work here: [see all 41](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/contractors/). * **Bay Plumbing**: 2344 9th St, Apt E, Berkeley, CA 94710 · [(510) 860-2147](tel:5108602147) · [bayplumbing510@gmail.com](mailto:bayplumbing510@gmail.com) * Services (self-certified to EBMUD): Residential PSL testing, Private main testing, Private manhole testing * CSLB license #1020974, Active (CLEAR), expires 2028-11-30 * **L.J. Kruse Company**: 920 Pardee St, Berkeley, CA 94710 · [(510) 644-0260](tel:5106440260) · [service@ljkruse.com](mailto:service@ljkruse.com) * Services (self-certified to EBMUD): Residential PSL testing, Private main testing, Private manhole testing, Commercial PSL testing, PSL maps for HOAs / multi-lateral, CAP/CAWP (over 1,000 ft of PSL) * CSLB license #405523, Active (CLEAR), expires 2027-05-31 EBMUD publishes this as a *courtesy list*: contractors volunteered to be on it and self-certified the services they provide. It is not an exclusive list and EBMUD does not endorse anyone. EBMUD also keeps a separate list of contractors who are currently **ineligible** to do PSL inspections; check eligibility with EBMUD before you hire. Source: [EBMUD PSL Program Contractor List](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/doc/ContractorList.pdf), retrieved 2026-10-30; licenses checked against CSLB's License Master file (2026-10-28). ## Which East Bay cities use the EBMUD program instead? Oakland, Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont, El Cerrito, Kensington and Richmond Annex are in the EBMUD Regional PSL program. Berkeley runs its own separate program. [Oakland](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/city/oakland/) · [Alameda](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/city/alameda/) · [Albany](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/city/albany/) · [Emeryville](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/city/emeryville/) · [Piedmont](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/city/piedmont/) · [El Cerrito](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/city/el-cerrito/) ## Getting the certificate in Berkeley 1. Read the City of Berkeley's sewer lateral program page linked above and confirm the current requirements with the city. 2. Call two or three of the contractors above and ask whether they handle Berkeley's city certificate. 3. Give the Certificate of Compliance to escrow before transfer of title. [Find a contractor](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/contractors/) Get free quotes: https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/quotes/ sends one request to up to 3 sewer lateral contractors on EBMUD's PSL contractor list (active CSLB licence) near you. Free, no obligation. ## Frequently asked questions **Do I need a sewer lateral certificate to sell a home in Berkeley?** Berkeley is not in the EBMUD regional program. It runs its own, and a Sewer Lateral Certificate of Compliance is generally required before transfer of title: the lateral passes a city-witnessed verification test, or the owner shows a qualifying replacement under city permit. ([City of Berkeley PSL](https://berkeleyca.gov/city-services/streets-sidewalks-sewers-and-utilities/private-sewer-lateral); [BMC 17.24.080](https://berkeley.municipal.codes/BMC/17.24.080)) **Which contractors on EBMUD's list are based in Berkeley?** 2 of the 41 contractors we list from EBMUD's PSL contractor list (August 2026) have a business address in Berkeley. Berkeley runs its own program, so ask whether they handle Berkeley's city certificate. EBMUD doesn't publish service areas, so contractors based elsewhere may also work here: [see all 41](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/contractors/). Source: [EBMUD PSL Program Contractor List](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/doc/ContractorList.pdf). ## Guides [How the EBMUD program works](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/ebmud-psl-program/) · [Costs](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/sewer-lateral-cost/) · [Finding a contractor](https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/contractors/)