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.
- 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.
Bay Plumbing
Source: EBMUD PSL Program Contractor List (August 2026), retrieved 2026-10-30; license from CSLB License Master (2026-10-28) · Claim, correct or remove
L.J. Kruse Company
Name on CSLB record: L J Kruse Co
Source: EBMUD PSL Program Contractor List (August 2026), retrieved 2026-10-30; license from CSLB License Master (2026-10-28) · Claim, correct or remove
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, 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 · Alameda · Albany · Emeryville · Piedmont · El Cerrito
Next step
Getting the certificate in Berkeley
- Read the City of Berkeley's sewer lateral program page linked above and confirm the current requirements with the city.
- Call two or three of the contractors above and ask whether they handle Berkeley's city certificate.
- Give the Certificate of Compliance to escrow before transfer of title.
- Or send one request to up to 3 contractors on EBMUD's list near you with our free quote form.
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; 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. Source: EBMUD PSL Program Contractor List.