Sewer Permits

 

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, developer, or contractor who wants to hook up to the sewer system or repair a sewer lateral, the District's staff is committed to making the process efficient. The District is available to assist with sewer permits during regular business hours (M-F, 8 am-12 pm & 1 pm-5 pm) at 2910 Hilltop Drive, Richmond, CA 94806, (510) 222-6700.

The type of user you are (i.e., residential or commercial) indicates the fees you will be required to pay, the specifications you must follow, and the forms you will need to submit.

General Information for Property Owners
 
Who is responsible for sewer repairs?
The District maintains its sewer mains, which are generally 6-inch inside diameter or greater, located within public streets or easements dedicated for District use. Each home or commercial building has a separate connection to the public sewer main called a sewer lateral. It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain and repair their own sewer lateral up to the point of connection with the public sewer main. This includes both the portion on private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street up to the point where the lateral connects to the public main.

 

How do I find out where the problem is?
When a sewer backup or other problem occurs, in many cases it is not obvious whether the problem is in the sewer lateral or the public main. If this occurs, contact the District at (510) 222-6700 during business hours or (510) 222-6799 during non-business hours. The District staff will come out to inspect the public sewer main free of charge. If a problem is found in the public main, it will be corrected by the District as soon as possible. If no problem is found in the public main, the property owner will be informed that the problem is probably in the sewer lateral. In this case, the property owner is responsible for correcting the problem.
How can I avoid damage to other utilities?
When digging to make sewer repairs, it is very important to know where other utilities are located so that damage can be avoided. Most utility companies belong to a locating service called Underground Service Alert (USA). By calling USA at 1-800-642-2444, the utility companies will be notified that you are planning to dig and will come out free of charge to mark the location of their utility lines.
What permits are required for repairs in a street?
If a sewer lateral repair involves digging in a street or other public right-of-way, an encroachment permit will also be required. Encroachment permits are available from the agency that maintains the street. In most cases, this is the city. Call your City or County Public Works Department for more information. Commonly requested phone numbers are provided below.
Contra Costa County (925) 313-2320 or (925) 313-2000
City of Richmond (510) 620-6868
City of San Pablo (510) 215-3055
City of Pinole (510) 724-9010
     
Sewer Lateral Repair Checklist:
Obtain a District Repair Permit; call (510) 222-6700
Call Underground Service Alert 48 hours before you dig at 1-800-642-2444 or 1-800-227-2600
Obtain an Encroachment Permit for Repairs outside of the property line. Call your City or County Public Works Department
Permit Process for Sewer Repairs:
  1. Generally plans are not required; however, a permit is necessary.
  2. Homeowner or contractor contacts District and pays the fees for the required repair permit.
  3. A permit will be issued to the homeowner or contractor at the District's permit counter prior to performing the sewer repair work.
  4. The homeowner or contractor must arrange for District inspection prior to performing any work.
  5. All work must be done in compliance with District Ordinance sewer code requirements.
  6. When work is completed, the District inspector will inspect the work to ensure compliance with District requirements and will complete the job permit.
Plan Check Process for any Additions to Existing Footprint of a Building or New Buildings
  1. Applicant delivers plot plan(s) to District for review even if no plumbing changes involved in construction.
  2. District staff reviews building plans specifically for the following:
    • Possible encroachments into existing District easements or conflicts with existing District facilities.
    • Potential for added burden to the public sewer system
  3. District stamps plans before County or City building department will review plans.
Definitions:
"Sewer Lateral" - a sewer lateral is a building sewer connection from the public sewer main to the building served.

"Public Sewer Main" - a public sewer is a sewer owned or maintained by the West County Wastewater District lying within limits of public streets, roads, easements, reserves, alleys, non-exclusive easements or other public rights of way serving or intended to serve.