Your line and the public main
A home's sewer lateral connects its plumbing to the public sewer main, usually under the street. Homeowners are generally responsible for the lateral that serves their property, but the exact point where private responsibility ends and public responsibility begins is set by each city and can differ.
That boundary matters when roots or damage sit under the parkway or near the street. Rather than relying on a general rule, ask the City of Fullerton how it applies to your address.
What to confirm with the city
- Lateral responsibility
- Where your part ends and the city's begins
- Permits
- Whether your repair, replacement, lining or new cleanout needs one
- Right-of-way work
- Rules for digging in the parkway, sidewalk or street
- Parkway trees
- Who maintains them and what you may do near them
- Inspections
- Whether the work must be inspected before backfill
Getting the paperwork right
- Get the camera findings.Know where the problem is and how far it is from the house and the street.
- Contact the city.Ask about responsibility at that location and whether the planned work needs a permit.
- Choose a licensed contractor.Check the CSLB license at cslb.ca.gov before signing anything.
- Settle who pulls the permit.Many homeowners have the contractor obtain it; put that in the written agreement.
- Keep the records.Save the permit, inspection sign-off, invoice and final camera footage together.
Work types and permit questions
| Work | Question to ask the city |
|---|---|
| Clearing roots through an existing cleanout | Usually maintenance; ask if anything is required for your situation |
| Installing a new cleanout | Is a permit needed to add a cleanout to the lateral? |
| Spot repair on private property | Is a permit and inspection required before backfill? |
| Repair in the parkway or street | Who is responsible, and what right-of-way rules apply? |
| Trenchless lining or replacement | Is a permit required, and what inspection is needed? |
Questions for your contractor
- Will this work require a permit, and will you obtain it?
- Will the city inspect the work?
- If the damage turns out to be on the city side, what happens next?
- Will you provide final footage I can keep with the permit records?
Common questions
Is the whole lateral my responsibility?
Often a large part is, but the boundary varies by city. Check with the City of Fullerton for your property.
Does root cutting need a permit?
Routine clearing through a cleanout typically does not involve digging. Ask the city if you are unsure about your specific job.
Why keep permit records?
They document that the work was done and inspected, which can help with future repairs or when you sell the home.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.