City of Berkeley Public Works · Sewer lateral · Before close
Triggered by: Before close of escrow on transfer or sale of the property; also before issuance of a building permit for major construction, when the City finds the lateral may be a public nuisance, or when the owner elects to repair or replace
In most cases all repair work must be completed and a Sewer Lateral Certificate (SLC) obtained before the transfer of title. The City advises obtaining the certificate BEFORE listing the property for sale.
Certificate
Sewer Lateral Certificate of Compliance (SLC)
Issued by
City of Berkeley Public Works — (510) 981-6423, PSLProgram@CityofBerkeley.info
Cost
City fee per schedule; CCTV inspection typically $200-$500 plus any repair cost
Turnaround
Days once a passing test is submitted; weeks to months if repair is needed
BESO time-of-sale energy requirements (1-2 unit buildings)
City of Berkeley — Building Emissions Saving Ordinance · Energy · Before listing
Triggered by: Sale of a single-family home or duplex in Berkeley, on or after January 1, 2026
Two parts. (1) Obtain a Home Energy Score from a qualified assessor BEFORE listing and post the score on the MLS listing. (2) Before the sale closes, either complete upgrades earning at least six emissions resiliency credits, qualify for the heat pump exemption, or formally defer the upgrades to the buyer.
Certificate
BESO Certificate of Compliance
Issued by
City of Berkeley Building Emissions Saving Ordinance program
Cost
$150 BESO Certificate of Compliance filing fee. $500 non-compliance fee if the Home Energy Score is not disclosed. Upgrade costs vary widely. Deferral requires a $5,000 deposit, split $2,500 seller / $2,500 buyer.
Turnaround
Home Energy Score assessment must be scheduled before listing — this is the step that surprises people
Triggered by: Sale of any real property containing a water heater
The seller must certify to the prospective purchaser that the water heater is braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement from earthquake motion.
Certificate
Seller certification (commonly satisfied on the C.A.R. Water Heater and Smoke Detector Statement of Compliance, form WHSD)
Issued by
Seller certifies; no agency sign-off required
Cost
No government fee; bracing kit and labor typically $30-$300
Triggered by: Every single-family dwelling which is sold
The dwelling must have an operable smoke alarm, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Seller certifies compliance.
Triggered by: Standing obligation on single-family homes built on or before January 1, 1994, plus disclosure on sale or transfer
All non-compliant plumbing fixtures had to be replaced with water-conserving fixtures by January 1, 2017 — this deadline applies whether or not the property is being sold or altered. On sale or transfer, the seller must disclose to the buyer the requirement and whether the property complies.
Certificate
Written disclosure to the buyer; some jurisdictions use a Certificate of Compliance form
Issued by
Seller discloses; no state agency sign-off
Cost
No state fee; fixture replacement typically $50-$600
State of California / local fire authority · Defensible space · Can defer past close
Triggered by: Sale of a property located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
The seller must provide the buyer with documentation that the property is in compliance with defensible space requirements under Public Resources Code § 4291. If the seller does not have that documentation, the seller and buyer must enter into a written agreement under which the BUYER obtains compliance documentation within one year of close of escrow.
Certificate
Defensible space compliance documentation / inspection report from the local fire authority
Issued by
Local fire department or CAL FIRE
Cost
Varies by fire authority. Santa Rosa Fire Department charges $183 for a requested inspection.
Turnaround
Varies; request inspections early — fire departments are not obligated to inspect