Ross Valley Sanitary District Certificate of Compliance
Ross Valley Sanitary District (RVSD) · Sewer lateral · Can defer past close
Triggered by: Buying or selling a property; also remodeling in excess of $75,000, or adding a bathroom
The seller coordinates a video inspection to determine the private sewer lateral's condition. If the property is not compliant, a contractor obtains a sewer permit, and the District witnesses a final pressure test before issuing a Compliance Certificate.
Certificate
Certificate of Compliance for Private Sewer Lateral
Issued by
Ross Valley Sanitary District — 1111 Andersen Dr, San Rafael
Cost
Per the District's fee schedule, adjusted annually on July 1; permit fees are non-refundable. Plus CCTV inspection and any repair cost.
Turnaround
The District must witness the final pressure test — schedule it
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