South San Francisco sewer lateral point-of-sale ordinance
City of South San Francisco Public Works · Sewer lateral · Before close
Triggered by: Transfer of property title due to a sale. All listing agreements and contracts as of June 21, 2022 must obtain a certificate prior to transfer of title.
A CCTV video inspection by any licensed contractor must be submitted to the City with the video inspection report and compliance certificate application. Necessary repairs or replacements must be approved by the City prior to transfer of title.
Certificate
Sewer Lateral Compliance Certificate
Issued by
City of South San Francisco Engineering Division — engdevelopment@ssf.net
Cost
City fees (FY2024-25 schedule): Sewer Lateral Certificate $106; Sewer Lateral Review and Permit $1,024; 180-Day Extension Fee $211. Owner also bears CCTV inspection (typically $200-$500) and any repair cost.
Turnaround
Video review by City staff; allow time for resubmission if video requirements are not met
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