Sewer Inspection Permits (SIPs)

Note: This guide only covers Sewer Inspection Permits. Depending on the type and location of the work, you may need additional permits, such as an Encroachment Permit or a Building Permit.

For incorporated areas, you will need to speak to your local government about the additional types of permits you might need. 

The broad steps for Sewer Inspection Permits are as follows:

1. Applying for the Sewer Inspection Permit (SIP)

2. Once the SIP is issued, work can begin

3. Inspections & Final Inspection

4. Final Sign Off

Applying for a Sewer Inspection Permit (SIP)

1. Contact our sewer division to provide the property address and the scope of the work you’ll be doing. You can:
   1. Make an appointment (recommended) to fill out the application in person
   2. Leave a message at (650) 599-1403, including your email address, or
   3. Send an email to sewers@smcgov.org, and our team will follow up to send you the SIP application form
2. Submit your SIP application
   1. Fill out the application to the best of your ability
      1. If you do not yet have a contractor, leave the “Contractor” section blank, and contact us once you have found a contractor.
   2. Sign and date the application
   3. Return the application to our staff in person or by email
3. In some situations, we may require additional information or material, such as a CCTV Inspection. We will let you know if this is the case.
4. Once all other requirements are met, you'll need to pay any associated fees. The base SIP fee is $300, but additional fees may be required.
   1. Payments by cash or check can be made in-person at our office.
   2. For credit/debit card, please use our online payment portal.
5. After all fees are paid, staff will provide a SIP Guidelines packet and issue the SIP.
   1. The SIP is valid for one year from the date it was issued; there is a fee of $300 to renew an expired SIP.

Once you receive the issued SIP and any other required permits, you can proceed with work. When work is finished, an inspection must be conducted. Depending on the work, you may need multiple inspections.

Scheduling Inspections

1. Before you schedule an inspection, please note:
   1. Inspection slots are limited; to reserve a time that works best for you, we recommend scheduling your inspection at least one week in advance.
   2. We are not able to conduct same-day inspections.
   3. Someone must be on-site at the time of the inspection.
2. Make sure your permit is still valid: your SIP is valid for one year from the date it was issued. An expired SIP must be renewed before a final inspection can be scheduled/conducted. 
3. To schedule an inspection, use the QR code or follow the link provided on the SIP, or leave a message at (650)599-1403.
   1. Please include your name, phone number, the property address, SIP number, and preferred date/time for inspection.
   2. Staff will contact you to confirm your inspection booking.
4. On the day of your inspection, make sure someone engaged in the project is on-site to greet the inspector.
   1. If no one is on-site, we will consider it a cancellation, and you will need to reschedule.

Once all required inspections are complete, Office Staff will verify that all requirements have been met before signing off on your SIP.

Final Sign Off

1. After all inspections are complete, the inspector will communicate with Office Staff, who will verify that all requirements have been met, and all fees have been paid.
   1. This can take up to 30 days. Please contact us if you will need it completed sooner.
   2. Some projects may require additional fees.
   3. We will alert you if any additional action is needed
2. Once all requirements have been met and all fees paid, Staff will sign off on the SIP and any building permits on Accela, and will notify any involved towns or cities of the completed sewer work.
3. To verify that your SIP has been closed, please allow one week after your final inspection, then email sewers@smcgov.org or leave a message at (650)599-1403.
   1. A copy of the closed SIP can be provided upon request.

Plan Reviews

If the scope of your work goes beyond the lower lateral, you'll likely need a Plan Review.

This includes renovations, new construction, moving a lateral, or any other work that might involve sewer pipes.

A plan review is performed to check for compliance with County Sewer Maintenance and Sanitation Districts standard specifications for sewer design and construction, determine if a sewer permit is required, and ensure there are no conflicts with sewer easements, and collect any applicable sewer fees.

Generally, another entity will refer you to Public Works for a plan review. For example, you may be referred by the Planning & Building Department if you are constructing a new building.

Circumstances that may necessitate a plan review include, but are not limited to:

• New building construction, including ADUs, or extensive renovations
• Relocating a sewer lateral
• Installing an outdoor kitchen/shower
• Installing a swimming pool
• Landscaping, if there’s a possibility that a sewer easement is present

If you are uncertain if your project will need a plan review, please contact us.

The base fee for a Plan Review is $300 for residential projects, and $500 for non-residential projects, but additional fees may be required.

Annexations & Mainline Extensions

If your property isn’t currently part of a county maintained sewer district, it may be possible to join via annexation or mainline extension.

This is only possible in limited areas, and only under very specific conditions.

Please contact us for more information about annexation and mainline extensions.