Sewer Lateral Ordinance

To protect the environment and local waterways from bacteria-laden human waste from undetected sewer leaks or sanitary sewer spills, the City Council adopted changes to the Sanitary Sewer System Ordinance on June 26, 2018.

View the Sewer System Ordinance

Sewer Spills (Sewer Overflows)

The owner of a property with a sewer spill is responsible for stopping the spill immediately and will be subject to fines and penalties if inspections and repairs are not made in a timely manner. If a sewer overflow originating at your property occurs, you are required to determine the cause of the spill and take remedial action to prevent future spills. Failure to address the spill can result in fines and civil penalties.

To report a sewer spill in Santa Cruz city limits, call the Environmental Compliance Department at 831-420-6050. During non-business hours, please call 911 to report spills or illegal dumping.

Private Sewer System Inspection and Cleaning

Private sanitary sewer collection systems and pumps (at apartment buildings, homeowner associations and businesses) must pass inspection every 10 years and undergo regular cleaning.

Ordinance Chapter 16.08.060: Private Sanitary Sewer Maintenance and Repair

Ordinance Chapter 16.08.064: Inspection and Cleaning of Private Sanitary Sewer Systems 

Time of Sale (Sale of Property)

Before selling a property, the owner must have the sewer lateral inspected by an authorized inspector, make any necessary repairs, and submit an inspection form to verify compliance.

Ordinance Chapter 16.08.066: Building Sanitary Sewer Inspection Requirements

Ordinance Chapter 16.08.068: Exemptions from Inspection Requirement