Exemption Certificate for Prior PSL Work

Please see the guidelines below regarding how to receive an Exemption Certificate for having had prior PSL work done.

To request an Exemption Certificate, please select your property and follow the required steps.

Guidelines for Exemption Certificate

If you are buying or selling a property, building or remodeling ($100,000+) or requesting a change in your water meter size, AND the PSL was fully replaced before the start of the program in your city, you may qualify for an exemption.

E1. Determine if you are exempt
If your PSL is less than 10 years old counting from the date of final permit sign-off, was fully replaced before the program effective date in your area, AND the permitting agency verifies the replacement, it is exempt from the Regional PSL Ordinance requirements.

Additionally, if your property is in Alameda, Albany or Stege Sanitary District and your parcel has a valid and unexpired Compliance Certificate or similar documentation, it is also eligible for an exemption from the Regional PSL Ordinance requirements.

E2. Apply online
Request an Exemption Certificate online by selecting your property. Provide the requested information and the reason for the exemption request.

E3. When approved, print the certificate
EBMUD will ask the permitting agency to verify the sewer lateral replacement and the date of final permit sign-off. If approved, EBMUD will notify you by email that your Exemption Certificate is available online. Select your property and print your certificate. Exemption certificates expire 10 years from the date of the final permit sign-off. If your application is NOT approved, you must obtain a Compliance Certificate or a Time Extension Certificate.

E4. Present or retain certificate
If you are buying a property, keep a copy of the Exemption Certificate for your records. If you are selling a property, provide a copy of the Exemption Certificate to the buyer before title transfer. If you are building or remodeling in excess of $100,000, provide a copy of the Exemption Certificate to city permitting staff prior to final permit sign-off. If you are applying for a change in your water meter size, submit a copy of your Exemption Certificate to the EBMUD New Business Office to finalize your Water Service Application. Process is complete.

Additional Exemptions for Special Circumstances

You may be eligible for a short-term Exemption Certificate if any of the following special circumstances apply:

* No sewer lateral has ever existed on your property (e.g., vacant parcel)

* Your sewer lateral or septic system is not connected to the public sewer main

* The PSL associated with your parcel is pressurized

* Your title transfer is not subject to the Regional PSL Ordinance requirements (example: between co-owners from or into a trust, etc.) See the FAQ section for a complete list of excluded title transfers.

A1. Apply online
To request an Exemption Certificate, please select your property and follow the required steps.

A2. Verification
EBMUD will review supporting documentation or perform a site visit of the property where required.

* IF NO LATERAL exists on the parcel: EBMUD will confirm this with the local permitting agency; OR

* FOR PRESSURIZED sewer laterals: EBMUD will conduct a site visit to confirm that the entire PSL is pressurized. If only a portion of the PSL is pressurized, the unpressurized portion must still be tested and certified and receive a Compliance Certificate; OR

* IF TITLE TRANSFER is exempt: If you are applying for an Exemption Certificate before title transfer, an Exemption Certificate will be issued to allow for the sale transaction to occur (6 months). The certificate will document that the property transfer is exempt from the requirements of the PSL ordinance. If you are applying for an Exemption Certificate after title transfer and have received an enforcement notice, an Exemption Certificate will be issued to halt any enforcement action and to document that the property transfer is exempt from the requirements of the PSL Ordinance. In both cases, the certificate is only valid for a single title transfer.

EBMUD will notify you by email whether the exemption is approved. If your request is NOT approved, you must obtain a Compliance Certificate or Time Extension Certificate.

A3. Print the approved certificate. Present or retain.
Print your Exemption Certificate -- select your property and follow the required steps. When you sell the property, provide a copy to the buyer before title transfer. If you are the current property owner, keep a copy of the Exemption Certificate for your records.