Sewer Lateral Compliance Certificates

Lateral Compliance Certificates, Remodeling & Change in Use

As of August 22, 2025, SMCSD owns and operates the City of Sausalito sewer collections systems.  All issues relating to sewer, please contact SMCSD.  The Sewer Division of City Department of Public Works has been phased out.

SMCSD also handles Marin City and the other unincorporated areas of our District.

SMCSD requires a compliance certificate for all private laterals located in the City of Sausalito and unincorporated areas within the District’s boundaries including Marin City when the property's title is being transferred (resale), change in customer, remodel or construction over $50,000 and change in use (i.e. second dwelling).

An individually owned unit in a multi-unit structure served by a single or shared lateral, such as a condominium or common interest development, as well as commercial properties, are required to have all private laterals inspected and issued a compliance certificate by 2022.

The required certificate is the responsibility of the homeowner's associations or the owner of the multi-structure and commercial property.  If your lateral has not been inspected or replaced within the last 10 years, SMCSD will require an inspection.

For specific details please review the link below:

District Code Chapter 2.33, pages 14-18.

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STOP - Before applying for a lateral inspection and paying the $150 fee online, please research the property and determine if a compliance certificate has already been issued.  

• If the property is located within the City limits, please contact the City of Sausalito Permits Department at mlockett@sausalito.gov . SMCSD does not have access to City records.
• If the property is located in the unincorporated areas of the SMCSD, like Marin City please contact SMCSD Staff member Eric Graham at egraham@smcsd.net
• Ask if the property has had an inspection and if a compliance certificate has been issued. If the answer is no or if the certificate has expired, please proceed to Cloudpermit for an inspection.

Application link for Sewer Lateral Inspections and New Connections: 

All permit applications for the Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District (SMCSD) are to be submitted online using Cloudpermit.

With Cloudpermit, you can:

• Apply for permits
• Check the status of your permit (when your application status changes, you’ll automatically receive an email letting you know)
• Schedule or cancel inspections
• Submit fees for inspections or new connections

How to get started:  

To start, create your Cloudpermit account by visiting https://us.cloudpermit.com/login.

Cloudpermit has a variety of resources to help you – check out Cloudpermit Support for instructions. You can also watch the instructional video below to learn how to use the software:

How to Submit an Application Video 

Once you finish your process with Cloudpermit, your video inspection must be submitted through the portal - Go Forward Lateral

An inspection must be performed by a certified plumber and they must utilize “Go Forward Lateral” inspection software for documenting, reporting and submitting the inspection.  No other method will be accepted.  The submission fee to Go Forward Lateral is the plumber's responsibility.

Plumbers must use a CCTV camera to inspect laterals internally from the cleanout located near the property foundation to the point of connection to the District’s collection system.  All inspections must be recorded in Forward Lateral and reviewed by the District.  The District follows inspection guidelines established by the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) in order to maintain consistency and ensure compliance with industry standards.  Reports provide by plumbers are for information only.  Inspection videos must be clear, must show the property and address, and must be performed at a rate of no more than 2 feet per second at a steady rate.  Poor quality videos which do not allow for proper inspection will be rejected

For more information please contact SMCSD Staff Eric Graham at 415-332-0244 ext. 1056 or  egraham@smcsd.net