Selling or buying a home in Kentfield? Your private sewer lateral can influence your timeline, budget, and negotiation strategy. It is a common surprise in escrow, and it does not have to be. When you understand the local rules, you can plan repairs, holdbacks, and closing dates with confidence.
This guide breaks down Ross Valley Sanitary District (RVSD) requirements, what triggers inspections, how certificates work, and the practical steps to keep your sale moving. Let’s dive in.
RVSD rules at a glance
- Kentfield is in the RVSD service area, and RVSD enforces a Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance that applies at sale, certain remodels, and other events. See RVSD’s overview of private sewer lateral compliance.
- A sale triggers a lateral inspection and testing unless the property already has a current RVSD Certificate of Compliance. The program is defined in Ordinance No. 100.
- RVSD Certificates of Compliance are valid for 20 years from the issue date. Source: Ordinance No. 100.
- Repairs tied to a sale may be finished within 90 days after close of escrow if the parties agree and coordinate with RVSD. See Ordinance No. 100.
What triggers an inspection in Kentfield
- Transfer of title. A sale triggers inspection and testing unless there is a current certificate. Sellers generally coordinate the initial video inspection when listing. Source: Ordinance No. 100.
- Remodels and additions. Projects meeting RVSD’s value threshold (RVSD uses a 75,000 dollar threshold and flags bathroom additions) require compliance. Details are on RVSD’s compliance page.
- Health and safety. Failures, overflows, or RVSD-directed inspections also trigger action. See Ordinance No. 100.
How the compliance process works
1) Confirm certificate status
Call RVSD to confirm whether the property has a current Certificate of Compliance or a final District inspection within the last 20 years. If it is current, re-testing may not be required until expiration. Start at RVSD’s compliance page.
2) Order a CCTV inspection
If there is no current certificate, hire a licensed contractor to perform a closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection and provide the video and report. RVSD’s ordinance specifies inspection and testing standards. See Ordinance No. 100.
3) Pull permits before work
If testing or repairs are needed, the contractor applies for District permits before work begins. Submittals typically include the CCTV video, report, site plan, and fees. Review RVSD’s Permits page.
4) Complete repairs, testing, and final inspection
Repairs or replacement must meet District standards. RVSD staff generally witness the pressure test and perform a final inspection. Source: Ordinance No. 100.
5) Receive your Certificate of Compliance
After passing final inspection, RVSD issues a Certificate of Compliance that is typically valid for 20 years. Keep a copy for your records and future transactions.
Escrow timing and strategy
RVSD requirements can affect scheduling. Plan for contractor availability, permit review, and potential excavation. If repairs are substantial, many parties agree to complete work after closing using the 90 day window. Confirm feasibility with your contractor and RVSD before you rely on post-close timing.
A simple escrow timeline could look like this:
- Week 1 to 2: Verify certificate status and order CCTV inspection.
- Week 2 to 4: Obtain bids and, if needed, submit permit applications.
- Week 3 to 6: Complete repairs and District testing, or set up post-close repair plan with holdback.
- By closing: Provide buyers with the video, report, and either the certificate or a documented plan to complete repairs within 90 days.
Who pays and how to structure it
RVSD does not assign costs to one party. Payment is negotiated between buyer and seller. To reduce friction, document the plan in your purchase agreement and escrow instructions.
Helpful ways to structure the responsibility:
- Seller completes repairs and delivers the certificate before closing.
- Buyer completes post-close repairs within 90 days, funded by a negotiated credit or escrow holdback.
- Split costs based on contractor bids, with clear deadlines and proof-of-completion requirements.
Shared or HOA laterals
Shared laterals add complexity. Owners who share a lateral are generally responsible for the shared portion, and RVSD does not allow new common laterals. If the property is in a common interest development, confirm whether the HOA has assumed responsibility and whether it already holds a Certificate of Compliance. Review RVSD’s Common Laterals guidance.
Financial help you can apply for
RVSD offers a Grants and Loans program to help with lateral replacement. Published grant amounts include up to 1,500 dollars, or up to 2,500 dollars in specific qualifying situations such as an official Notice of Defective Lateral or certain paving contexts. Funding is limited and the application has timing rules. Check RVSD’s current Grants and Loans program early in your process.
Hiring the right contractor
Use licensed and insured contractors with relevant California classifications such as C-36 Plumbing, C-34 Pipeline, C-42 Sanitation System, or others as appropriate. You can review classification descriptions on the California Contractors State License Board, and you should verify license status through CSLB records.
Quick checklists
Sellers listing a Kentfield home
- Call RVSD to verify certificate status and any prior inspections on file. Start with RVSD compliance.
- If there is no current certificate, order a CCTV inspection and keep the video and report for buyers. See Ordinance No. 100.
- If defects are found, obtain at least two bids and discuss pre-close repairs versus post-close holdback. Confirm permit and scheduling timelines with contractors and RVSD.
- Explore RVSD’s Grants and Loans early if you plan to replace the lateral.
- Disclose known sewer issues, backups, or RVSD notices in your Transfer Disclosure Statement. See this overview of the Transfer Disclosure Statement.
Buyers under contract in Kentfield
- Request the CCTV video and report, plus any RVSD notices or permits.
- If repairs will occur after closing, confirm RVSD’s 90 day allowance and make sure the agreement clearly assigns responsibility and funds.
- If the property is in an HOA or shares a lateral, verify responsibility and certificate status with the HOA and RVSD.
- Calendar permit milestones and final inspection so you stay within the agreed timeline.
Final thoughts
A clear plan for the sewer lateral can protect your timeline and reduce surprises in escrow. With early verification, the right contractor, and a documented repair strategy, you can keep your Kentfield transaction on track.
If you want a calm, step by step approach to preparation and negotiation in Marin and San Francisco, reach out to Omari Williams for local guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Who enforces sewer lateral rules in Kentfield?
- RVSD enforces Kentfield’s private sewer lateral requirements, including testing, repairs, and certificates, as outlined on the RVSD compliance page.
What triggers a sewer lateral inspection during a sale?
- A transfer of title triggers inspection and testing unless the property already has a current Certificate of Compliance, per Ordinance No. 100.
How long is an RVSD Certificate of Compliance valid?
- Certificates are valid for 20 years from the issue date, according to Ordinance No. 100.
Can we finish required repairs after closing?
- Yes. RVSD allows up to 90 days after close of escrow for sale-related repairs if the parties agree and coordinate timelines with RVSD, per Ordinance No. 100.
Is financial assistance available for lateral replacement?
- RVSD’s program offers grant funding up to 1,500 dollars, or up to 2,500 dollars in certain qualifying cases. Check current details on Grants and Loans.
