Sewer Lateral Permit

City requires a Sewer Lateral (SL) Permit for PSL inspections. The SL Permit allows a contractor with the appropriate contractor's license to install a sewer lateral in private property or in the City Right-Of-Way. Applicant must request for inspections at least 48 hours in advance of scheduled work. City Inspector will inspect the pipe material, connections, and requests compaction test results.

Apply for a Sewer Lateral (SL) Permit

There are three options to apply for an SL Permit:

  1. Apply Online: Please click the "Apply Online" link above to apply for for the SL permit through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) Online Permit Center if you already have an account! New Contractors can create a username and password and follow the steps to create an account. For assistance with creating an account and registering to the ACA Online Permit Center, please contact Emily Jue at EJue@oaklandca.gov.
  2. Apply By Email: email your completed application to DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov.
  3. Apply In Person: The Transportation Permit Counter is open to the public on the 2nd Floor of 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Schedule an appointment on Tuesday or Thursday. Drop-in on Monday or Wednesday.

If you have questions about the SL Permit, please call the DOT Permit Counter at 510-238-3199 or email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov.

Inspections: SL Permit allows a contractor with the appropriate contractor's license to install a sewer lateral in private property or in the City Right-Of-Way. Applicants must request for inspections at least 48 hours in advance of scheduled work. To request Sewer Lateral inspections, email PWA_Inspections@oaklandca.gov or call 510-238-3651. A City Inspector will inspect the pipe material, connections, and request compaction test results.

Lateral Near a Creek? Apply a Creek Protection Permit!

The Permit Counter will notify you if a Creek Protection Permit is needed through a Creek Determination Process.

Oakland's creeks are a valuable resource to the City of Oakland. In 1997, the community joined with policy makers to create additional protection policies through the creation of a Creek Protection Permit(PDF, 839KB).

The City of Oakland's Stormwater Ordinance(PDF, 2MB) includes permitting guidelines for development and construction projects taking place in or near creeks. The intent of the permit is to assure that work done on a creekside property will avoid or limit, to the extent feasible, having a negative impact to the creek at both the time of construction and in the future.

Apply for a Creek Permit

Related Resources

Sanitary Sewers

Public Works' sewer maintenance, Regional Private Sewer Lateral program, smoke testing, and more

Sanitary Sewers Program

East Bay Mud Private Sewer Lateral Certificate

East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) Private Sewer Lateral Certification

EBMUD Private Sewer Lateral Certificate

Transportation Permit Counter

Appointment booking, permit resources and information

Transportation Permit Counter

Transportation Permit Counter Hours

  • Monday: 9am - 3pm walk-in
  • Tuesday: 9am - 12pm / 1pm - 4pm by appointment only
  • Wednesday: 10am - 2pm walk-in
  • Thursday: 9am - 12pm / 1pm - 4pm by appointment only
  • Friday: Closed
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