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WHAT IS A SIDE SEWER PERMIT?

A Side Sewer Permit allows a licensed contractor to install a sewer lateral in the public right-of-way. It covers work from the property's sewer trap out to the City sewer main in the street.

For work between the building and the trap, you'll need a General Excavation Permit instead.

To find out about existing sewer lines near a property, including any existing side sewers, contact the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission at SewerInspections@sfwater.org.
 

WHO CAN INSTALL A SIDE SEWER?

 The Contractor must have either a: 
  Class “A” license OR 
  Class “C-36” and a Class “C-12” license OR 
  Class “C-42” license

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NEW PERMIT APPLICATION

Submit the following to San Francisco Public Works Permits.

  1. Permit Application. Submit a signed and completed permit application form.
  2. Plan. One (1) set of drawings showing the full scope of the proposed excavation. If computer-generated drawings are not available, a hand-drawn sketch may instead be submitted.
  3. Permit Application Fee. See the San Francisco Public Works Fee Schedule. In the majority of cases, the permit fee is calculated by adding the administrative fee and inspection fees together in the “General Excavation” section of the fee schedule. For most simple projects, Public Works charges for four (4) hours of inspection fees. Additional fees such as Street Space fees for right-of-way occupancy and no-parking signs may also apply. 
     

PERMIT INFORMATION AND PROCEDURE

  • The Permittee shall have a certificate of liability insurance on file with Public Works Permits. 
  • The applicant must maintain a current Business Tax Registration Certificate issued by the City and County of San Francisco Tax Collector’s Office pursuant to Section 1003 of Part III of the San Francisco Municipal Code. 
  • For some new laterals exceeding the standard 6 inch diameter, a referral is required to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). In these cases, we may require written approval from SFPUC in order to proceed with the application review process. 
  • Pursuant to Article 2.4 of the Public Works Code, the Permittee shall file and maintain a Street Excavation Bond with a minimum amount of $25,000.00 with the Department of Public Works, to guarantee the maintenance of the pavement in the trench and roadway area for a period of 3 years following the completion of the backfill and pavement. 
  • All restoration shall be performed per Article 2.4 of the Public Works Code and DPW Order 187,005. All work including sidewalk and pavement cutting and removal, lagging, excavation, backfill and sidewalk and pavement restoration shall be done by a licensed paving contractor and in accordance with the requirements of the Standard Specifications of the Bureau of Engineering, Department of Public Works, July 1986 Edition, Department of Public Works Order No 187,005 and Board of Supervisors’ Ordinance #131-07.
     

TOW-AWAY SIGN PROCEDURE

Tow-Away Signs that are issued as part of a Side Sewer permit must be registered through SFMTA. After you have received an approved permit with tow-away signs, you may register your signs using the instructions here.

You may also learn more regarding the tow-away sign issuance and activation process in the links below:

BEFORE AND DURING YOUR WORK

  • Get DBI permits for the building side. For the pipe between the trap and the building, get any required permits and schedule an inspection with the Department of Building Inspection's Plumbing Inspection Division. See DBI's online permit information. 
  • Call 811 before you dig. Contact Underground Service Alert (USA North) at 811 at least 72 hours before any excavation. 
  • Verify utility locations. Confirm where any City or utility company facilities are located near your work. You're responsible for any damage to them, and for arranging and paying for any temporary relocation they need.
  • Follow SFMTA rules. All work must meet the SFMTA Blue Book requirements.
  • Schedule an inspection at least 10 days before starting work. Call 628-271-2000 or email dpw-bsminspects@sfdpw.org 
  • Keep the job card on site. Keep an up-to-date Side Sewer Job Card at the job site at all times.

  • Follow emergency trench restoration rules. Public Works Order No. 183,621 sets the rules that apply if a catastrophic emergency occurs in San Francisco. 
     

    FOR MORE INFORMATION

    For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
    San Francisco Public Works • Permits
    49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
    Email: PublicWorksPermits@sfdpw.org Phone: (628) 271-2000

    San Francisco Public Works • Permit Center 
    49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200 • San Francisco, CA 94103 • Map

    Processing Hours:
    • Please visit https://sf.gov/location/permit-center for operating hours of the Permit Center. 
    • Closed on official holidays