Sewer Projects | City of San José

For all types of properties
Updated: 04/14/2026

A plumbing permit is required to repair or replace a building drain or building sewer or to install a property line cleanout. It is easy to get the permit online.

DEFINITIONS

Building drain - The drainage piping inside the building.
Building sewer - The drainage piping that begins two feet outside the building and connects the building drain to the City sewer.
Property line cleanout - A sewer access point installed at the property line, adjacent to the public right of way. It provides access to and servicing of the lower sewer lateral to the home or building. Having a cleanout can reduce repair costs as it makes it easier to clear blockages.

Online permits - Available online building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are listed at Online Building Permits.

Why a permit is vital - To protect your safety and property from harmful gases, water contamination, foundation problems, and pest attraction, it is vital that sewer lines are properly installed. A City inspector will check for code compliance. Note: Insurance companies may deny claims related to unpermitted work.

If applicable, see also:
Plumbing Projects
Septic Tank Removal
Sewer Backup Prevention & Backwater Valves

Permit Process

Get Ready to Apply

Who can apply? We recommend that the applicant be a licensed contractor. See Who Can Apply for a Building Permit for others who may apply. Whoever signs the building permit application is responsible and potentially liable for all activity under the permit. See Owner-Builders Beware!

SJPermits can help. At SJPermits.org, you can pay fees, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit, and find permit records and property information. An SJPermits account is required only if you are applying for an online permit or for projects that require Standard Plan Review.

How to Apply

Go to SJPermits.org.
Use the Application Wizard to be guided to the correct process and permit.
You may secure multiple permits, if needed, with one application.
SJPermits presents the fee and enables online payment; for more info, see Building Fees.
After payment, you will be able to download the Permit Card.
For help, first see Help for SJPermits. If you still need assistance, use Submit a Help Ticket.

Inspections

You will be issued a Permit Card that lists required inspections. Schedule inspections at SJPermits.org or call 408-535-3555 for assistance.

Be ready — read Inspection Success.

The Permit Card must always be on-site and available to the inspector.
Have plans and manufacturer instructions, if any, available.
Ensure there is access to all areas of the project work; provide a ladder if one is needed.

Inspectors will be looking for adherence to the requirements below:

Drain and Sewer Line Projects - Requirements

You are responsible for adhering to all relevant and current building and plumbing codes, including the following requirements:

DRAINAGE PIPING MATERIALS

Shall be cast iron, galvanized steel, galvanized wrought iron, lead, copper, brass, extra strength vitrified clay pipe, Schedule 40 ABS DWV, Schedule 40 PVC DWV, or other approved materials, except that:

No galvanized wrought iron or galvanized steel pipe shall be used underground and shall be kept at least 6 inches above ground.

ABS and PVC DWV piping installations are limited to residential construction not more than two stories in height.

No vitrified clay pipe or fittings shall be used above ground, inside a building, or where pressurized by a pump or ejector.

Copper tube for above ground and underground drainage and vent piping shall have a weight of not less than that of copper drainage tube type DWV.

DRAINAGE FITTINGS

Shall be of cast iron, malleable iron, lead, brass, copper, ABS, PVC, vitrified clay, or other approved materials.

Shall have a smooth interior waterway of the same diameter as the piping served and all such fittings shall be compatible with the type of pipe used.

All changes of direction of piping shall conform to Uniform Plumbing Code, Section 706.

When joining different types of piping together, use approved transition couplings. A common inspection failure is use of non-approved transition couplings, so ensure the following steps:
- Transition couplings shall be listed and labeled.
- Labels shall be readily visible after installation.
- Labels shall indicate the piping materials approved to be joined.

Property Line Cleanout Installation - Requirements

The installation and maintenance of property line cleanouts is the responsibility of the property owner. If there is a stoppage in the sewer line at the connection to the city sewer, a property line cleanout enables access to the stoppage. The City will clear stoppages between the property line cleanout and the city sewer at no cost to property owners, subject to the terms and conditions of the Department of Transportation.

Installation of a property line cleanout is required whenever:

The existing building sewer is replaced or repaired at the property line.

A septic tank or cesspool is removed and the on-site sewer is connected to the city sanitary sewer.

Locating the cleanout - The property line cleanout must be installed on-site and within 5 feet of the property line; a good location is on the property close to the property line with the sidewalk. The cleanout must be accessible through an approved concrete cleanout box.

Transition couplings - When joining different types of piping together, use approved transition couplings. A common inspection failure is use of non-approved transition couplings, so ensure the following steps:

Transition couplings shall be listed and labeled.
Labels shall be readily visible after installation.
Labels shall indicate the piping materials approved to be joined.

Inspection - Prior to backfill, the replaced sewer line and cleanout shall remain accessible for inspection.

Questions?

We are here to help — visit, call, or email us. See Contacts sidebar.

Report a City sewer stoppage or overflow

City Transportation Department - Call 408-277-4373