Council approves Ordinance 389 requiring sewer-lateral inspection before home sales

A council member introduced and the Tracy City Council approved Ordinance 389 on second reading, a measure that requires sellers to have the sewer lateral (the line from a house to the street) camera-inspected and to replace failing or non-PVC pipe before completing a sale.

“The ordinance is about when you sell your house you have to have make sure that it is filmed the sewage line from the house to the street and to see what kind of shape it is in,” a council member said during the public hearing, summarizing the measure’s requirement. The sponsor and staff said the rule aims to reduce infiltration of stormwater and ground water into the sanitary sewer system, which staff members showed contains sections with tree-root intrusion and age-related deterioration.

Residents asked for detail about documentation and cost. One resident asked whether a prior plumbing record would suffice; the council member replied that proof a licensed plumber performed the work and documentation would prevent a duplicate camera inspection: “you’re going to want to keep proof of that that job was done,” the council member said. Public works staff noted older clay pipe sections (some likely installed in the early 1900s) can be in remarkably good shape but are increasingly prone to leaks and root intrusion, while newer construction is more likely to have PVC laterals.

Council and staff discussed potential amendments, enforcement mechanisms, and whether lining existing pipes could be a lower-cost option than replacement. Staff said they will research lining vendors and financing options for homeowners. The council closed the public hearing, moved to approve Ordinance 389, and carried the motion by roll call.

The ordinance will take effect as provided in the ordinance text; staff said they will return with details about enforcement steps and any proposed amendments if needed.