If you have ever dealt with a sudden backup or slow drains, you know how quickly a small sewer issue can turn into a big headache. In Burbank, part of that risk lives in a pipe you rarely see: your private sewer lateral. The good news is the City offers a reimbursement program that can help with eligible inspection and repair costs when you follow the rules. This guide breaks down what you own, how Burbank’s SLURP rebate generally works, what to document, and when you need permits so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Sewer lateral basics
Your private sewer lateral is the pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the public sewer main. It usually runs from your foundation to the connection point at or near the property line. Even though it is out of sight, it can crack, shift, or clog over time.
When that happens, you may see slow drains, gurgling, or even overflows. Left unchecked, a failed lateral can allow groundwater to seep into the system or release wastewater onto your property. Proper maintenance, inspection, and timely repair keep your home safe and help protect the community’s sewer system.
Burbank responsibility split
In most California cities, including Burbank, you are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and replacing the private sewer lateral from your building to the connection point with the public main. The City is responsible for the public main itself. This split matters when you budget, hire a contractor, or plan a repair.
If a problem on your private lateral causes damage to the public system or results in a sanitary sewer overflow, you can be held responsible for cleanup and repair costs. That is one reason many owners schedule a camera inspection before listing or buying a home in Burbank. Knowing the condition early lets you plan for maintenance or negotiate repairs.
SLURP rebate at a glance
Burbank’s Sewer Lateral Reimbursement Program (SLURP) is designed to reduce overflows and excess groundwater infiltration by encouraging owners to inspect, clean, repair, or replace private laterals. The program typically offers a reimbursement or credit for eligible costs after you complete approved work and submit full documentation.
While you should always confirm the City’s current rules, these common elements usually apply:
- Property must be inside Burbank city limits and connect to the City sewer main.
- Work should be completed by a properly licensed contractor, with required permits in place when permits are needed.
- You submit invoices, proof of payment, permit numbers, CCTV video and report, and before and after photos for review.
- Reimbursements are often issued only after final inspection and approval.
Common limitations can include work started before required approvals, non-permitted work, scopes that do not address the private lateral, or items like landscaping and driveway restoration that may not be covered. Program caps, eligible line items, and timelines can change. Check the current SLURP application and instructions before you start.
Permits you may need
Several types of work on a sewer lateral can trigger permits in Burbank. Confirm your exact scope with the City before work begins. Typical permit triggers include:
- Partial or full replacement of the private lateral
- Installing, relocating, or replacing exterior cleanouts
- Any excavation in the public right of way such as street, sidewalk, or alley (encroachment permit)
- Tie-ins or work impacting the public sewer main
- Street or sidewalk cuts, which can require separate approvals and restoration standards
Simple cleaning or snaking may not require a permit, but your contractor should confirm. If you plan to dig, call 811 for utility locates first. Work in the right of way can also require traffic control plans, bonds, and specific insurance.
Documenting cleaning and CCTV
City reviewers need clear, complete evidence of the work and the pipe condition. Collect these items and keep originals:
- Itemized contractor invoices that show date, address, labor, materials, equipment hours, license number, and signature
- Permit number(s) for any permitted work and final sign-offs
- Full-length, original CCTV video files in a standard format such as MP4. Do not edit or shorten the footage.
- A written CCTV log that lists start and end time, pipe size and material, direction of travel, distances from a reference point, and observations. Many cities prefer NASSCO PACP codes.
- Before and after photos of excavation, cleanouts, failed sections, and restored surfaces
- Proof of payment such as paid receipts or canceled checks
- Contractor license verification and insurance. For sewer work, a C-36 Plumbing license is typical.
Aim for clear audio or an on-screen title at the start of the video that states the property address, contractor name, date, and launch point. Label files with the address and, if applicable, your permit or application number. Keep originals for your records.
SLURP application steps
Here is a simple path from diagnosis to reimbursement. Always follow the latest City instructions.
- Pre-check and planning
- Contact the City program coordinator to confirm eligibility and whether pre-approval or a pre-inspection is required.
- Request a written estimate from a licensed contractor. Ask them to provide CCTV to PACP standards if possible.
- Cleaning and CCTV
- Have the lateral cleaned if needed, then perform a full-length camera inspection.
- Save the original video and the written log.
- Permitting
- Apply for required sewer and encroachment permits before starting repair or replacement. Pay fees and schedule inspections as instructed.
- Perform the work
- Your licensed contractor completes the approved scope. Take photos throughout and keep daily logs if available.
- Final inspection
- The City inspects completed work and restoration where required. Get written approval or sign-off.
- Submit your SLURP package
- Provide the completed application, paid invoices and receipts, permit numbers and approvals, contractor license information, CCTV video and report, and before and after photos.
- Processing and payment or credit
- The City reviews your package and issues reimbursement or a credit after approval. Processing can take several weeks or longer.
Homeowner checklist
Use this quick list to stay organized.
- Confirm program rules and whether pre-approval is required
- Verify your contractor’s active license and insurance
- Plan for permits and inspection timelines
- Clean and CCTV the full lateral and save original files
- Maintain itemized invoices, proof of payment, and photo documentation
- Submit a complete application with all required attachments
- Keep copies of everything in case of audit
Buying or selling: why it matters
If you are selling in Burbank, a clean CCTV report can boost buyer confidence and reduce last-minute surprises. If defects exist, you can decide whether to repair before listing, seek SLURP reimbursement after permitted work, or price accordingly. Clear documentation also helps your disclosures.
If you are buying, ask for any existing CCTV video and reports. If none exist, consider scheduling your own inspection during due diligence. Knowing the lateral’s condition can help you plan for maintenance, negotiate repairs, or budget for future work.
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting work that requires pre-approval before the City gives the green light
- Submitting edited or incomplete CCTV files
- Skipping permits for work that clearly requires them
- Hiring unlicensed vendors for sewer work
- Forgetting to include proof of payment with your application
- Assuming landscaping or hardscape restoration will be reimbursed
Next steps
Your private sewer lateral may be out of sight, but it should not be out of mind. With the right plan and documentation, you can protect your home, stay compliant, and take advantage of Burbank’s SLURP benefits when eligible. If you want help coordinating inspections and understanding how sewer repairs can impact your sale or purchase strategy, reach out for tailored guidance.
Ready to talk through your options in Burbank? Schedule a free consultation with Unknown Company.
FAQs
What is a private sewer lateral in Burbank?
- It is the pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the City’s public sewer main. You are generally responsible from the building to the connection point with the main.
Who pays for sewer lateral repairs in Burbank?
- Property owners typically pay for maintenance, repair, and replacement of the private lateral. The City maintains the public sewer main.
How does Burbank’s SLURP reimbursement work?
- The City offers reimbursement or a credit for eligible inspection and repair costs after you complete permitted work and submit full documentation for approval. Check the current application for caps and timelines.
Do I need a permit to replace my sewer lateral?
- Yes, replacement usually requires permits. Work in the street, alley, or sidewalk also needs an encroachment permit and may require traffic control and restoration approvals.
Is a CCTV video required for SLURP?
- Yes, a full-length, original CCTV video with a written log is generally required to document the pipe condition and the completed work. Do not edit the video.
Who can perform sewer lateral work in Burbank?
- Hire a properly licensed contractor such as a C-36 plumbing contractor. Work in the right of way may require additional qualifications and insurance.
How long does SLURP reimbursement take?
- Processing varies. Expect several weeks or longer from a complete submission to reimbursement or credit, depending on City review timelines.
What should my CCTV report include for the City?
- Time and date, pipe size and material, direction of travel, distance measurements, observations, operator info, and ideally NASSCO PACP coding. Include the original, unedited video file.
