I’ve written several blog posts about home inspections that include sewer scopes, sewer party lines, etc. Now come some changes that you should be aware of within the City of Portland.
The City of Portland recently altered several rules that cover sewer work in the public right-of-way. These rule changes have the potential to drive up the costs and complexity of sewer construction and repair work that occurs beyond private property lines – including sidewalks, curbs and streets.
Portland Real Estate Rules Change For Sewer Lines
One of the sewer inspectors I use for my home inspections (sewer scopes) just posted an article about new changes by the City of Portland.
Here is a look at some of those changes and how they impact contractors and property owners.
Any time sewer work extends beyond the property line, a right-of-way sewer permit is required from the Portland Bureau of Development Services. Projects that require such a permit include:
- Repairs of existing private sewer laterals under sidewalks and streets,
- All connections to public sewer mains and sewer service laterals,
- Relocations of existing sewer service laterals from curb line to the main,
- Connections to existing sewer service laterals extended to private property,
- Construction and/or extension of sewer service laterals to private property for future use, and
- Repairs of existing private sewer lines in the right-of-way.
All permit recipients are required to determine the depth and location of existing sewer services in the area before conducting sewer work. An inspection of the existing private sewer line is also required to verify that it is clear of obstructions before repair or connection can begin. The city also recommends that contractors verify existence of sewer services in the area by calling the Bureau of Environmental Services.
The recent rule changes take effect once repair or construction of a sewer line is under way. Some of the changes with potentially big impacts include elimination of spot repairs in the right-of-way, restrictions for sewer pipe materials allowed in the right-of-way, possible requirements for additional clean-outs, and encouragement to replace nonconforming (party line) sewer connections with connections that meet current code.
Spot repairs prohibited in public right-of way
Until recently, when a sewer line in the public right-of-way required repair, a contractor was allowed to isolate the problem and excavate only the area needed to expose the affected area. New rules require that any repair or connection to a new system in the public right-of-way be done with pipe of the same material and extend to the face of the curb.
This effectively requires the contractor to expose and replace the pipe from the curb to two feet beyond the sidewalk into the yard. Such a repair will be much more costly, in particular because sidewalk panels frequently must be replaced.
New materials requirements
Restrictions now exist for the type of pipe material that can be used when making a repair or connection to a sewer line in a public right-of-way. The newly approved pipe material may differ from the minimum standards accepted by the city’s plumbing code for private property.
For example, ABS pipe is no longer approved for use in the public right-of-way because of the city’s concerns about possible material fractures. More costly PVC or HDPE pipe must now be used. This also requires contractors to install more expensive and labor-intensive transitional couplings when connecting lines made of different materials.
Additional clean-out requirements
Sewer clean-outs may be required to be installed at the curb under a new rule being considered by the city. While this rule is not being enforced yet, the city is seeking input about it. Many contractors believe that this is not necessary and would only add more cost to a typical sewer repair because installation of a clean-out is already required where the sewer line enters the house or building on private property.
Nonconforming sewer line replacements
Otherwise known as party lines or private utility lines, these sewer lines are shared by two or more private properties access the public sewer system through a private sewer line in the public right-of-way.
This was a fairly common approach when much of the housing stock in Southeast and North Portland was built in the 1920s and 1930s. These lines are mostly made of clay or concrete pipe and now are in need of replacement as the material begins to break down underground.
Since 2008, the city has conducted a letter-writing campaign requesting that property owners replace nonconforming sanitary sewer connections with connections that meet current code. According to the city, the goal is to encourage conversions of nonconforming sewers before emergency action is required because of property sale, redevelopment, infill development or failure of aging sewer connections.
Some of these rule changes are now being enforced, while others are merely being considered by the city. In all cases, the city is soliciting input about them from people who may be affected.
Comments can be directed to either Lana Danaher (503-823-5775 or lana.danaher@portlandoregon.gov) or Joe Blanco (503-823-2059 or joe.blanco@portlandoregon.gov) at the Bureau of Environmental Services. Both are quite knowledgeable about sewer permit requirements and are great resources for contractors.
Also, information about sewer inspection, line repair and replacement is available at www.soilsolutionsenvironmental.com.
Tony Bustamonte is a principal and co-founder of Soil Solutions Environmental Services.
Contact him at 503-234-2118 or at tony@soilsolutionsenvironmental.com.
ALL ABOUT…..Portland.Oregon.Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2012. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
