Your private house sewer stretches beyond your property line into the public street. Property owners and managers should know where their responsibility ends and where Monrovia Public Works jurisdiction starts.
Monrovia Public Works Department looks after 92 miles of city sewers with pipelines that range from 6 to 24 inches in diameter. The City of Arcadia takes care of 135 miles of sanitary sewer that has 3,000 manholes. Both Pasadena and Monrovia demand permits for any work in the public right-of-way. House sewer CCTV inspections in Pasadena must show footage from the nearest private cleanout to where it connects with the public sewer main.
This piece will help residential homeowners and commercial property managers in Pasadena, Arcadia, or Monrovia understand their city’s permit requirements, inspection processes, and repair options for sewer lines.
Understanding House Sewer Line Jurisdiction in Pasadena, Arcadia, and Monrovia
Property owners need to know where their private sewer lines end and the public system begins. Cities across the San Gabriel Valley have their own rules about what property owners must handle.
Definition of House Sewer vs. Public Sewer
Pasadena defines a house sewer as “part of the horizontal piping beginning 24 inches from the exterior wall of the building or structure and extending to its connection with the City sewer line”. Your private line—also known as a lateral—stays your responsibility even if it runs past your property into the street.
Arcadia’s rules are a bit different. They call it a “building sewer,” which runs “from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal”. The city splits these connections into two types: sanitary building sewers that carry wastewater and storm building sewers for rainwater drainage.
The public sewer system has several big components:
- Collector sewers that gather wastewater from individual properties
- Interceptor sewers transporting wastewater to treatment facilities
- Force mains carrying wastewater under pressure
- Pumping stations that move wastewater to higher elevations
Where City Responsibility Begins and Ends
The rules about maintenance are clear. Pasadena’s Municipal Code Chapter 13.24.610 says homeowners must keep their house sewers “in a safe and sanitary condition,” while the city takes care of public sewer mains.
Arcadia’s Public Works Services Department (PWSD) handles “all aspects of the sewer system except for house connection from private properties”. Their municipal code states they “do not own or maintain sewer laterals from private properties that are connected to the sewer main”.
Monrovia’s Public Works Department manages approximately 92 miles of sanitary sewer collection system. Their pipes range from 6 to 24 inches wide. Property owners must still maintain their connections to the main sewer line.
Los Angeles County follows this same pattern. Homeowners must take care of their lateral lines “from their home, to the main sewer line, typically located in the street or nearby easement”. This means clearing roots, grease, and debris—even under public streets.
Pasadena Sewer Map and Arcadia Atlas Access
Pasadena residents can find sewer system maps on their city services portal. These maps show where public sewer mains sit relative to private connections.
Arcadia’s Public Works Utilities Maintenance department keeps a complete Sanitary Sewer Atlas. This atlas helps property owners plan improvements or fix connection problems.
The city’s Sewer System Management Plan shows how they maintain everything. They clean certain sewer lines annually and inspect specific sections with video cameras every two years.
These maps and boundary details are a great way to get help when fixing problems or planning property changes in these San Gabriel Valley communities.
When and Why Sewer Inspections Are Required
Sewer inspections are a great way to get insights into your property’s wastewater system health. A full picture helps detect problems early, which prevents things from getting pricey and keeps you compliant with local regulations.
Permit-Triggered Inspections for Property Development
Several activities make sewer inspections mandatory in Pasadena, Arcadia, and Monrovia. To cite an instance, a building permit request triggers a sewer inspection requirement if you plan to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), extend your home, or start any construction that adds 400 square feet or two additional plumbing fixtures. This step confirms your existing sewer lateral can handle the extra load.
Pasadena’s Public Works conditions for developmental permits usually require a closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the house sewer that serves the developed property. These proactive steps protect both private property and public infrastructure from damage due to capacity issues or existing defects.
Sewer inspections become necessary in other situations:
- Property transactions (buying or selling in some jurisdictions)
- Sewer main or road resurfacing projects near you
- Routine maintenance cycles set by municipal authorities
- Emergency responses after sewer overflows or backups
CCTV Inspection Requirements in Pasadena
Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 13.24.560 lets the City Engineer, Superintendent, or Chief Engineer inspect sewage facilities whenever needed. This authority extends to pumping plants, treatment facilities, house sewers, interceptors, backwater traps, and similar components to verify compliance with city rules.
CCTV inspections in Pasadena must capture footage from the nearest private cleanout to the public sewer main connection. Videos need to show the entire circular pipe section with minimal water flow. The property address, inspection date, and continuous distance reading from the start point must stay visible throughout.
Licensed plumbers handle these inspections, and results go to pw-permits@cityofpasadena.net for review. Staff evaluates submissions within 3-5 business days, though still photos aren’t required.
Arcadia’s 18-Month Cleaning and Inspection Cycle
The City of Arcadia runs a strong sewer maintenance program. Their Public Works Services Department keeps the sewer system in shape through continuous efforts to spot, fix, and prevent damage. The maintenance combines hand rodding/line cleaning for easement lines and high-velocity hydro cleaning with combination jet/vacuum units.
Arcadia has special maintenance rules for sewer lines under the Arcadia School District’s property. The city’s easement access rights allow annual cleaning each July. Since August 2009, Arcadia also inspects these sewer sections by video every two years.
The maintenance staff handles targeted tasks like sewer inspection, condition checks, cleaning, and chemical dosing for odor and corrosion control as needed. Sewer crew members stay updated through technical and safety training seminars at the California Water Environmental Association (CWEA).
Property owners and managers in these cities should understand these inspection requirements. This knowledge helps maintain compliant sewer systems and avoid surprises during property improvements or transactions.
Common Sewer Line Defects and City-Mandated Repairs
Sewer line defects hide silently until they cause major problems. CCTV inspection technology helps professionals spot these issues before they turn into expensive emergencies.
Root Intrusion and Offset Joints in Cast Iron Pipes
Tree roots naturally look for moisture and nutrients, which makes sewer lines perfect targets. Small cracks or joints let roots penetrate pipes and cause blockages and structural damage. Clay and cast iron pipes in older neighborhoods face this problem more often.
Root infiltration into sewer lines creates offset joints where pipe sections don’t arrange properly anymore. You’ll see these offsets when:
- Expanding roots push the joint out of place
- Soil shifts or settles and creates misalignments
- Seasonal ground movement affects how pipes sit
These offset joints slow down water flow and trap solids until they form complete blockages. The gaps at these offsets let more roots get in, which creates a destructive cycle.
Grease and Corrosion Issues Identified via CCTV
CCTV inspections show grease buildup and pipe corrosion that you wouldn’t spot otherwise. Grease buildups begin when cooking oils cool down and harden inside pipes. These layers gradually block the flow.
Metal pipes face another serious threat – corrosion. Pipe walls weaken from this deterioration and lead to leaks or complete collapse. Several factors speed up corrosion:
- The piping system’s age
- Contact with harsh chemicals
- Mineral deposits over time
Video inspections also reveal debris buildup, misaligned pipes, and structural failures that need quick fixes.
Pasadena’s Approval Process for Repair Methods
Pasadena’s city rules demand fixes for defects found during inspections. Official documents say these repairs must fix “excessive tuberculation of cast iron pipes, excessive root intrusion, offset pipe joints, cracked pipes, corrosion or deterioration, damaged connections to the sewer main, or other defects as determined by the City Engineer”.
Whatever repair solution you choose needs Pasadena’s City Engineer’s approval. The city usually approves these methods:
- Partial or total pipe replacement
- Installation of structural pipe liners
- Installation of non-structural pipe liners
Every repair job needs a valid Public Works permit, even trenchless methods like pipe lining that don’t need digging. This rule will give a safe and quality repair while protecting the city’s strong infrastructure.
Permit Requirements for Sewer Line Repairs by City
Getting the right permits for sewer line repairs must happen before any work begins in Pasadena, Arcadia, or Monrovia. Each city has its own specific rules that property owners need to understand to avoid fines and stay compliant.
Pasadena Public Works Permit for Relining and Bursting
Pasadena requires a Public Works permit for all sewer repairs, whatever type of excavation you need in the public right-of-way. The requirements for trenchless repair options include:
- Relining: You’ll need to pay a processing fee and put down a refundable $500 construction deposit. Property owners must send pre-and post-lining televising videos to pw-permits@cityofpasadena.net so the city can review them.
- Pipe Bursting: The city approves this method case by case, and you can only use HDPE or PVC materials. This method costs the same as new house laterals according to the current General Fee Schedule, plus a $500 construction deposit. The work to be done includes inspections during excavation or construction to protect the sewer main.
Arcadia Sewer Permit and Inspection Chain of Command
Arcadia’s permit system makes a clear distinction between residential/commercial service and industrial waste producers. Property owners must cover all installation and connection costs. Building sewers connecting to public sewers need to meet Building and Plumbing Code requirements before work starts.
Property owners in Arcadia must let authorities know when their building sewer is ready for inspection. A superintendent needs to supervise all connections. Properties within 300 feet of an available sanitary sewer must connect to the system. Daily fines of $100 apply after the required notice period if you don’t comply.
City of Monrovia Public Works Department Permit Types
Monrovia’s Public Works Department manages about 92 miles of sanitary sewer system. The department requires permits for any work in public right-of-way. Staff processes applications as they come in, and you should expect review and approval to take up to two weeks.
Monrovia’s sewer-related work permits include:
- Encroachment Permits: These cover any physical structure in public space
- Construction Permits: You need these for street improvements including sewer laterals
These permits stay valid for 90 days after they’re issued. You can ask for inspections by emailing monroviapw@transtech.org and pwcomments@monroviaca.gov at least 48 business hours ahead of time.
Trenchless Repair Options and Post-Repair Submissions
Trenchless repair technologies provide modern solutions to fix sewer line problems without extensive digging. Cities like Pasadena, Arcadia, and Monrovia have specific requirements for these projects.
Relining: Pre- and Post-Video Submission to Pasadena
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) relining in Pasadena needs:
- A Public Works permit with processing fee when no excavation access pit exists
- A refundable construction deposit of $500
- Pre-and post-lining televising videos sent to pw-permits@cityofpasadena.net
The city reviews these videos and charges fees according to the General Fee Schedule. The top hats must align perfectly with the sewer main wall. Any protrusions will need excavation under a separate permit.
Pipe Bursting: Material Restrictions and Inspection Rules
The city approves pipe bursting projects individually. Projects must meet these requirements:
- HDPE or PVC materials only
- Pre-construction video submission
- Public Works permit with fees matching new house laterals
- A construction deposit of $500
- Protection of the sewer main during construction
The original pipes should not be completely collapsed or blocked for this method to work effectively. A city inspector must verify the sewer main’s protection during the construction phase.
Deposit Refund Conditions in Arcadia and Pasadena
Pasadena’s deposit refunds rely on passing the post-inspection. Pipe bursting projects can receive refunds after:
- An in-person inspection with proper documentation
- A review of post-construction televising video if no inspection happened
Property owners should send refund requests to pw-permits@cityofpasadena.net to start the process.
Conclusion
A good grasp of sewer line permit requirements helps you direct potential plumbing issues with confidence. You’ve learned the key difference between private house sewers and public sewer systems in Pasadena, Arcadia, and Monrovia. Your responsibility goes beyond your property line into the public street, even though cities maintain the main sewer lines.
Property owners should know several crucial points about sewer maintenance. Each city needs specific permits before any work starts, whatever method you choose – traditional excavation or trenchless. CCTV inspections are a great way to get early warnings about common problems like root intrusion, offset joints, and corrosion before they get pricey. The approval processes for different repair methods can help you plan better and avoid delays.
The three cities have slightly different permit requirements but share one goal – protecting infrastructure integrity. Pasadena needs video submission for relining projects. Pipe bursting needs case-by-case approval with material restrictions. Arcadia has clear chains of command for inspections and requires connections for properties within 300 feet of available sanitary sewers. Monrovia’s permits last 90 days with specific inspection request protocols.
Trenchless technologies give homeowners and property managers a less disruptive option than traditional excavation. These modern solutions save time, reduce landscape damage, and are often budget-friendly. But each city still needs proper documentation, inspections, and deposits before approving these methods.
Taking care of your sewer lateral ended up protecting your property from unexpected backups and emergency repairs. Regular checks can spot potential risks early, so you can plan repairs instead of dealing with emergencies. This works great for commercial property managers who oversee multiple units or HOAs that manage shared infrastructure.
Call Western Rooter today for a free estimate! Our team can guide you through permit requirements, do thorough inspections, and find the best repair solutions for your situation.
