Utility Easements: Public Sewer Mains on Private Property

While most of our main sewer pipes are located under public streets, some are located on private property. For the SFPUC to perform necessary maintenance and repair work on a sewer main within a private property, the City needs to hold a right to access the sewer pipes. This is called an easement. An easement is an interest in real property that entitles the easement holder to a limited use of another’s land, usually in a specified manner or for a specified purpose. Utility providers are commonly granted easements within a private property for utilities such as sewer, water, power, or gas to service the property. These utility easements typically exist in perpetuity even when the property is transferred or sold.

The illustration below shows a utility easement located in the backyard of a home. SFPUC crews would need access to the backyard to reach the manhole to service the sewer main.

If you have questions about utility easements, please contact sewerinspections@sfwater.org.