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Default rule and exceptions
City maintains from the main to the street-side curb face nearest the property; owner is responsible only from the curb face in to the building. Where the main sits between property line and curb, the city part shrinks to the wye/tee connection.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Portland City Code 17.32.070: "Those portions of a lateral not addressed by Subsections 17.32.070 B.1.a. through d. are the responsibility of the property owner receiving service through the lateral" - i.e., from the curb face inward. |
| City / public agency | Portland City Code 17.32.070(B)(1)(a): "The City will maintain a lateral from the sewer main to the street-side curb face nearest the property being served." |
| Exceptions | Where the main is between the property line and curb, or in an easement, the city-maintained portion is limited to the wye/tee connection |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 7, 2026.
Those portions of a lateral not addressed by Subsections 17.32.070 B.1.a. through d. are the responsibility of the property owner receiving service through the lateral
The City will maintain a lateral from the sewer main to the street-side curb face nearest the property being served.
City rules rest on state law. Read Oregon's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sewer lateral in Portland, OR?
Responsibility is shared. Portland City Code 17.32.070: "Those portions of a lateral not addressed by Subsections 17.32.070 B.1.a. through d. are the responsibility of the property owner receiving service through the lateral" - i.e., from the curb face inward.
Are there exceptions in Portland, OR?
Where the main is between the property line and curb, or in an easement, the city-maintained portion is limited to the wye/tee connection
Is there any cost help for sewer lateral in Portland, OR?
Where the main is between the property line and curb, or in an easement, the city-maintained portion is limited to the wye/tee connection
What is this based on for Portland, OR?
This verdict is sourced to Portland City Code Sec. 17.32.070 (city maintains main-to-curb-face) and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Portland City Code Sec. 17.32.070 (city maintains main-to-curb-face)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- City of Portland BES: sewer connection responsibilitiesofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-07
- Portland City Code Sec. 17.32.070 (city maintains main-to-curb-face)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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