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Default rule and exceptions
The City of San Diego lists sewer main back-ups and flooding among claims that can be filed against the City. Claims go to the Risk Management Department, and most must be presented no later than six months after the incident. State law gives one year for claims other than personal property or injury.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Claimant | Presents a written claim to the Risk Management Department, in accordance with California Government Code sections 900-915.4, generally within six months. |
| City of San Diego Risk Management | Receives claims; the City also tells residents to contact their property insurance carrier to report damages. |
| Exceptions | Government Code 911.2 sets one year for a claim other than death, injury to person, or injury to personal property or growing crops. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 1, 2026.
Water main breaks and flooding. Sewer main back-ups and flooding.
Most claims must be presented to the Risk Management Department no later than six months after the date of the incident or event.
Contact your property insurance carrier to report damages to your property and learn how to file a claim with the City for flood damage.
A claim relating to any other cause of action shall be presented as provided in Article 2 (commencing with Section 915) not later than one year after the accrual of the cause of action.
must be made in writing and be completed in accordance with California Government Code sections 900-915.4
City rules rest on state law. Read California's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for claim against the city: sewer backup and flooding in San Diego, CA?
It depends on the specific facts. Presents a written claim to the Risk Management Department, in accordance with California Government Code sections 900-915.4, generally within six months.
Are there exceptions in San Diego, CA?
Government Code 911.2 sets one year for a claim other than death, injury to person, or injury to personal property or growing crops.
What is this based on for San Diego, CA?
This verdict is sourced to Public Liability and 5 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Public Liabilityofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- Public Liabilityofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- Storm Preparednessofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- California Government Code section 911.2statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- Public Liabilityofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
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