Nonconforming Sewer Connection

Along with state building codes, local jurisdictions may have additional regulations. For example, the City of Portland code requires each property to have an independent connection and legal route of access to the public sewer.  It defines three types of nonconforming sewer connections:

1. Party sewers have two or more building sewers joining in a single pipe before connecting to the public sewer in the public right-of-way.
2. Cross property line connections are nonconforming sewer connections that cross into another property to connect to the public sewer in the public right-of-way.
3. A private sewer line that extends beyond the property boundary into the public right-of-way to connect with the public sewer is another kind of nonconforming sewer connection.

If you own a property with a nonconforming sewer connection, Portland City Code also requires you to abandon the nonconforming sewer connection within 180 days of receiving notice from the city that an individual and direct sanitary sewer connection is available to your property.