New York: State guide

New York’s state code system requires local code enforcement for work under the Uniform Code, while New York City has its own building-code structure. The local New York government pages reviewed generally make the homeowner responsible for the entire sewer lateral to the main, including right-of-way portions, and some municipalities add inspection or sale-trigger programs.

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Official resources in New York

New York Department of State — Division of Building Standards and Codes FAQ

State page explaining the Uniform Code, local enforcement, and that New York City has separate building codes.

2025 Plumbing Code of New York State

State code publication showing the 2025 code currently in effect and its building-permit administration provisions.

NYC DEP — Service Line Protection Program

Official city page stating owner responsibility for water and sanitary sewer service lines and offering optional warranty coverage.

Village of Scarsdale — Sewer Lateral Inspection Program

Official village page describing a sewer lateral inspection and discharge compliance certificate program tied to property transfers and major projects.

City of Corning — Water & Sewer Laterals PDF

Official city handout stating sewer permits are required for sewer work and the owner is responsible to and including the main connection.

Key facts for New York

New York DOS says the 2025 Uniform and Energy Code became fully effective on December 31, 2025.
New York DOS says New York City may adopt separate building codes from the rest of the state.
NYC DEP says owners maintain their water and sanitary sewer service lines from the property to the city mains in the street.
NYC DEP offers optional service-line warranty coverage through American Water Resources.
Corning says sewer permits are required for all sewer work, including lateral installation, repair, or replacement.
Scarsdale requires Discharge Compliance Certificates upon sale, transfer, or conveyance of property, effective October 1, 2023.

City sewer lateral rules and programs in New York

City	city	phone	Details
NYC Department of Environmental Protection — Service Line Protection Program New York	New York	(888) 300-3570	DEP says owners are responsible for service lines to the street mains and may enroll in optional coverage through American Water Resources.
NYC DEP Customer Service New York	New York	718-595-7000	Official customer-service line for water and sewer account information, service inspections, repairs, and permit requests.
Village of Scarsdale Sewer Lateral Inspection Program Westchester	Scarsdale	Not published*	Village program page states discharge compliance certificates are required at sale, transfer, or conveyance and for some large projects.
Village of Scarsdale Building Department Westchester	Scarsdale	914-722-1140	Village contact for permits and building matters tied to the sewer lateral inspection program.
Village of Scarsdale consultant contact for Sewer Lateral Inspection Program Westchester	Scarsdale	914.305.3761	Program page lists the village consultant contact for questions about the sewer lateral inspection program.
City of Corning Public Works Steuben	Corning	607-962-0340 ext. 1301	Public Works issues outside work and sewer permits; city handout says owners are responsible for laterals to and including the main connection.
New York Department of State, Division of Building Standards and Codes Albany	Albany	Not published*	State code office contact listed on the DOS FAQ for questions on more restrictive local standards.

* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.

What to do next

Outside New York City, start with your local code enforcement office because the state Uniform Code is enforced locally.
If you are in New York City, treat the lateral as private unless an official city page for your property says otherwise; DEP says service lines to the street mains are owner-maintained.
If buying or selling in Scarsdale, check the sewer lateral certificate requirement early because the village ties it to transfers and certain large projects.

Not seeing your city or county?

We list a city only when an official government page publishes its rules. If yours isn't in the table above, it may not publish them online yet. Here's what to use instead, in order:

General Start with the statewide information above. It applies across New York, but cities and counties can add their own steps, fees or deadlines.
Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from New York's population center, for comparison only):
- Department of Water & Sewer Utilities, New Jersey · about 58 miles
- Emergency Call Center, New Jersey · about 58 miles
- New Jersey Shares MCAP notice via Newark Water & Sewer, New Jersey · about 58 miles
Call to confirm Ask the official office. They have the current local rule, fee and form.
NYC DEP — Service Line Protection Program
Website →
Phone: (888) 300-3570 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)
Your city or county office: Local governments →
Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the New York page on USA.gov can point you to the right office.
Know the current info? Tell us and include a link to the official page. We check every tip before it goes up.

Helpful guides

Sewer lateral responsibility check →

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