On August 16, 2023, RVSD adopted Ordinance No. 75, to update the guidelines for the Loan Program which assists ratepayers with the cost of replacing private sewer laterals or converting septic-to-sewer systems. Access Ordinance No. 75 by clicking here Version OptionsGrants & LoansGrant FundingHow to ApplyHow to SubmitHeadline.

Loan Funding

RVSD offers low-interest loans up to $25,000 to replace your private sewer lateral, or up to $50,000 for septic-to-sewer conversions. 

If approved, RVSD pays the contractor directly. Repayment is collected through your semi-annual property tax bills over a 10-year period, with an interest rate based on the current 10-year U.S. Treasury rate plus 0.5% per annum (fixed). To calculate your interest rate, see below.

Loans are non-transferable. If you intend to sell your property before the 10-year repayment period, you must pay the remaining balance. Owners may also choose to pay the loan off in advance.

Before you Apply

1. Review Eligibility Criteria (see "Eligibility Tab").
2. Inform your contractor of your intent to apply and confirm their payment deadlines. 
   Approval documentation and payment processing can take 6 to 8 weeks. After passing RVSD's final inspection, you have 30 days to apply.
3. Review the Program Guide and Flowchart (see "How to Apply" below).
   
   Once your project is complete, follow the steps below.

How to Apply

Submit the following:

1. Loan Application (download here)
2. Signed Notice of Completion
3. Final Itemized Invoice

If approved, the property owner(s) listed on the title must complete a Contractual Assessment Agreement. A $25 recording fee will be added to the loan principal amount.

How to Submit

Complete applications can be emailed to Administrative Staff, mailed in, or dropped off at 1111 Andersen Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901. If approved, additional paperwork is required from the owner(s). All applications must be received within 30 days of the District final inspection. Applications received after this deadline are ineligible for loan funds.

How to Calculate the Current Interest Rate

1. Click the link: U.S. Department of the Treasury Resource Center  
2. Ensure "Daily Treasury Par Yield Curve Rates" and the current year are selected
3. Find the date of your application and check the "10 Yr." column
4. Add 0.5% to the rate listed

Example: If the application was submitted January 6, 2023, and the 10-year treasury rate was 3.55%, adding 0.5% results in an effective rate of 4.05%.

Questions about permits? View our Permits page by clicking the link.

Qualification for these programs is not based on income. Most applicants are eligible for funding.

The following are disqualifying factors:

• Capital Improvement Projects where the lower lateral has been replaced by RVSD
• Common lateral connections (to learn more click here)       The following are disqualifying factors:    ) 
• Partial work, such as spot repairs or partial replacements
• Unpermitted sewer work or incomplete permit applications
• Late or incomplete applications

In some Common Interest Developments, the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) has assumed responsibility to maintain all private sewer laterals.

Grant Funding

Maximum grant funding for HOA's is one grant award per sewer lateral connection to the public sewer main, regardless of the number of units that the sewer lateral serves, and no more than 50 percent of the total replacement cost. In cases where the HOA has not assumed responsibility, the individual property owners are eligible to apply.

Loan Funding

HOA's cannot apply for loan funding as payments are collected through the semi-annual property tax bill as a special assessment. In cases where the HOA has not assumed responsibility, the individual property owners are eligible to apply.

Questions about HOA compliance? View our Compliance page by clicking the link.