Racine sump-pump proposal: inspections, costs and home sales
The proposed requirement would cover one- to four-unit housing, with an inspected exemption. Owners could face installation costs, and property sales would trigger sewer inspections.
Oct 6, 2026, 8:58 PM CT
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RACINE, Wis. — The Racine sump-pump proposal included in the city’s proposed 2027 budget could require homeowners to install pumps and pay some of the cost.
Ordinance 0006-26 would require pumps in one- to four-unit housing unless a plumbing inspector confirms the building has no existing foundation drain connected to the sanitary sewer. The Common Council has not adopted it.
The proposal would go beyond the city’s voluntary effort launched in 2023, which offers qualifying homeowners up to $5,000 toward installation costs. The proposed budget reports more than 100 pumps installed but does not specify the reporting period or the number of households. It sets a goal of more than 3,000 installations over the next five years, according to the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance section on page 160 of the budget book.
“So while sanitary sewer fees remain flat, we do require in this budget homeowners to install sump pumps if needed and absorb some of that cost at the point of sale,” Mayor Cory Mason told the Common Council on Oct. 5.
The ordinance would not stop a property sale. It would trigger an inspection, and it does not guarantee that the city would cover installation costs.
Who would pay under the Racine sump-pump proposal?
The city’s current program guide limits eligibility to owners of one- or two-family homes with foundation drains connected to the sanitary sewer. The proposed requirement would cover one- to four-unit housing, a broader group.
Racine County Eye reported grants offered to 100 homeowners in 2024. Under the current voluntary program, the city pays the contractor directly up to $5,000 after a final inspection. Owners pay costs above that cap, as well as any deposit or inspection fee their plumber requires. Applying and getting an estimate do not obligate an owner to proceed if the estimate exceeds $5,000, according to the guide.
The ordinance says residential owners could apply for the program, “if any,” as it may be amended. It does not guarantee assistance, preserve the current cap or extend eligibility to three- and four-unit buildings.
Installation would require a plumbing permit, an inspector’s review, and an inspection of the work. Plans would also be required for a connection to an available storm sewer.
What happens when a property is sold?
A transfer of any real property in the city, not just one- to four-unit housing, would prompt the wastewater utility to inspect what enters the sanitary sewer, according to the ordinance.
If a violation is found, the owner could have 30 days after notice to correct it, with an extension for good cause. The proposal does not require a set payment before a deed is recorded or say the city would install a pump at closing.
The ordinance would also tighten restrictions on groundwater and other clear water entering sanitary sewers, removing exceptions tied to storm-sewer availability and cost. The current program guide describes directing water to a lawn or storm sewer. The proposed ordinance requires discharge to comply with existing city code, so an acceptable location would still depend on the property and applicable rules.
When can residents weigh in?
The city’s budget calendar lists a public hearing at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at City Hall, Room 205, 730 Washington Ave. Speakers must attend in person; the YouTube stream is for viewing, not remote comment.
Budget adoption is scheduled for Oct. 20, but the calendar does not establish a vote date for this ordinance. Residents can also contact their alder.
How to apply for the current voluntary program
Property owners can apply through the city’s online form. For program questions, contact the Department of Customer Service at 262-636-9171 or clerks@cityofracine.org, or visit City Hall, Room 103, 730 Washington Ave. The current program is voluntary; applying does not obligate an owner to proceed if the estimate exceeds $5,000, according to the city’s program guide.
