Septic Systems

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• RECENT UPDATES

  In preparation for the roll out of the new LAMP, the Department of Environmental Health & Quality (DEHQ), Land Use Program held two separate meetings open to all stakeholders on December 11, 2024 and January 10, 2025.  These meetings provided highlights to the 2025 LAMP and information on new and/or updated program procedures and forms.  New and updated forms are effective February 1, 2025.  Thank you to all that participated and provided valuable feedback.  Your continued participation and support of our local program will ensure a successful rollout of the 2025 LAMP. 

  Additionally, you can find a copy of the final 2025 LAMP, summary of changes and a summary of all comments received with responses by clicking the links below:

  OWTS Ordinance - Effective October 11, 2024

  Final 2025 LAMP - Effective February 1, 2025 (Updated 1/13/2025)

  Resolution R9-2024-0130 - Effective February 1, 2025

• ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

  The purpose of regulating the design, installation, and maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems (or, septic systems) is to:

  • Ensure that these systems provide a safe and reliable means of wastewater treatment and disposal for properties not served by a sewer system
  • Prevent the contamination of groundwater from improperly designed onsite wastewater treatment systems
  • Prevent the contamination of surface water from improperly designed onsite wastewater treatment systems
  • Prevent premature failure of onsite wastewater treatment systems

   

  2015 Version: Local Agency Management Program

  2025 Version: Local Agency Management Program

  Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Policy

   

  Program Services

  • Design review of new onsite wastewater treatment systems and  Graywater Systems
  • Design review of repairs and modifications to existing on-site wastewater treatment systems
  • Installation inspections of onsite wastewater treatment systems
  • Maintain design records for properties using onsite wastewater treatment systems
  • Respond to citizen complaints of failing onsite wastewater treatment systems
  • Provide coordinated review with other agencies for projects that require CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) or involve the use of onsite wastewater treatment systems
  • Provide review of discretionary land development projects that may involve DEHQ related permitting issues

   

  Types of Systems

  Currently, DEHQ is approving conventional system and supplemental treatment systems:

  • Septic tanks must have IAPMO approval and be approved for use by DEHQ
  • Leach lines can be constructed with either rock and pipe or other approved materials that would include plastic chambers
  • Deep beds are restricted to sites with uniform soil conditions and average percolation rates not exceeding 30 minutes per inch  
  • Vertical seepage pits are restricted to coastal sedimentary basins that have degraded groundwater caused by salt water intrusion
  • Supplemental treatment systems must include percolation testing and a design from a licensed OWTS Professional
  • Any site with slopes that exceed 25% must include with the layout a slope stability report or statement from a licensed civil engineer or geologist

   

• APPLICATIONS

      OWTS Layout Report Template  Updated

      Consultation Request Form   Updated

      Covenant Agreement Form    New

      Covenant Agreement Termination Form    New

      Registered Professional Application Form   New

      Percolation Test Permit Application   New

      Percolation Test Results Form   Updated 

      Vertical Pit Capacity Results Form    New

      Septic Repair Authorization Application   Updated

      Septic Installation Permit Application   New

      Sewage Hauler Permit Application    Updated

      Health Care Trailer Wastewater Discharge Application

  Please also complete Planning and Development Services' (PDS) Temporary Health Care Trailer form and all requirements with PDS. 

   

• RESOURCES

  LAMP 5-Year Evaluation Report (January 2022)

  Layout Diagram Form   New

  Fee Schedule

  Groundwater Monitoring Form   New

  Groundwater Separation Guidance   Updated

  Qualified Professional List

  Percolation Test and Vertical Pit Capacity Test Procedures & Guidance   New

  San Diego County Code: Onsite Wastewater System Ordinance

  Senate Bill 9 (SB-9) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Guidance    Updated

  Septic Contractor List

  Septic Tank Pumping Checklist   New

  Septic Tank Destruction Guidance    New

  Standard Operating and Maintenance Plan for OWTS   New

  Septic Pumpers List

  Septic Pumping Rebate Program (DPW)

  EPA Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems - (Spanish- Guía del dueño de hogar para sistemas sépticos)

  ADU and Second Dwellings Facts

  Water Sample Providers

  California ELAP Certified Laboratories