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How to Submit Well & Septic (WSR, WVB, WVA, and WEL) Type Applications Electronically

Permit Sonoma customers have the option to submit well and septic applications electronically.

Apply Directly Via Permits Online

Our Permits Online permitting portal is configured for the following septic system applications and well construction permit applications. Select the desired permit to apply:


Apply Via E-mail

For all other types of well and septic applications, we have a four-step e-mail submittal process (steps listed below). We accept e-mail submittals for the following:

  • Pre-percolation testing (WSR)
  • Percolation testing (WSR)
  • Wet weather groundwater determinations (WSR)
  • Variances (WVA and WVB)
  • Review of findings reports (WSR)
  • Septic Site Evaluations (WSR)
  • Vesting certificates (VES)
  • Well construction permits (WEL) for properties located within an incorporated city. (If your property is within unincorporated Sonoma County, you will need to apply via Permits Online.)
  • Well studies/yields (WEL)
  • Graywater System Permits (GYW)

If you need assistance determining which forms and materials are required, please send us an email at PermitSonoma-WSPermits@sonoma-county.org

1. Account Registration

Ensure you are registered for a Permits Online account.

Before you can apply for your permit:

  1. Register for a Permits Online account if you do not have one already.
  2. Make note of the email address you use to log into your Permits Online account, and provide it to Permit Sonoma staff in Step 3 below.

A Permits Online account is needed so you can check the status of your permits, pay permit fees, schedule inspections, etc.

2. Ensure You Have a Complete Application

Find the desired permit type below to determine what is needed for a complete application. Then continue to step 2 Application Submittal.

Vesting Certificate (VES)

Vesting Certificate applications may proceed directly to step 2.

Well and Septic Service (WSR)

Please follow the process below to prepare to submit a Well and Septic Service (WSR) type application online.

Ensure you have a complete application:

  1. Review the Well and Septic section for the required application materials for each type of permit.
  2. All WSR type applications (pre percs, percolation testing, wet weather groundwater testing and findings) require the following forms:
    1. WLS-006 Request for Well & Septic Service (PDF)
    2. CSS-019 Minimum Standard Site Plan Requirements for Building & Engineering Applications
    3. Include the property address or parcel number and project description.
  3. Septic Site Evaluations
    Process and procedure information for performing site evaluations for septic systems.
  4. Findings Reports:
    1. A written report that includes the information required for the specific findings report tier (1, 2 or 3) per section 6.9 of the OWTS Manual.
    2. Documents supporting the findings report, such as but not limited to: Any file information, operational monitoring data, septic permit information and site evaluation testing data.

Variance (WVB and WVA)

Please follow the process below to prepare to submit a Variance (WVB and WVA) type application online.

Ensure you have a complete application:

  1. Review the Well and Septic section for the required application materials for each type of permit.
  2. Variances Administrative and Basin Plan:
    1. WLS-006 Request for Well & Septic Service (PDF)
    2. A written report that meets the criteria in the OWTS Manual Section 17, version 7.0.
    3. Supporting site evaluation data, file information, septic system design and plans.
    4. Include the property address or parcel number and project description.

Well Study/Yield (WEL)

Please follow the process below to submit a Well Study/Yield (WEL) type application online.

Ensure you have a complete application:

  1. Review the Well and Septic section for the required application materials for each type of permit.
  2. Water Well Yield testing:
    1. WLS-006 Request for Well & Septic Service (PDF)
    2. CSS-019 Minimum Standard Site Plan Requirements for Building & Engineering Applications
    3. Include the property address or parcel number and project description.

3. Application Submittal

Send VES, WEL, WSR, WVA, and WVB application materials to:
PermitSonoma-WSPermits@sonoma-county.org

  1. Applications are required to be submitted as one merged PDF file. View instructions
  2. In the subject line of the email, include the property address or parcel number and if this is a VES, WEL, WSR, WVA, and WVB.

    Please include “GROUNDWATER” in the subject line of the email for any wet weather groundwater determination applications

    Groundwater observation applications must be submitted no later than noon the day before requesting an inspection.
  3. Provide the email address you use to log into your Permits Online Account. (See Step 1 above.)
  4. For most applications, materials will need to be provided using a cloud service such as Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, or others. If you need assistance with sending application materials, a Permit Technician will assist you.
  5. If the application is determined to be complete for submittal, you will receive an email with an invoice for the required application fees.
  6. If the application is incomplete for submittal, you will be notified of the required revisions or missing materials.

4. Fee Payment

Pay for the application online.

  1. An application will be considered accepted upon receipt of payment.
  2. Once you receive the application invoice, please visit our online permitting website and
    1. Select ‘Pay Fees’ on the home page.
    2. Enter the Record Number and select ‘Search’.
    3. Select the ‘Payments’ Tab at the top and then ‘Pay Fee’ on the right side of the invoice line.
    4. Follow the instructions from there.
  3. Please email PermitSonoma-WSPermits@sonoma-county.org to notify us that you have paid.