Building Permit Septic Review Flowchart

This flowchart describes Permit Sonoma’s septic review process for building permit applications. Use this flowchart to find out what the septic review process will look like if you are submitting a building permit application.

Flowchart

I'm submitting a building permit application. What will the septic review process look like?

Alternate Description of Flow Chart

Get Started: This is where you begin the process of determining what the septic review process will be for your building permit application.
Building Permit Application: Once you submit your building permit application, your application may or may not require septic review. Septic review is required for building permits that require a set of plans. Septic review is not required for the following:

Furnaces
Water Heaters
Re-Roofs
Siding
HVAC
Electric Service
Electrical Repairs
Interior Wall Coverings
Dry Rot Repair (less than 40 linear feet)
Deck Repairs

Existing Septic: For building permit submissions for projects that require a set of plans, Permit Sonoma staff check to see whether or not there is an existing septic system on the property. If there is no septic system, and the property is not hooked up to sewer, you will be required to get a new septic system before proceeding with the proposed building project. You can find instructions on permitting for a new septic system on the new permit flowchart.
Cesspool: Once the existing septic system has been verified, Permit Sonoma staff then check to see if the existing septic system is a cesspool. Cesspools are not allowed authorized in Sonoma County. Therefore, if you have a cesspool, you will be required to get a new septic system before proceeding with the proposed building project. You can find instructions on permitting for a new septic system on the new permit flowchart.
Flow Increase: After staff have confirmed that there is an existing septic system and it’s not a cesspool, they then check to see if the proposed project will result in an increase in wastewater flow. For example, will there be any additional bedrooms? Or will there be new or additional process flows? If there is an increase in flow, a Qualified Consultant will need to evaluate the existing septic system to see if it has the capacity and functionality for this additional flow. If there is a flow increase and the existing septic system does not have the capacity and/or functionality for the flow increase, then you will have to replace your septic system. You can find instructions on permitting for a new septic system on the new/replacement permit flowchart.
Square Foot Increase: The next thing staff check for is whether the project proposes and increase in square footage of existing structures or a new structure. If not, the septic review of the permit application is complete. However, if there is an increase in square footage, staff then check to see if there is a land constraint created by this increase in square footage. Staff look to see if the proposed increase would encumber the parcel to the point the replacement reserve septic area needs to be property established. Examples of land encumbrance include paved or covered structures and setbacks from wells, septic systems, creeks, steep or cut slopes. If there is a land constraint, you will be required to have a septic reserve area. Your septic area will also be evaluated. If the septic area is adequate, the septic review will be complete.