Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Construction and Repair
A Permit to Construct is required prior to the installation of a new OWTS (after the design has been approved), as well as prior to the repair of damaged or deteriorated OWTS components.
Here are the application and supplemental materials you will need to submit for your OWTS Permit to Construct:
- Permit to Construct an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) – fillable PDF (Required for all OWTS construction permits)
- For repair permits, provide a plot plan depicting the location of all the existing OWTS component(s). Clearly indicate on plan which components are to be replaced and the location of the proposed new OWTS components; i.e., septic tank, dispersal area.
- Click this link to view document imaged OWTS records to assist you in creating an accurate plot plan for your repair permit application: Online Record Search
- Please see this Sample Repair Permit Plot Plan for guidance in creating an accurate plot plan for your repair permit application.
- Legal declaration packet and submit with your permit application; see options below. (Required for all OWTS construction permits)
Please provide all required materials. An incomplete submittal (i.e., inadequate or inaccurate plot plan; lack of legal declarations), will delay the processing and/or approval of your application.
Legal Declarations and Authorization Forms
In accordance with California Assembly Bill No. 2335, certain legal declarations and agent authorization forms are required prior to issuance of a Permit to Construct. These forms may differ depending on who is signing for the Permit (Owner, Agent, or, Licensed Contractor). Call the Division’s Public Counter at (805) 654-2813 with questions regarding these forms.
Please complete the appropriate legal declaration packet and submit with your application:
- Owner signs for the Permit: OWTS Legal Declaration – OWNER – PDF
- Authorized Agent signs for the Permit: OWTS Legal Declaration – AGENT – PDF
- Licensed Contractor performing the work signs for the Permit: OWTS Legal Declaration – CONTRACTOR – PDF
Need to schedule an inspection?
Call the OWTS Inspection Hotline at (805) 477-7136.
Due to the high volume of requests, inspection appointments make take up to two business days to schedule.
Finding an OWTS Contractor:
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) protects California consumers by licensing and regulating the State’s construction industry. CSLB licenses about 290,000 contractors in 44 different classifications, including licensure related to install or repair OWTS components (i.e., C-36 Plumbing Contractor, C-42 Sanitation System Contractor).
It is a violation of State law to contract without a license, as well as to perform work without obtaining a building permit when required.
