Proper Sewage Disposal

Environmental Health prevents the spread of disease and the generation of odors and other nuisances by ensuring sewage is properly disposed. In most areas of the county, public, sanitary sewers are available for this purpose. The applicant must only provide written documentation that these public utilities will accept any sewage generated as part of their project to gain approval from Environmental Health Services.

In the more remote areas of the County, it may be necessary to develop onsite sewage disposal systems. In this case, it will be necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that sufficient space and soil absorptive capacity is available to properly dispose of all sewage effluent generated from the project. This is required prior to zoning clearance for the project. In addition, a separate, onsite sewage disposal system permit, from Environmental Health, must be submitted and approved prior to the issuance of a building permit by the Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Development Department.

All businesses that generate sewage, must submit a detailed, scaled plot plan that clearly shows the location of all water wells, rivers, streams or other water courses, as well as areas on the property which hold or circulate water. This plot plan should also include information relating to water sources on adjacent parcels. All information regarding existing septic system components must be included on the site plan as well as relevant topographical information. Any residences or other structures must be accurately depicted to ensure proper setbacks, according to the 1994 Uniform Plumbing Code and Regional Water Quality Control District Basin Plan.

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