Septic Systems
Septic System Installation Documents
Fillable forms are now available for the Septic Construction Permit and the Septic Health Site Evaluation (see links below). As part of the application process, please complete the fillable forms and send via email to [email protected] with the necessary documents required by the application such as site plans, assessor’s parcel pages and any other documents as required as part of the permit application process. Permit applications that are incomplete cannot be processed. To use forms marked as "PDF-Fillable Form," open the form you need by clicking on the appropriate link, click on the download icon in the upper right, rename the form, and save it locally (i.e. to your desktop). Close your website browser, and then open the PDF you just saved in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Now you can type in the fields and sign electronically. Be sure to save your changes, and then attach your completed form in an email to us.
- Septic Construction Permit (PDF-Fillable Form)
- Septic Health Site Evaluation (PDF-Fillable Form)
- Septic Pumper Application (PDF-Fillable Form)
- Septic Authorization Notice (PDF-Fillable Form)
- Septic System As-Built Blank Form (PDF-Fillable Form)
- Septic System As-Built Example (PDF)
- Septic System As-Built Requirements (PDF)
- Fee Disclosure Form (PDF-Fillable Form)
We offer online payments for all fees (PDF). When submitting your fee online, please fill out and mail in to our office a Fee Disclosure Form (PDF-fillable form).
To use forms marked as "PDF-fillable form," open the form you need by clicking on the appropriate link, click on the download icon in the upper right, rename the form, and save it locally (i.e. to your desktop). Close your website browser, and then open the PDF you just saved in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Now you can type in the fields and sign electronically. Be sure to save your changes, and then attach your completed form in an email to us.
Building a New Home
If you are interested in building a home in an area where public sewer is not available, you will be required to install a septic system for on-site sewage disposal. Before you draw up any plans for your home you will need to contact us to determine if the parcel has a soils testing report. If it does not, then soils testing is required to make sure the parcel can be developed.
Soils testing is conducted by a sewage disposal consultant and a representative of Environmental Health. Results of the testing will determine the type, location, and site of the septic system. Other factors to consider when siting a septic system include:
- Designated Repair Area for the Leach Field
- Neighboring Properties Well Locations
- Property Setbacks (PDF) - Allowable distances from certain structures to your septic system
- Well Location
Once you’re ready to build, you’ll need to contact a Septic Installer to install the system your consultant has designed.
Planning an Addition
Please remember to check with the Placer County Building Department to determine if your project requires a building permit. If your property is in the cities of Auburn, Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln, or Loomis, please check with the building department for that city.
Adding a Bedroom, Guest House, or Second Dwelling
Please contact us and speak to the District Specialist first. Your septic system may need to be modified or a new system installed to accommodate the addition. When you call, please have the parcel number handy. If you do not know your parcel number, then please provide the physical address of the parcel.
Adding a Swimming Pool, Pond, 2nd Driveway or Addition
If you are planning to add a swimming pool to your property or planning to further develop your property by adding a pond, installing a second driveway or building an out building, you should be aware of the location of your on-site sewage disposal system and 100% repair area. There are setbacks from structures to the leach field, septic tank, and repair area.
Already Own a Home with a Septic System
If you own a home with a septic system, please refer to our Operation Maintenance and Monitoring program for requirements and recommendations in maintaining your system.
- Will additives improve the efficiency of my septic tank?
- Should I use special chemicals (e.g. detergents) or paper products that are considered better for the system?
- What kinds of things should never be put into the system?
- Will the use of a garbage disposal unit adversely affect the septic system?
- What does the accumulation of lush green vegetation over my leach field indicate?
- In order to reduce the load on my septic system, can I divert wastewater from my washing machine or other grey water fixtures?
- What can I do about periodic odors from my roof vents?
- How often should my septic tank be pumped?
- How do I inspect my septic system myself? Or how do I know if my septic tank needs to be pumped?
- I have an alternating drain field system. How often should I alternate my leach lines?
- Why does my plumbing seem to become sluggish during winter months or when there is increase household water use?
- Why does the septic tank need to be cleaned and pumped?
- How can I locate my septic tank?