Land Development
The Land program covers on-site wastewater treatment/disposal services, water well construction permits and inspections, and Planning Division requests for review.
On-site Wastewater Treatment/Disposal
Registered Environmental Health Specialists conduct site evaluations and analyze soil to determine the type and size of an on-site wastewater treatment/disposal system required for a given parcel. Once a site evaluation is completed and the parcel has been approved for a sewage disposal system, an application may be submitted for a standard or alternative septic system permit. Additional permits and services available from Environmental Health include repair permits, loan inspections, on-site consultations, and field inspections.How often your tank will need pumping depends largely on the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, and the kinds of appliances you use. As a general rule, tanks should be cleaned every three to four years, but the period can vary considerably. The best procedure is to have your tank inspected annually and have it pumped as necessary.
Water Wells
Water wells are permitted and inspected by division personnel in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Lake County Code. Services are provided for domestic wells, public wells, and monitoring wells. Environmental Health assistance is offered for pump tests, well deepening, and consultation services.Staff recommends that wells drilled before 1989 and those subject to flooding be checked for bacterial quality on a routine basis but at least annually. There is one lab in Ukiah (Alpha Labs) that provides this service. Services are provided for domestic wells, agricultural wells, and monitoring wells.
Land Use Application
ApplicationWell Permit Application Package
Plot Plan Submittal Guide
Septic Systems
Aerobic Treatment Units: Alternative to SepticAerobic Treatment Units: Certifications
Homeowner's Guide
Homeowner's Guide (Spanish)
Maintaining Your Septic System
Parcel and Test Pit Preparation
Site Evaluation Guide
Repair Permit Guide
Procedures for Installing
Alteration permit Guide
Authorization Notice Guide
Existing System Evaluation Guide
Minimum Separation Distances
NSF - Certified Wastewater Treatment Units
Septic Rules
On-Site Sewage Disposal LCR Rule BookMunicipal Code: Sanitary Disposal of Sewage
(look under Chapter 9: Health and Sanitation, Article III: Sanitary Disposal of Sewage)
Decontamination of Well Water
Contaminated WellsWater Testing Labs & Instructions
Well Standards & Codes
California Dept. of Water Resources - Well StandardsMunicipal Code: Regulation of Wells and Preservation of Groundwater
(look under Chapter 9: Health and Sanitation, Article VIII: Regulation of Wells)
Refund Policy
Land Program Refund PolicyRefund Request Form
Contractors for Septic Systems & Wells
List of ContractorsCalifornia Contractor's State License Board