Updating County Septic System Regulations

The Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (OWTS) Manual provides the regulations, procedural and technical details governing individual onsite wastewater treatment systems (also referred to as septic systems). State law mandates the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) adopt standards for regulation of onsite waste treatment systems (State Water Board OWTS Policy). The OWTS Manual complies with the State Water Resources Control Board OWTS Policy Tier 2 Local Area Management Program (LAMP) requirements.

Latest Version

We are currently iusing the OWTS Manual v8 that was accepted by the Board of Supervisors on August 13, 2024. We provided multiple ways for public input including informational meetings June 27 - 29, 2024. A summary of the information gathered and questions that were answered is below. For more information, visit the link below:

Current OWTS Manual and Information on Proposed Revisions

Previous Versions

June 11, 2019 Version

On June 11, 2019, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors took action to meet State mandated septic system regulations that protect water quality and public health. The Board authorized submittal of a revised Sonoma County Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) and the OWTS Manual to the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. It is anticipated the Water Board will considered for approval during their August 2019 board meeting.

May 21, 2019 Proposed Version

The proposed OWTS Manual that was considered by the Board of Supervisors on May 21, 2019. It incorporates feedback from the public.

August 31, 2018 Proposed Version

The previously proposed OWTS Manual dated August 31, 2018 incorporates feedback from the public and Board of Supervisors at the May 22, 2018 Board meeting and subsequent meetings with the Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc Committee.

September 22, 2016 Enacted Version

The OWTS Manual that was in effect from September 22, 2016 until June 30, 2019 and was replaced by the new version.

Community Input

The OWTS manual is a compilation of historical regulations updated to comply with current State standards. We have created one document that meets the requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board, while allowing permitting to remain as streamlined as possible, and thank everyone for your input.

Over the past couple of years, the County has met with interested parties and the general public on various occasions. In addition to the outreach meetings, Permit Sonoma has welcomed comments in written form. Below is a compilation of these comments, as well as those from the North Bay Association of Realtors (NORBAR) and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. Please note that each comment has been reviewed, considered, and provided with a response. Responses ranged from acknowledging the comment with no edits to the draft manual, with proposed edits to the draft manual or taking the comment under consideration for a later version.

Read public comments and feedback on the OWTS Manual along with staff responses:

• Comments and Responses Sorted by Author (PDF: 1.05 MB)
• Comments and Responses Sorted by Section (PDF: 1.05 MB)
• Comments and Responses NORBAR and The Farm Bureau (PDF: 718 kB)

Community Meetings

The County of Sonoma is updating County regulations for septic systems in order to meet state mandated policy that protects water quality and public health. Permit Sonoma invited the public to attend community meetings to share feedback on the proposed Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Manual. The community meetings were held in September and October 2018.

View Meeting Details and Materials

• February 2018: Permit Sonoma drafted the proposed revision of the OWTS Manual to meet State requirements, a subcommittee of the Land Use Advisory Panel reviewed the revisions.
• February 22, 2018: Official public comment started on the publicly released Revised Manual.
• March 30, 2018: Permit Sonoma hosted a public workshop to discuss the revised OWTS Manual.
• May 22, 2018: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors received an informational only update regarding proposed OWTS Manual. After community testimony about potential regulatory and financial burdens resulting from the proposed manual, the Board postponed acceptance of the draft for six months so Board Members and staff can further engage the community and provide revisions to the Board by November 2018.
• June 2018 - August 2018: Permit Sonoma and Board of Supervisors OWTS Ad Hoc Committee meet to discuss potential revisions. Permit Sonoma prepares proposed revision and educational materials including flowcharts and frequently asked questions.
• August 31, 2018: Public release of Proposed OWTS Manual, which incorporates feedback from public and OWTS Ad Hoc Committee. Significant changes to the manual since the February 2018 version include updated septic system evaluation regulations for building permits, expanded list of variances, and elaborates on the criteria and process to enroll alternative and experimental systems.
• August 2018 - October 2018: Public feedback on proposed OWTS Manual via online survey and 5 community meetings.
• May 2019: Board of Supervisors considers acceptance of proposed OWTS Manual.
• April - June 2024: Public Input on version 8 revisions
• August 2024: Board of Supervisors accepts proposed OWTS manual

Here is a brief overview of the main differences included in the previous OTWS manual update:

• Permit Types. There are three types of permits: new, replacement and repair. New OWTS serve undeveloped properties. Replacement OWTS are for tank replacements and/or dispersal system replacements for developed sites (previously known as a voluntary repair). Repair OWTS allow for the relatively minor work: distribution box, valves, etc.
• Classifications. Class I, II and III classifications would be replaced with references to either Code Compliant or Legal Non-Conforming systems
• Code Compliant OWTS means a system that is in conformance with this OWTS Manual, or meets the intent of the standards by proposing mitigation measures that are equal to the standards.  A Code Complaint OWTS can be new or existing. 
• Variances. Code compliant does not mean that you need a new system or that you meet each and every standard. The County allows variances from the standards provided sufficient mitigation is provided. The proposed regulations allow more variance issues and more mitigation measures.
• Voluntary Repairs. Previous voluntary repairs regulations would be eliminated. Typical voluntary repairs include replacing dispersal systems. A new or replacement dispersal system must meet a two (2) foot separation to groundwater, have adequate soil type and depth, and be designed by an appropriately licensed professional defined as qualified consultants in the State Business and Professions Code.
• Building Permits. Prior regulations required a septic evaluation for most building permits. The proposed regulations require a septic system evaluation or possibly a new code compliant system only when the project increases wastewater flow and/or strength to the existing system. The proposed regulations also evaluate the location of the proposed building/construction relative to the septic system and reserve area. The intent is to avoid physical impacts to the septic system. In certain cases, reserve replacement areas will be evaluated or required.
• Alternative & Experimental Systems. The proposed regulations expand the list of currently approved and conditionally acceptable experimental and/or alternative systems and elaborates on the criteria and process to enroll various innovative technology/systems into either the experimental system program and/or the alternative system program.
• Financial Hardship. The proposed regulations create financial hardship provisions, that if met, would exempt a client from the standards.  The septic system would need to comply with the standards to maximum extent feasible.
• Waiver. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted a revised Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements that now includes OWTS that cannot meet the two (2) foot separation to groundwater. If the system cannot meet the two (2) foot separation standard, the client would have to apply to the NCRWQCB for their wavier.  Local agencies cannot waive this standard according to the State’s OWTS Policy, but will act as the technical lead for review.