How to Submit Well & Septic (WSR, WVB, and WEL) Type Applications Electronically

Permit Sonoma customers have the option to submit well and septic applications electronically.

Apply Directly Via Permits Online

Our Permits Online permitting portal is configured for the following septic system applications and well construction permit applications. Select the desired permit to apply:

• Septic construction permits (SEP)
• Septic design applications (SDA)
• Well construction permits (WEL) for properties located within unincorporated Sonoma County. (If your property is within an incorporated city, you will need to follow the Apply Via E-mail instructions below.)

Apply Via E-mail

For all other types of well and septic applications, we have a four-step e-mail submittal process (steps listed below). We accept e-mail submittals for the following:

• Formal Variances (WVB)
• Vesting certificates
  Request Vesting Certificates directly with the assigned plan reviewer of the Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (OWTS) Construction Application.
• Well and Septic Service (WSR):
  • Pre-percolation testing (WSR)
  • Percolation testing (WSR)
  • Wet weather groundwater determinations (WSR)
  • Review of findings reports (WSR)
  • Septic Site Evaluations (WSR)
• Well Construction (incorporated city) or Well Yield (WEL):
  • Well construction permits (WEL) for properties located within an incorporated city. (If your property is within unincorporated Sonoma County, you will need to apply via Permits Online.)
  • Well yields (WEL)
• Revisions to issued permits:
  • Septic Permit Revision
  • Well Permit Revision
• Graywater System Permits (GYW)

If you need assistance determining which forms and materials are required, please send us an email at PermitSonoma-WSPermits@sonoma-county.org

1. Account Registration

Ensure you are registered for a Permits Online account.

Before you can apply for your permit:

1. Register for a Permits Online account if you do not have one already.
2. Make note of the email address you use to log into your Permits Online account, and provide it to Permit Sonoma staff in Step 3 below.

A Permits Online account is needed so you can check the status of your permits, pay permit fees, schedule inspections, etc.

2. Ensure You Have a Complete Application

Find the desired permit type below to determine what is needed for a complete application. Then continue to step 3 Application Submittal.

3. Application Submittal

Send WEL, WSR, WVB, and Well Revision or Septic Permit Revision application materials to:
PermitSonoma-WSPermits@sonoma-county.org

1. Applications are required to be submitted as one merged PDF file. View instructions
2. In the subject line of the email, include the property address or parcel number and if this is a WEL, WSR, WVB, Well Revision, or Septic Revision.
   
   Note additional process for emails:
   • Well Revision or Septic Permit Revision: Also include the permit number of the permit being revised.
   • Wet weather groundwater determination applications: Include “GROUNDWATER” in the subject line of the email.
     Groundwater observation applications must be submitted no later than noon the day before requesting an inspection.
3. Provide the email address you use to log into your Permits Online Account. (See Step 1 above.)
4. For most applications, materials will need to be provided using a cloud service such as Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, or others. If you need assistance with sending application materials, a Permit Technician will assist you.
5. If the application is determined to be complete for submittal, you will receive an email with an invoice for the required application fees.
6. If the application is incomplete for submittal, you will be notified of the required revisions or missing materials.

4. Fee Payment

Pay for the application online.

1. An application will be considered accepted upon receipt of payment.
2. Once you receive the application invoice, please visit our online permitting website and
   1. Select ‘Pay Fees’ on the home page.
   2. Enter the Record Number and select ‘Search’.
   3. Select the ‘Payments’ Tab at the top and then ‘Pay Fee’ on the right side of the invoice line.
   4. Follow the instructions from there.
3. Please email PermitSonoma-WSPermits@sonoma-county.org to notify us that you have paid.