Application for Secondary Dwelling/Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) (LU74)

When submitting to obtain Septic/Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) approval from DEH for your proposed secondary dwelling/accessory dwelling unit (ADU), please provide the following:

  1. A completed Land Use Service Application
  2. One (1) copy of site plans to scale (1” = 20’). Plans must include:
    1. Proposed Septic/OWTS upgrades as required
    2. Location of existing septic tank and leachfield (As-built
    3. Scope of proposed building project
    4. Minimum setbacks as required on page 3.11 & 3.12 of the Onsite Systems Manual
    5. Approved water supply (well/public water)
    6. Any additional requirements, as detailed in the Onsite Systems Manual
  3. One (1) copy of proposed floor plans
  4. Additional soil testing may be required to determine minimum sizing and setbacks of Septic/OWTS by completion of one or more of the following:
    1. Site assessment
    2. Soil analysis
    3. Percolation testing (completed by REHS, Professional Civil Engineer, or Professional Geologist)
  5. Current (within last 3 years) Septic Pumper’s Report including 30-minute water test if existing Septic/OWTS is to be utilized
  6. Once all requirements have been completed and plans are ready for an approval stamp, additional copies (4) will need to be submitted.

Three (3) stamped copies are to be picked up and taken to the applicable jurisdiction’s Planning/Building Department for inclusion in the building packet.

NOTE: An onsite inspection may be scheduled for verification of minimum requirements. Additional fees and requirements may apply. All applicable fees must be paid in full prior to any services provided by DEH (inspections, plan reviews, approvals, etc.). Projects/Submittals are reviewed in the order received - with the exception of septic system failures.

Image of a newly constructed home with Septic Wastewater Treatment System being installed

Applicable fees:

PE  Amount     Description

SEPTIC/OWTS FEASIBILITY:

LU01

$615

Site Assessment

LU02

$615

Soil Analysis

LU06

$894

Percolation tests (up to 6 holes) 

PLAN REVIEW:

LU08

$336

Geological Technical Report Review (if slope >20%)

LU13

$1006

Land Use Plan Check: Commercial Construction

LU14

$559

Land Use Plan Check: New Residential Construction

LU18

$223

Land Use Plan Check: Resubmittal

LU19

$1006

Land Use Plan Check: Pump System Review

SEPTIC/OWTS PERMIT (To be collected at time of Building Permit Issuance):

LU22

$2,068

Residential Septic/OWTS Construction Permit

LU24

$2,458

Commercial Septic/OWTS Construction Permit

LU26

$3,015

Alternative Septic/OWTS Construction Permit (≤ 20% slope)

ADDITIONAL FEES:

LU93

$223

File Review (hourly)

LU96

$223

Consultation/Additional Field Time (hourly)

If modification to existing system is permitted:

SEPTIC/OWTS PERMIT (To be collected at time of Building Permit Issuance):

LU28

$1,229

Septic/OWTS Upgrade/Modification (> 50% of system)

LU29

$782

Septic/OWTS Upgrade/Modification (< 50% of system)

LU30

$1,229

Septic/OWTS Upgrade/Modification - Alternative System 

We will not begin any work until all the items noted above and payment are received.

Please forward all large/over-sized site-maps and necessary documents to the following:

County of Santa Clara – DEH
RE: (Project number, once assigned)
1555 Berger Drive #300
San Jose, CA  95115

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