Files are retained in the Records area at PRMD and can be accessed during Records Hours.  All files are arranged by street address. We have septic records from the early 1960's to the present and well records from the early 1970's to the present. In some rare instances we have records from earlier dates. Well logs are deemed confidential by State Law and can only be viewed by the property owner or a consultant working on a contamination clean-up plan.

The following permits require a Well and Septic Clearance;

All building permits that require a plan check
Any repair or remodel to a structure that is over $10,000 in permit valuation
Any building permit that may impact the septic system
Grading permits
Pool/Spa permits

The Public Health Division of the Health Services Department can provide this service in their testing lab, located at 3313 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa. You can contact them by phone at (707) 565-4711. They will furnish a sterilized bottle and instructions for taking water samples. This lab tests for enteric bacteria, namely coliforms and fecal coliforms in water. Other state approved private labs can be located in the telephone book's yellow pages under the heading "Laboratories - Testing".

You must submit 2 floor plans for proposed structures and 2 sets of sites plans showing the location of the septic system, well and all other structures. This would include houses, outbuildings, driveways, pools, decks, etc. If the clearance is for an existing structure, your plans must show the existing floor plan and what changes/additions will be done.

This is an on-site evaluation with a PRMD Environmental Health Specialist and a septic consultant. The purpose is to determine site suitability for a septic system. A backhoe or excavator with an operator must be present at the time of the pre-perc. The type of Perc Test required will be determined at this time.

This test determines the soil's capability to absorb liquid over a specific period of time. This allows a determination to be made regarding the size and type of septic system that will be required. The test must be certified by a Registered Civil Engineer or a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Consultants who provide these services can be located in the telephone book's yellow pages under the heading "Septic Tanks and Systems Consultants".

A Wet-Weather Perc Test is required on sites with expansive clay soils. This test is conducted during a specific time frame in the wet-weather season. The time frame begins after rainfall has reached a minimum of 50% of annual average. This occurs during the first quarter of each calendar year if there is sufficient rainfall.

You may also be required to perform a wet-weather ground water level determination. This is a measurement of the depth to ground water on your lot that is made in a 10 day window following a heavy rainfall during the wet weather testing period.

Vesting is a means of guarding against changes in septic regulations before you build. An approved septic design can be vested for 3 years. An installed approved septic system can be vested for 2 years. A Vesting Certificate transfers with the property if it is sold. A septic plan check must be performed to receive a vesting certificate. 2 sets of plans must be submitted. One set will be retained by PRMD and the other set will be returned to the applicant stamped "Vested" at time of approval. Fees will be charged per the current fee schedule.

If there have been no changes to the approved septic site or plans and if there have been no changes in the regulations affecting the proposed septic system installation, a vesting certificate can be renewed. This requires a new vesting fee be paid no later than 30 days after the previous vesting certificate expires. A copy of the originally approved plans stamped "Vested" must be submitted with the fee. These plans were part of the original vesting certificate package returned to the applicant at time of approval.

First, you should verify that a second unit is allowed on the property by the Zoning Code. You may be required to obtain a Zoning Permit. When this has been done, you will need an upgrade of your current septic system or a new septic system. You should retain a septic consultant to assist you with this process. Consultants who provide these services can be located in the telephone book's yellow pages under the heading "Septic Tanks and Systems Consultants".

In addition, if you are in a water scarce area as defined in the Sonoma County General Plan, you will need to do dry weather well yield testing. You can call (707) 565-1900 during regular phone hours and ask to speak with the Area District Specialist in the Well & Septic Section for more information.

How do I get a Findings Report?

A PRMD Environmental Health Specialist can evaluate your septic system after your septic tank has been pumped. The Environmental Health Specialist can provide you with more information regarding your septic system if they are present when the pumping takes place. If requested they will also inspect the on-site water system and test for bacteriological quality. There is a fee for this service defined in the current fee schedule.