An existing single-family dwelling unit has a failing OWTS & the owner can only afford the replacement cost and not the soil, site or percolation testing. Are there any exceptions?

The homeowner may apply to State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Financial Assistance for funds to create a mini-loan program which is intended to assist property owners with compliance costs (see Legislative intent, Water Code § 13291.5).  Assistance is encouraged for private property owners whose cost of complying with the requirements of the policy exceeds one-half of 1% of the current assessed value of the property on which the OWTS is located.  For further information, please visit the State Water Resources Control Board website.  

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1. Under the State Water Resource Control Board's requirements for OWTS in Tier 1, 3, and 4 are soil, site, and percolation tests required for full replacements?
2. Does an OWTS replacement require a new 100% expansion area?
3. Can seepage pits be installed instead of a leach field?
4. Are seepage pits permissible when an existing lot size prohibits a leach field? This could be due to a pool, spa, detached structure(s), sloping terrain, or landscaping, etc.
5. What if an existing site fails to meet soil & site evaluation analysis? This could be due to boring restrictions/findings, percolation test results, setbacks, or other requirements in Tiers 1, 3 or 4.
6. What if an existing site cannot meet the requirements of Tiers 1, 3, or 4? This could be due to addition(s), landscaping, site terrain, pool, spa or detached structure. How is compliance required?
7. An existing single-family dwelling unit's OWTS has failed. The home is within 200' of a sewer connection. Is there anything that would omit the City ordinance requiring connection to the sewer?
8. An existing single-family dwelling unit has a failing OWTS & the owner can only afford the replacement cost and not the soil, site or percolation testing. Are there any exceptions?
9. An existing single-family dwelling unit has a failing OWTS with a public sewer within 200'. The owners are on fixed incomes & caring for a disabled person. Would a connection be required?
10. How does a homeowner apply for financial assistance per the OWTS policy & receive a Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements? What entity issues the approvals?
11. A homeowner wants to convert an attached garage into 2 bedrooms/1 bath. The addition will comply with the single-family dwelling unit definition, but will require a larger system. Is this possible?
12. A homeowner wants to add on to an existing single-family dwelling unit. The addition will result in the replacement and enlargement of the existing system. Is this allowed?
13. An existing OWTS is sized correctly and will not require any modifications for a proposed detached pool house with a bedroom and bath. Can the pool house tie into the existing system?
14. Can a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) be constructed on a lot less than 2.5 acres and tie into a correctly sized, existing OWTS?
15. An existing detached garage is being considered for use as an ADU. The garage is currently connected with a lattice covered patio cover. Will there be any limitations?
16. An existing OWTS is sized correctly and will not require any modifications for a proposed detached ADU on an existing property. Can the ADU tie into the existing system?
17. Current state law allows ADUs by right and with the State’s encouragement. However, the Water Board is denying ADUs based on the OWTS Policy. How does the City remain compliant with both agencies?
18. Per the CA Water Resource Board's OWTS Policy, would a Board and Care Facility be considered a single-family dwelling unit?
19. Can a single-family dwelling unit be purchased and within one year be converted into a Board and Care facility?
20. Can a single-family home be purchased with the intent to convert the home to a Board and Care facility?