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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS <br />The permitting process for septic tank systems and wells has gone through <br />several changes in recent years This information will provide some answers to <br />common questions about the permitting process <br />If the lot has never been evaluated before, which permits do I need to <br />get in order to build a house or to subdivide a lot? <br />You will, need to start with an application for an IMPROVEMENTPERMITfor each <br />proposed septic site. Since you will be charged for each proposed site and if you <br />have a large tract of land, it may be in your best interest to first hire a private <br />licensed soil scientist to do preliminary evaluations on the suitability of the soil. <br />What does the Orange County Health Department <br />(OCHD) do to issue an IMPROVEMENTPERMIT. <br />The OCHD does a site evaluation to determine the suitability of your soil for a <br />septic tank system. The "site evaluation" has replaced the "pert test" as the <br />method to determine if there is a large enough area of suitable soil to support a <br />septic system and a repair area. This area must be free from any proposed <br />buildings, driveways, wells, or other improvements. In general, an area of 1/4 to <br />1/2 of an acre is needed just for the septic system and repair area. <br />The IMPROVEMENTPt:RMITwiil Indicate that a site has been found that is <br />suitable for the system installation, provided that the house location, number of <br />bedrooms, wasteflow restrictions, and other conditions are met <br />If the property is to be subdivided, or separated from another tract, The Planning <br />Department requires that the site evaluation be done before the plat can be <br />recorded. <br />10 <br />