Septic Projects and Document Requirements

Authorization Notice

Projects that increase flow to an existing system, connect a new structure to an existing system, or change the use of the existing system. Example: adding a bedroom, reconnecting a replacement dwelling to an existing septic system or adding an RV or motor home to an existing system.

1. ESER (Existing System Evaluation Report) date must be less than 1 year ago
2. LUCS (Land Use Compatibility Statement) must be approved by planning
3. Complete Site Plan
4. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module
5. Note: You will need to fill out a Notice Authorizing Representative Form if the applicant is not the owner of the property.

For Temporary Care Dwellings an Authorization Notice is required within 30 days of Land Use approval and every five years that the temporary care dwelling is connected to the existing system. If it is an RV and not connected to the existing system, an Authorization Notice is still required.

Existing System Verification (ESV)

A qualified septic professional locates system components to ensure a project proposal will meet setback requirements. This document becomes the septic record for the property. An ESV can also be submitted as an as-built record for the property without a proposed project, allowing the septic inspection reports to be used at time of sale.

1. Complete an ESV (Existing System Verification) or ESER (Existing System Evaluation Report).
2. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module

Site Evaluation

Determines if an area is approvable for a septic system and is the required first step when starting with an undeveloped piece of land. It may also be required for replacement/alteration of an existing drainfield if a site evaluation is not on record.

1. Dig your test pits.
2. Complete Site Plan
3. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module
4. Note: You will need to fill out a Notice Authorizing Representative Form if the applicant is not the owner of the property.

Existing System Repair Evaluation

Existing system repair evaluations determine if an area is approvable for a replacement septic system.

1. Dig your test pits.
2. Complete Site Plan
3. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module
4. Note: You will need to fill out a Notice Authorizing Representative Form if the applicant is not the owner of the property.

Septic Permit

For new septic system; usually for a new structure. 

1. Complete Site Plan including relative elevations.
2. Gather Material Spec Sheets from the distributor/manufacturer of the
   • Tank
   • Box
   • Drainfield
3. If a pump will be used, include pump specs, calculations and the pump curve from distributor/manufacturer.
4. If a Sand Filter (checklist), ATT, or Pressure distribution (checklist) septic system will be installed, include the operations and maintenance service contract. If you are installing an ATT, include the spec sheet.
5. LUCS (Land Use Compatibility Statement) approved by the Planning Department.
6. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module.
7. Note: You will need to fill out a Notice Authorizing Representative Form if the applicant is not the owner of the property.

Minor Repair Permit

For repair or replacement of a tank and/or box.

1. Complete Site Plan including relative elevations.
2. Material Spec Sheets (obtained from distributor or manufacturer) for the tank and/or box you propose to install
3. If a pump will be used, include pump specs, calculations and the pump curve from distributor/manufacturer.
4. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module.
5. Note: You will need to fill out a Notice Authorizing Representative Form if the applicant is not the owner of the property.

Major Repair Permit

To repair or replace all or part of the drainfield., and/or treatment system, when the system is failing .

1. Complete Site Plan including relative elevations.
2. Material Spec Sheets from the distributor/manufacturer of the
   • Tank
   • Box
   • Drainfield
3. If a pump will be used, include pump specs, calculations and the pump curve from distributor/manufacturer.
4. If a Sand Filter (checklist), ATT, or Pressure distribution (checklist) septic system will be installed, include the operations and maintenance service contract. If you are installing an ATT, include the spec sheet.
5. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module.
6. Note: You will need to fill out a Notice Authorizing Representative Form if the applicant is not the owner of the property.

Minor Alteration Permit

To add a new tank to the existing septic system or alter an existing tank. This is commonly done when adding a tank at an accessory structure and connecting to the existing system.  

1. Complete Site Plan, iincluding relative elevations.
2. Material Spec Sheets (obtained from distributor or manufacturer) for the tank and/or box you propose to install
3. If a pump will be used, include pump specs, calculations and the pump curve from distributor/manufacturer.
4. LUCS (Land Use Compatibility Statement) approved by the Planning Department.
5. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module.
6. Note: You will need to fill out a Notice Authorizing Representative Form if the applicant is not the owner of the property.

Major Alteration Permit

Septic construction permit to alter the existing drainfield, or treatment system.

1. Complete Site Plan including relative elevations.
2. Gather Material Spec Sheets from the distributor/manufacturer of the
   • Tank
   • Box
   • Drainfield
3. If a pump will be used, include pump specs, calculations and the pump curve from distributor/manufacturer.
4. If a Sand Filter (checklist), ATT, or Pressure distribution (checklist) septic system will be installed, include the operations and maintenance service contract. If you are installing an ATT, include the spec sheet.
5. LUCS (Land Use Compatibility Statement) approved by the Planning Department.
6. Apply in Development Direct within the septic module.
7. Note: You will need to fill out a Notice Authorizing Representative Form if the applicant is not the owner of the property.

Inspection Paperwork

After a septic permit has been issued, install the septic system as approved by the septic department, but DO NOT BACKFILL any part of the system.

• Submit completed inspection paperwork via the septic module of Development Direct, choosing the "inspection paperwork uploads" dropdown
   

Operation and Maintenance

All owners of septic systems are required to maintain their septic system, which primarily involves pumping the septic tank. Certain types of systems require an ongoing maintenance contract with a DEQ certified provider and annual reporting to Clackamas County Septic. These systems include most Sand Filters, Recirculating Gravel Filters, and Pressurized Distribution systems, and all Alternative Treatment Technology systems (ATTs). Additional guidance on septic system maintenance can be found on the EPA webpage.

Contact septicinfo@clackamas.us if you are unsure whether your system requires a maintenance contract and annual reporting.

Pumper Truck Inspections

Clackamas County Septic performs septage, sewage, pump truck and pump trailer inspections. Oregon DEQ requires inspections for a newly purchased vehicle and/or at time of renewal of a DEQ Pumper or DEQ Pumper/Installer license. Oregon DEQ completes all other steps for sewage disposal service licensing.

Pump Truck Inspections are no longer done on the Red Soils campus due to construction on the campus. Pumper Truck Inspection dates will be Tuesdays and Wednesdays and based on staff availability. Inspections can only be set up with a general timeframe, with priority given to septic system inspections. Pumper Truck Inspections can only be done within Clackamas County. If your facility is not within Clackamas County we can meet for inspections at Carver Park. Please see the Carver Park Inspection Map for the inspection location at the park.

Customers pay a travel fee and pump truck inspection fee and a travel fee is based on location and travel time. Travel time roundtrip is 1 hour minimum. Please review the Septic Program Fee schedule for the current travel fee.

Apply in Development Direct then email septicinfo@clackamas.us to schedule the inspection. Include your septic permit number, preferred inspection date, inspection location, contact name and phone number.

Other project documents:

• Certification of Existing System Decommissioning
  Used when abandoning a septic tank that is being replaced, or when the property is connected to public sewer
• Easement Forms –
  Septic easements are needed any time a septic system and the structure it serves are on different legal lots of record. Same owner easements must be signed by a Clackamas County Soil Scientist prior to recording, or they are not valid. Clackamas County Septic review of different owner easements is always recommended but not required by DEQ.
  • Different Owner Easement Form
  • Same Owner Easement Form
• Sewer Availability Worksheet
  Used when submitting a septic permit application in the vicinity of public sewer
• Statement of Use
  Used when submitting a septic application for commercial and agricultural use. This is not needed for residential use.