County permitting of on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) is based on sections 13290 to 13291.7 of the California Water Code and on State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) implementing regulations. Those regulations set baseline requirements OWTS statewide, but also provide for the implementation of those regulations and additional local authorizations and requirements by qualified local agencies. The County has prepared a Local Agency Management Plan (LAMP) for OWTS permitting and regulation throughout San Diego County, and that plan has been approved by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board for the San Diego Region. This chapter is applicable throughout San Diego County, including in incorporated cities.
Water Code section 14877.2 allows a county to approve installation of a graywater system if that county determines the graywater system meets the standards of the State Department of Water Resources. Water Code section 14877.3 allows a county to adopt more restrictive standards for graywater systems. The purpose of this chapter is to implement these State laws and regulations and implement additional standards for septic systems and graywater systems that are necessary to protect the health and safety of the San Diego County community. This chapter also prohibits the improper disposal of sewage and provides regulations authorizing the Director of Environmental Health, in the Director's capacity as the local health officer for the County, to protect public health from threats from sewage.
(Added by Ord. No. 10136 (N.S.), effective 4-15-11; amended by Ord. No. 10389 (N.S.), effective 7-24-15; amended by Ord. No. 10709 (N.S.), effective 1-15-21)