Properties beyond 200 linear ft. of a public sewer

Properties with an existing septic system, verified by a qualified licensed contractor* and determined to be in good working condition may use the existing septic system if the property is:

Rebuilding Like-For-Like:

• Same number of bedrooms or bedroom equivalents (same location with a possibility of floor plan modification of up to 10%)
• Fully accommodated by the existing septic system
• All setback requirements are met

Rebuilding as a New construction:

• Equivalent structure with original floor plan, using existing septic system, sized correctly for the number of bedrooms or bedroom equivalents
• Proper distance between the septic system and structures (house, retaining walls, pools, decks, and other features) must meet system components standards

Rebuilding with New/Modified floor plan:

• Proposing additional bedrooms or bedroom equivalents will require Public Health permits for a compatible septic system

* A qualified licensed contractor holds a valid California Contractors License as Class A, C 42, or C 36.

Properties with an existing septic system, verified by a qualified licensed contractor* and determined NOT to be in good working condition should contact Public Health for guidance on how to bring the septic system back into compliance.

A septic system that is NOT in good working order is considered failing. A failing septic system is one that can no longer safely treat or discharge wastewater.

Properties within 200 linear ft. of a public sewer

Properties with an existing septic system, verified by a qualified licensed contractor* and determined to be in good working condition:

• May rebuild using the existing septic system if rebuilding with the same number of bedrooms and bedroom equivalents.
• May NOT rebuild using the existing septic system and must connect to the public sewer system if:
  • There is an expansion or modifications to the property
  • There is a subsequent failure of the septic system
  • The existing system is NOT in good working condition

If the Department of Public Works (DPW) determines the property is not capable of receiving a connection to the public sewer, the property owner may obtain a waiver from DPW to use the existing septic system.

A cesspool is a lined pit that receives and stores sewage directly from the house, without the use of a septic tank. If a property owner wishes to rebuild with additional bedrooms or bedroom equivalents, the cesspool must be upgraded to a septic system or connected to the public sewer if located within 200 linear ft. Approval must be obtained from Public Health.

Cesspools are regulated by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. For more information, contact the Waste Discharge Requirements Program at DWQ-WDR@Waterboards.ca.gov or visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/owts/

For more information, please contact:
Environmental Health, Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program
(626) 430-5380 or dlanduse@ph.lacounty.gov