Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
If you are adding an ADU, it is required to have its own septic tank. The additional septic tank can be tied into the existing leach field if the total number of bedrooms does not exceed the number of bedrooms that the system was designed for. Please see our ADU & JADU Sewage Disposal Information Guide for more information on ADU's and Junior ADU's.
Additions
Depending on the size of your system and how many bedrooms it is approved for, you may have to either modify your current system so it can accommodate another bedroom or convert an existing bedroom, so it is no longer one. Some systems are approved for more than the current number of bedrooms. In this case, you would not have to modify your septic system. Please refer to your approved septic permit to find out how many bedrooms it is approved for.
Locating Your Septic System
The best way to locate your septic system is with a Septic As-Built. An As-Built shows the exact location of your septic system after installation. If you do not have this, please fill out a Public Records Request Opens a New Window. to gain access to files we have on your parcel.
Once you have your As-Built, you can use a simple method of probing the soil with a metal rod, or you can hire a professional to find and trace the system's lines. We do our best to retain records of every property in Nevada County, but occasionally we do not have all records on file. If you cannot acquire an As-Built for your parcel, a professional can trace the lines for you
Septic Repair or Failure
If you have an existing septic system that is failing or needs to be repaired, please contact a Licensed Professional for a site visit. The Licensed Professional will determine the issue and will be able to advise you on the next step of the submittal process for septic repairs or new replacements.
Septic System Monitoring
The Nevada County Land Use Ordinance and the State of California require Pressure Dose and Treatment Systems to be monitored annually by a Certified Septic Service Provider. Prior to finalizing these systems, the parcel owner is required to record a Right of Entry (Maintenance and Monitoring) Agreement and apply for a Certificate of Operation (Annual Permit) for either Pressure Dose or Treatment System. Forms and fees can be found below.
If you have any questions on additions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
