Planning a new build?

Step 1: Soil and Site Evaluation
In Klickitat County you are required to provide proof of wastewater disposal prior to issuing a building permit. The Site & Soil Evaluation provides the parameters to guide the designer, engineer, or homeowner in the design of a on-site septic system suitable for the use of the structure and the soil.

Step 2: System Design
In Klickitat County the resident homeowner is allowed to design their on-site septic system if the site evaluation allows for a simple gravity system. For other systems, a licensed designer or engineer must design the system. A design is required prior to issuance of a septic permit and a septic permit is required prior to issuance of a building permit.

Step 3: Construction
If the system is a simple gravity system, the homeowner may install upon passing the Homeowner Installer Certification Exam. If you are not comfortable with installation practices, cannot pass the exam, or if your system is NOT a gravity system, you will need to hire a licensed installer. 

Step 4: Inspection and As-Built Records
Once the installation is complete, you or your hired installer will call for a final inspection. If everything is done correctly the system is finalized. Once finalized, whoever installed the system will need to submit an "as-built" record drawing to scale prior to occupancy of the structure.

Step 5: Operation, Monitoring, and Maintenance
Once construction is done and all records are complete for the new system, the OSS owner is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the OSS to minimize failure. This may include evaluations and pumping every three years for standard gravity systems or yearly for other systems. This may also include securing service contracts for periodic maintenance on more complex systems. WAC 246-272A-0270 provides the complete list of owner responsibilities.