Kern County sets the septic rules
The city doesn't issue septic permits or set the sale-inspection and installer rules, because the county health department handles all three. Kern County septic installation permits last one year and can't be transferred..
- Who permits septic systems
- Kern County Public Health Services Department, Environmental Health; its Land and Waste programs include Septic Systems and Septic and Grease Pumpers.
- Inspection at sale
- No rule found in the county's published code
- Permit steps
- An installation permit is required before constructing, altering or replacing a system (8.62.100); no building permit issues without Environmental Health approval (8.62.090). Site evaluation (8.62.170) and plans (8.62.180) are required, with fees set by Board of Supervisors resolution (8.62.130). Permits are valid one year (8.62.110) and non-transferable (8.62.120). Sewer connection is required within 200 feet (8.62.070). O&M guidelines go from the designer or installer to Environmental Health and the owner before final approval (8.62.190).