Planning a building project this spring? You might need a public health permit!
- May 5
- 5 min read
If you need a building permit and have a septic system, you probably need approval from the Health District.
KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Spring is the season of new things – including new buildings and home renovation projects!
You probably know you need a building permit from your county or city before starting a construction project, but did you know that you might need approval from the Health District, too?
If you are planning a project that requires a building permit and your property has a septic system, there’s a good chance you need to file an application with the Health District. There are three types of applications we review for properties with septic:
Building Site Application (new or modified)
Building Clearance Application
Building Clearance Exemption
Keep reading to see examples of projects on properties with septic systems and the type of application required for each. For detailed guidance, please call us at 360-728-2235.
Please note: Kitsap Public Health does not issue building permits. Those are issued by Kitsap County Department of Community Development (for properties in unincorporated Kitsap) and the cities of Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard (for properties within city limits).
Construction permit examples
I want to add a third bedroom or a mother-in-law apartment to my property, but my home was only permitted for two bedrooms.
If your project increases occupancy or water use above the permitted design capacity, you will need to hire a septic designer or engineer to submit a Building Site Application.
I want to convert my home into a business, such as a commercial shop or a restaurant.
If your project will increase the volume or strength of wastewater above the permitted design capacity, you will need to hire a septic designer or engineer to submit a Building Site Application.
Note: If your new business involves food service, you will also need to contact our Food Program.
I want to add an addition to my house, but my home doesn't have any record of an approved septic system.
If your project will expand the footprint for a structure that has plumbing but no septic permit records, you will need to hire a septic designer or engineer to submit a Building Clearance Application and Policy 10 Compliance.
I want to build a shop with a handwashing sink.
If you are adding an outbuilding with a water supply and indoor plumbing (but no cooking or sleeping facilities) you will need to file a Building Clearance Application.
I want to replace an old three-bedroom house with a new three-bedroom house.
If you are replacing or expanding structures on a property with a permitted septic system and your project will not increase sewage volume or strength, you will need to file a Building Clearance Application.
Note: To replace or expand a structure served by septic, your septic system must have an approved reserve area. On a small property, you can work with a designer to establish a reserve. On a property larger than one acre, you can establish a reserve through the building clearance process.
I want to build a barn on my two-acre property. I have a septic system, but the barn won't have any plumbing.
If you are constructing a building with no water supply or indoor plumbing on a property that is larger than 1 acre and has an approved septic system and reserve area, you will need to file a Building Clearance Application.
Note: If your Building Clearance project meets certain criteria, we may waive the site visit and approve your project with a Building Clearance Exemption at a reduced fee.
PROJECTS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEW
Reroofing
Replacement of windows, decks, or siding
Interior-only remodels that do not increase the number of bedrooms
Site plans and how to make one
A site plan is a diagram showing the property and its features, such as buildings, wells, and septic systems. This helps environmental and planning experts to identify and correct any possible issues with your proposed project.
If your project requires a septic designer or professional engineer, they will create your site plan and submit it with your building site application for you.
If your project does not require a contractor and you are working on the project yourself, you will need to make a site plan and submit it to the Health District for building clearance.
All site plans need to meet site plan requirements and be drawn to scale. Some things that should be included in your site plan are:
General property information such as property lines and dimensions, cut banks, streams, and wetlands.
Existing property Improvements including existing structures, wells and their setbacks, drainfield components, stormwater zones, and driveways.
Proposed property improvements including anything new you are adding to your project.
All projects require a site plan. You can find a detailed list of site plan requirements with a checklist and an example plan online.
Understanding the review process & examples
Different scenarios call for different review processes. Here are some examples to help understand the workflow process:
Example: You are modifying an existing structure or site.
To get Health District approval:
Make a site plan. Make sure that:
Your septic system follows local rules.
Your entire project is easily understood from the site plan.
Your site plan meets all the requirements.
Turn in your building clearance application.
If you’re unable to visit the office, upload the application online.
Bring the paper application with your site plan to the office.
Wait for site inspection.
An inspector will visit your construction site within 30 business days of an application.
After the visit, the plan will be approved or you will receive a list of tasks that still need to be completed.
After approval, the building clearance will be scanned and available for download.
The approved application must be added to your building permit with your county or city building department.
Example: You're starting a new construction project AND the property that will have a septic system AND a private well.
To get Health District approval:
Hire a licensed septic designer or professional engineer.
Your contractor will turn in the building site application for you.
A Health District inspector will visit your construction site within 30 business days.
The inspector will send a water supply task checklist.
Next steps:
The well driller will send the drilling and sampling information to the Health District inspector.
The building site application will be processed and available for download within two business days of approval.
The approved application must be added to your building permit with your county or city building department.
Example: You're starting a new construction project AND the property will have a septic system AND a public water system.
To get Health District approval:
Hire a licensed septic designer or professional engineer.
Your contractor will turn in the building site application for you.
A Health District inspector will visit your construction site within 30 business days.
The Health District inspector will send a checklist for the water supply.
Next steps:
Submit your binding water availability letter and other required information to the Health District inspector.
The building site application will be processed and available for download within two business days of approval.
The approved application must be added to your building permit with your county or city building department.
Why you need Health District approval
Kitsap Public Health District checks that your proposed project is compatible with your approved septic system and water supply. We help make sure your septic system and/or water supply follow local regulations and are working the way they are supposed to.
If your septic system or drinking water is not maintained properly or is not following regulations, our environmental health specialists can help you.
Together, we can protect public health by bringing your systems into compliance and keeping them maintained.
We're here to help!
Construction project planning is complex. We're here to help!
If you have any questions, you can call us at 360-728-2235 or visit our offices at 345 6th Street in downtown Bremerton. We are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are located on the third floor.
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