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Septic Alterations and Repairs
Alterations
An alteration or expansion is required when you change a structure or its use in a way that could affect the existing septic system.
Examples include:
- Adding bedrooms or expanding living space
- Moving or enlarging part of a building near the system
- Changing the type of use (for example, converting an office into a restaurant)
Any alteration or expansion requires a permit from the Yakima Health District (YHD). YHD staff can help determine if your current system can handle the changes or if upgrades are needed.
How to Apply for An Alteration
Submit an On-site Sewage System Permit application and select “Alteration Permit” as the permit type. Once the application is received, YHD will sign off on issuance of the building permit.
Before your site evaluation, clearly mark:
- Corners of the proposed addition (and plumbing stub-out, if applicable)
- Locations of existing utilities (water, irrigation, electric, gas, etc.)
- Property lines and easements
If new soil data is needed, dig test holes in the proposed expansion area. Follow the Site and Soil Evaluation guidelines for depth, spacing, and safe access. Contact YHD to schedule your appointment.
After YHD completes the site and soil evaluation, the soil report will be provided to your septic designer or engineer. They will use this information to design the system alteration or expansion.
Your designer submits the system design to YHD for review. Once the design is approved, YHD will issue the Alteration Permit.
A Licensed Septic System Installer must install the system according to the approved design. After the installation is complete, the installer & designer must prepare an “as-built” record showing the exact location of the installation.
Download the As-Built Drawing Form.
After the as-built has been submitted, YHD will schedule the final inspection. YHD staff will verify that the installation matches the approved design and the as-built record. Once the final inspection is approved, YHD will sign off on the final approval of the building project.
Repairs
A repair may be needed if your septic system has failed or has been damaged by age, weather events, overuse, structural problems, or physical disturbances on your property. A licensed septic professional can evaluate your system and determine what repairs are necessary.
How to Apply for a Repair
View a printable version of the steps or follow the instructions below.
Submit an On-site Sewage System Permit application and select “Repair Permit” as the permit type. Once your application is received, YHD will process it and contact you if more information is needed.
Before your site evaluation, clearly mark:
- Location of the existing septic tank,drainfield, and any other system components
- Property lines and easements
- Existing utilities (water, irrigation, electrical, gas, etc.)
Work with your septic designer or installer to dig at least one test hole in the area where the replacement system may go. Follow the Site and Soil Evaluation guidelines for depth, spacing, and safety. It is recommended that you, your designer or installer, and YHD staff meet on-site together.
If YHD staff were not present when the test holes were dug, notify them when the holes are ready for inspection.
After YHD completes the site and soil evaluation, the soil report will be provided to your septic designer or engineer. They will use this information to design the replacement system.
Your designer submits the system design to YHD for review. Once the design is approved, YHD will issue the Repair Permit.
A Licensed Septic System Installer must install the system according to the approved design. After the installation is complete, the installer & designer must prepare an “as-built” record showing the exact location of the installation.
Download the As-Built Drawing Form
After the as-built has been submitted, YHD will schedule the final inspection. YHD staff will verify that the installation matches the approved design and the as-built record.