Onsite Permit (Repairs to Existing Systems) - Application Guide

What is a Repair?

"Repair" means installing all portions of a system necessary to eliminate a public health hazard or pollution of public waters a failing system creates.

(a) Major repair is replacing the soil absorption facility, treatment unit, or any part of it.

(b) Minor repair is replacing a septic tank, broken pipe, distribution unit, or any part of the onsite system external to the septic tank or treatment facility except the soil absorption system. Unless classified as a major repair or major maintenance, any replacement of a part of a system with a part that does not meet the original design specifications is a minor repair.

Why an Onsite Permit?

When repairing a septic system, you need to apply for an onsite Permit this includes systems that are failing. At time of application, provide us a detailed Description of Work.

Oregon Administrative Rules - 340-071-0130 (15)

Required, Conditional and Reference Forms

Required Forms

Authorized Representative Form - upload this document while applying for the Onsite Permit

Conditional Forms

Tank Abandonment Form - Onsite Permit - Application Form - upload this document while applying for the Onsite Permit if you are replacing the tank

Summary of Instructions

Step 1: Log into your account on the Oregon ePermitting website. Follow instructions located on the webpage here to create an account.

Step 2: Hover over the “Apply” button and select “Onsite/Septic Application”.

Step 3: Select Deschutes County Onsite, then select the “Onsite Permit” type. Search for your address.

Step 4: Fill in any other necessary information such as the Contact information, site contact, applicant and any required information which will be marked with a red asterisk (*). When selecting the Application type select the category as follows:

Repairs
- If the septic tank, effluent line, or distribution box needs replaced select the category "Repair (Minor) - Residential" or "Repair (Minor) - Commercial"
- If the drainfield, sand filter, or treatment unit is failing select "Repair (Major) - Residential" or "Repair (Major) - Commercial"

Step 5: Upload all required Documents, view the table below for more details as to what documents are required.

Documents uploaded should not be pictures or photos of the document. Image files do not meet file type requirements.
PDF documents are the only document file type that will be reviewed, .ZIP files will not be accepted.

Required Documents
#	Document Name/Type	Document Category for Upload
1	Authorized Representative Form	Authorized Rep Form
2	Tank Abandonment Form - only if replacing tank	Application

Step 6: Once your application has been submitted and deemed complete by staff, all applicable fees will be invoiced and ready for payment. If your application is not complete, the permit technician will send you an email with the outlined missing elements of your application.

Note: A Site Plan may be required prior to Permit issuance. The Onsite Wastewater specialist will notify you.

Step 7: Schedule your Onsite inspections