Existing System Approval

OSTDS Existing System Approval/Permit

 If there is an addition to the building area, and increase in sewage flow, a change in sewage characteristics or other requirements of Florida Administrative Code 64E-6, an existing system approval from the Department of Health is required before you can proceed. In some cases, this may require the system to be upgraded or brought into full compliance with current rule requirements.

For single family residences, if a bedroom is not being added then the septic tank pump out and the “Existing System and System Repair Evaluation Form"(#7) is not required, and the fee is $35.00, otherwise the fee is $470.00.

All of the other paperwork below must be submitted with any existing system application for approval:

1.  Application Form DH 4015 completed in full, signed by the owner or the owner’s authorized representative, engineer, or licensed contractor. Under the building information section enter the existing building information on the first line, and the proposed building information on the second line.

2.  A plat or plan of the lot showing the following, which must be drawn to scale and shows the following features on or within 75 ft. of the property lines:

•    Property dimensions and property lines and easements labeled in feet.

•    The existing [and proposed] OSTDS system configuration and location on the property.

•    All building locations.

•    Potable and non-potable water lines within the existing [and proposed] drainfield area.

•    The general slope of the property.

•     Any obstructed areas such as driveways, decks, sidewalks, swimming pools, etc.

•     Any public or private wells.

•     Any surface water bodies and storm-water systems in proximity to the septic tank system which restrict placement or relocation of the drainfield system.

•     Any public drinking water well within 200 ft. of the property lines.

•     Any unusual site conditions such as drainage structures, roof drains or curtain drains.

3.   A floor plan. For residences, drawn to scale showing  the existing building and changes or additions with all rooms labeled and the square footage of the building area. If not to scale show all rooms labeled and outside building dimensions labeled in feet. For non-residential facilities, drawn to scale showing the total square footage, plumbing drains and fixtures, and any other information that would affect the composition and quantity of wastewater to be generated.

4.   If a permanent non-tidal surface water body exists on or within 75 feet of the applicant’s property, the Mean Annual Flood line must be determined.  The applicant may request the Department of Health delineate the surface water body (for an additional fee) or they may contract with a certified professional surveyor.  Contact our office if the surface water body is tidally influenced.

5.   Provide permit date of the original system.

6.   Provide the last 12 months of water usage for residential and 18 months for commercial unless building is served by an unmetered well.

7.   The septic tank shall be pumped by a registered septic tank pumper and the contractor must verify the capacity and structural integrity by completing an Existing System and System Repair Evaluation form. Include this completed form with the application.

8.    If the drainfield will exceed 1000 sq. ft., domestic sewage flow exceeds 2500 gpd, or the commercial sewage flow exceeds 1000 gpd, then an engineer shall submit detailed system construction plans for OSTDS.  All  plans and forms submitted by the engineer shall be dated, signed and sealed.

9.     The application and the site plan must be signed and dated by the applicant or authorized agent.