Stormwater Dry Well or Infiltrator Registration

Dry wells and other sub-surface stormwater infiltration practices/technologies serving uses other than single-family homes are considered Class V wells, subject to US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regulations. Typically, Class V wells are shallow wells used to place a variety of fluids directly below the land surface. By definition, a well is “any bored, drilled, driven shaft, or dug hole that is deeper than its widest surface dimension, or an improved sinkhole, or a subsurface fluid distribution system” and an “injection well” is a “well” into which “fluids” are being injected (40 CFR §144.3).  A guide can be found here: Class V Well Guide.

Stormwater dry wells and other sub-surface stormwater infiltration practices/technologies may be authorized to operate as long as they are registered with the US EPA, and only inject uncontaminated stormwater. The County of San Luis Obispo currently requires Class V Well registration as part of permitting new development.

What is the process?

Review Guidelines and Finalize Plans

Review the subsurface stormwater injection requirements to verify that the proposed system meets County guidelines. The applicant finalizes their plans based on applicable codes and ordinances and any direction received from staff during the optional pre-application meeting.

Submit Plans

The applicant submits a completed application and pays initial application fees for a construction permit or grading permit.

Review by Staff

Staff in Planning & Building and Public Works review the application to verify that the plans comply with all applicable codes and ordinances, determine remaining application fees, and ensure that the application is complete.

Public Works will add a Condition to the building permit that requires federal registration of the system prior to final of permits.

Register System

Complete the online registration for the Class V System while the well operating status is ‘Planned/under construction’.

Visit the US EPA Class V Well System Registration Page.

Satisfy Conditions

The applicant satisfies the building permit condition by provide evidence of system registration to Public Works. A confirmation email and registration number from the US EPA are sufficient evidence of registration.

Who can use this service?

Anyone who has applied for a County construction permit or grading permit can use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Public Works via web form, email, or call us at (805) 781-5252.