Environmental Health Services

To avoid delays in the application approval process, follow these guidelines: 

1. Submit complete application packets that indicate accurate property owner information, driller's signature, the Well Permit Plot Plan (included in the Well Permit Application) and permitting fees.
   • Well application Checklist
2. Be sure that the Well Permit Plot Plan indicates accurate directions to well site, measured distance to existing septic systems, animal enclosures, property lines, solid waste and structures on site that may contain hazardous materials.
3. Note: Although unavoidable, be aware that wells located within the coastal zone or city limits will take longer while awaiting approval from other governing agencies.

To obtain a Monitoring Well Construction Permit, follow these guidelines: 

1. Hire a C-57 licensed well driller.
2. The well driller will submit a Monitoring Well Permit Application for each well on behalf of the property owner.
3. The well driller will pay the Monitoring Well Permit Application Fee.

To obtain a Water Well Construction Permit, follow these guidelines: 

1. Hire a C-57 licensed well driller.
2. The well driller will submit a Well Permit Application for each well on behalf of the property owner.
3. The well driller will pay the Well Permit Application Fee.

To obtain a Well Destruction Permit, follow these guidelines: 

1. Hire a C-57 licensed well driller.
2. The well driller will submit a  Well Destruction Permit Application for each well on behalf of the property owner.
3. The well driller will pay the Well Destruction Permit Application Fee.

To qualify as a well driller in the County of San Luis Obispo, the following conditions must be met:

1. Driller shall have a current C-57 contractor license.
2. Driller shall have a $25,000 surety bond in place with San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services. A cashier's check may be submitted in place of a surety bond and payment shall be returned after the Well Completion Report is reviewed and approved.
   • How Surety Bonds work
   • Sample Surety Bond
   • San Luis Obispo County Code 8-40-040 Surety-Bond-Requirement

The permitting process works in the following manner: 

1. Following approval of the application packet, proposed well site(s) will be surveyed by San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services within five (5) business days.
2. Well driller is notified that the Well Permit Application is approved and drilling may commence.
3. The well driller shall notify San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services within twenty four (24) hours in advance prior to annular seal placement.
4. The well driller shall submit a Well Completion Report upon completion of well construction.
5. San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services issues a final letter approving the well construction which is sent to the well owner.