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 Chapter 62-6, F.A.C., 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, and the addition will not encroach upon the existing system location, then the septic tank pump out and the "Existing System and System Repair Evaluation Form"(DEP4015 page 4) is not required, and the fee is $60.00, otherwise the fee is $355.00. 

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

1. Application For Construction Permit 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. Existing and Proposed floor plans drawn to scale or showing building area totals, all rooms labeled, and outside dimensions of each dwelling unit is required. Floor plans for nonresidential must include the plumbing plan.
4. If the system must be upgraded and a tidal surface water body exists on or within 75 feet of the property, a Mean High Water Line must be determined and recorded on a submitted survey by a professional surveyor.
5. Provide permit date of the original system.
6. Provide the least 12 months of water usage for residential and 18 months for commercial unless building is served by an unmetered well.
7. If the system must be upgraded the septic tank must be pumped and certified by a registered septic tank pumper contractor to verify capacity and structural integrity. The tank certification page (DEP 4015 page 4) must be used to record the information.
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.