Inyo County Environmental Health Services Department (ICEHSD) is responsible for permitting and inspecting the installation of residential septic systems.  Applications for the septic system installation are available at our Independence and Bishop offices, or online here:
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Septic system design must comply with the Uniform Plumbing Code and – for new systems - the Lahontan Basin Plan, as well.  The Basin Plan permits the installation of new standard septic systems if (1) in existing developments, lot size is at least 15,000 square feet, or (2) in new developments, there are to be no more than two dwellings per acre.  (Replacement septic systems need only comply with the Uniform Plumbing Code.)

The following guide has been prepared to inform the residential property owner of the permitting process and construction requirements for new, onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems. Where environmental conditions allow, a conventional system, consisting of a septic tank, distribution piping and leach lines/beds, will suffice. Where a conventional system is unacceptable, an engineered, alternative system will be required.

• Inyo County Environmental Health Services Residential Onsite Sewage Treatment
  and Disposal Guide (PDF)
  
  
• AB 885
  
  
• CA Plumbing Code, Appendix K
  
  
• Lahontan Basin Plan