Residential Septic Systems

The Inyo County Environmental Health Department (ICEHD) 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 below. Don't forget a detailed plot plan, too. There's nothing worse than not being able to find your septic system.

Septic system design must comply with the Uniform Plumbing Code and – for new systems - the Inyo County Local Area Management Plan (LAMP), as well.  The LAMP 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. 

The LAMP (link below) was 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.