Chatham County, NC
Home MenuExisting System Approval
An Existing System Approval (ESA) is required for properties served by a wastewater system prior to :
- reconnecting a home or business to the existing wastewater system
- expanding the footprint of an existing facility
- beginning construction activities that require a building permit
- changing the use of the building - from home to business or changing business type or increasing the number of bedrooms with an Engineers approval (low flow letter).
- subdividing the property
- If plans include increasing the amount of wastewater or the wastewater strength an application for either an Improvement Permit or Construction Authorization should be submitted.
Existing System Approval Affidavit Option
Instead of receiving an ESA from the Health Department an owner of a property can choose to submit an Affidavit confirming that the proposed construction will meet local and state on-site wastewater system setback requirements pursuant to NCGS 130A-335 as long as the construction does not increase the design daily flow or wastewater strength.
NOTE - The affidavit can only be submitted for confirming wastewater system setbacks. If a well is located on the property, a well setback approval will be required to confirm well setbacks.
A Well Setback Compliance Approval is needed when an improvement is being made to a parcel of land with an existing well to verify setbacks from the well are met. (A separate Well Setback Approval is not needed if an ESA is submitted for the improvements.)
Examples of when a well setback is needed:
- Replacing a house
- Adding a Pool
- Adding a building (detached garage, outbuilding, shed, etc.)
- Expansion of the existing footprint of the facility
*If the addition of a bedroom is desired, please fill out an application for an improvement permit
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