City of Richmond: Temporary Sewage
Holding Tank Permit Process
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Contact Watearth Principal
Jennifer J. Walker PE, DWRE, ENV SP, CFM, QSD, LEED AP BD+C 1151 Harbor Bay Parkway Suite 208H
Alameda, CA 94502
510.529.5552
[email protected]
March 13, 2026
Temporary Sewage Holding
Tank Permit Process
City of Richmond
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... i Figures .......................................................................................................................................................... ii Appendices ................................................................................................................................................. ii Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... ii Definition of Terms ...................................................................................................................................... iii
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Permit Process ....................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Construction Permit........................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.1 Plot Plan .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1.2 Floor Plan ................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1.3 Screening ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.4 Tank Replacements .............................................................................................................. 5
2.1.5 Installation .............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1.6 Construction Permit Expiration ............................................................................................ 5
2.2 Operational Requirements............................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Operational Management Requirements ......................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Manifest System ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Abandonment Requirements .......................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1 Abandonment Conditions ................................................................................................... 7
3.0 Other Provisions ..................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Authority ............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 8
3.3.1 Public Works Department .................................................................................................... 8
3.3.2 The City of Richmond Planning Division ............................................................................. 8
3.3 Temporary Structure.......................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Appeal ................................................................................................................................................ 8 References ................................................................................................................................................. 10
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Figures
Figure 1: Schematic Example of a Sewage Holding Tank System ........................................................ 1 Figure 2: Sewage Holding Tank ................................................................................................................. 2 Figure 3: Permit Process Flow Diagram .................................................................................................... 3 Appendices
Appendix A – Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer (KBSS) Moratorium Area Appendix B – Building Division Permit Application
Appendix C – Grading Permit
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronym/Abbreviation Full Form
ACI American Concrete Institute
ASSE American Society of Safety Engineers
CBC California Building Code
DEP Department of Environmental Protection
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
ft feet
KBSS Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Definition of Terms
Abandon - To remove liquid waste from and either excavate or otherwise render inoperable a cesspool, privy, sewage holding tank, or tank utilized in an onsite wastewater treatment system.
Appeal – A legal proceeding by which a case is brought before a higher court for review of the decision of a lower court.
Building Line - A line running parallel to a lot line that is the same distance from the lot line as the closest portion of a building on the site, typically used in reference to the required setback distance.
Contour Line - Defined as a line drawn on a topographic map to indicate ground elevation or depression.
Health Officer - Defined as the Contra Costa County Health Officer and/or their duly authorized deputies and subordinates.
Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer Moratorium – The Urgency Ordinance No. 01-22 imposed an immediate 45-day moratorium on the issuance of building permits for certain development of activities requiring new connections to the KBSS in order for the City to evaluate remediation options and development alternatives in lieu of connection to the KBSS.
Manifest System - Designed to track sewage waste from the time it leaves the generator facility or residence where it was produced until it reaches the off-site waste management facility that will store, treat, or dispose of it. The manifest system provides a detailed record of the items being transported, including their contents, destination, and handling instructions.
Moratorium - Delay in performing an obligation or taking an action legally authorized or simply agreed to be temporary.
Monitoring Wells - Principally used for observing groundwater levels and flow conditions, obtaining samples for determining groundwater quality, and for evaluating hydraulic properties of water-bearing strata.
Natural Bluff – An undisturbed geological feature with a steep slope, typically adjacent to a water body or valley, formed through natural erosional processes.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System - Defined as a sewage treatment and disposal system that includes a septic tank and disposal field, serves one or more structures on only one lot, and is projected to receive a sewage flow of 10,000 gallons or less per day.
Peak Daily Sewage Flow - The maximum volume of sewage that a sewage disposal system is projected to receive in a 24-hour period.
Percolation Test - A percolation test determines the rate of water absorption into the ground.
Professional Septic Tank Cleaner – A professional engaged in the business of cleaning septic tanks, sewage holding tanks, onsite wastewater treatment systems, privies, r seepage pits.
Qualified Professional - A civil engineer, environmental health specialist, geologist, professional soil scientist, or engineering geologist, who is licensed, registered or certified by the State of California.
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Sanitary Sewer - A wastewater collection system, owned and operated by a public agency with legal authority to collect wastewater from structures within the geographical area controlled by the public agency.
Septic Tank – A receptacle or vault used to collect organic waste discharge from the house sewer.
Sewage - Defined as the liquid waste that contains or may be contaminated with human or animal excrement or offal.
Sewage Holding Tank – An alternative to a conventional onsite wastewater treatment system.
The sewage holding tank is a sewage collection system that includes a watertight tank designed to collect and temporarily store sewage that is periodically removed by a permitted Professional Septic Tank Cleaner.
Sewage Sludge Hauler - A person who pumps or moves sewage sludge offsite by means of land- based vehicles, barges, ships, rails, pipelines, or other modes of transportation.
Wastewater - Defined as liquid waste, including but not limited to sewage.
Watertight - Tight construction or fit as to be impermeable to water.
Temporary Sewage Holding
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1 1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this document is to establish the permit process for the temporary use of sewage holding tanks in areas of the City of Richmond that are affected by sanitary sewer connection moratoriums. These processes are intended to address immediate infrastructure limitations, particularly in the Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer (KBSS) moratorium area, while enabling controlled development and safeguarding public health and environmental quality. The KBSS moratorium area is shown in Appendix A.
Although the initial application of the permit process is focused on the KBSS area, the provisions outlined in this document are designed to be adaptable and enforceable in any future moratorium zones citywide. They are also applicable in areas not under the moratorium, but where implementation may still be necessary, such as for emergency backup holding tanks.
The temporary sewage holding tank system will serve the “structure” until either a new onsite wastewater treatment system is approved (if permitted by the City of Richmond) or adequate capacity becomes available in the public sewerage system (Contra Costa County Ord. Code § 420-6.606; Contra Costa County Health Officer Regulations for Sewage Collection and Disposal, 2018). These systems must be designed, installed, and maintained per the criteria outlined in the “City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards” document to prevent public health hazards, groundwater contamination, nuisance conditions, and structural failures. A schematic example of a sewage holding tank system is shown in Figure 1. A sewage holding tank example is shown in Figure 2.
The sewage holding tank permit process is to be applied in coordination with applicable local ordinances, state health and safety codes, and relevant engineering best practices.
The City of Richmond, consistent with applicable Contra Costa County Health Officer regulations, is responsible for enforcing regulations and restrictions related to septic tanks and other onsite wastewater treatment systems.
Figure 1: Schematic Example of a Sewage Holding Tank System
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2 Figure 2: Sewage Holding Tank
2.0 Permit Process
The permit process section outlines the administrative requirements for obtaining the necessary approvals. The section covers the construction permit application process, including required documentation, operational requirements, abandonment requirements, and other provisions (such as those related to temporary structures and the appeals process for permit decisions). The flow diagram of the permit process is shown in Figure 3.
These permit procedures are adopted by the City of Richmond pursuant to the Municipal Code Chapter 12.19, “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems” . The City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards are incorporated by reference as the governing technical performance and design criteria.
In the future, the City of Richmond may propose updates or new regulations in order to establish more detailed or specific provisions of this chapter. The City of Richmond, consistent with applicable Contra Costa County Health Officer regulations, is responsible for the enforcement of this guideline and all adopted regulations (Contra Costa County Ord. Code § 420-6.606; Contra Costa County Health Officer Regulations for Sewage Collection and Disposal, 2018).
Temporary Sewage Holding
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3 Figure 3: Permit Process Flow Diagram
2.1 Construction Permit
The construction permit states that any application for a permit to construct, alter, relocate, or replace a sewage holding tank, or primary component thereof, must be submitted using the City of Richmond Building Division Permit Application approved by the City of Richmond, as shown in Appendix B.
Applications will be accepted only if they are complete. A complete application must include a fully completed City of Richmond Building Division Permit Application and all o f the supporting items described below. Depending on site conditions, a City of Richmond Grading Permit, as shown in Appendix C, may also be required. This permit includes requirements for submittal of a Geotechnical/Soils Report evaluating subsurface conditions in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Building Code (CBC) (Contra Costa County Ord. Code § 420-6.606; Contra Costa County Health Officer Regulations for Sewage Collection and Disposal, 2018).
2.1.1 Plot Plan
Four copies of a plot plan must be submitted with the application. The plot plan must be drawn to scale of not less than 1 inch equals 20 feet and be a minimum of 8½ inches x 11 inches in size. A plot plan must contain all of the following information regarding the lot where the sewage holding tank to be constructed or altered will be located:
1. A location map, indicating the location of the lot with respect to abutting lots and the nearest public road;
2. Lot boundaries and dimensions;
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4 3. The name of the lot owner, the lot owner’s address, and assessor’s parcel number of the lot;
4. A north arrow and plan scale (including both a written scale and a bar scale);
5. The location of all water and monitoring wells on the subject lot and all abutting lots, watercourses and water bodies (including, but not limited to, springs, marsh areas, drainage ditches, channels), cuts, embankments, natural bluffs or unstable land forms within 100 feet of any portion of the sewage holding tanks to be constructed or altered, and any reserved area. Refer to the Section 3.0 Design Requirements of the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards for more details about the minimum setbacks;
6. The location of any and all existing and proposed buildings, swimming pools, retaining walls, driveways, paved areas, water lines, underground utilities, storage tanks (below-ground and above-ground), trees equal to or greater than 6 inches in diameter (measured at 4.5 feet from the ground surface), and easements located on the lot that are within 25 feet of the sewage holding tank to be constructed or altered;
7. Contour lines, if slopes are greater than 5%. If slopes are equal to or less than 5%, the direction and percentage of slopes must be shown;
8. The location of any existing onsite wastewater treatment systems and other sewage disposal systems on the lot;
9. The layout (including dimensions) of the sewage holding tank to be constructed or altered. This includes the location of pipes, valves, or related components intended for connection to a future sewer line, as well as an abandonment plan for the holding tank once the connection is made. Refer to Section 3.4 Plumbing and Piping of the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards for more information on the Future Connection to the City’s Sanitary Sewer;
10. The location of each soil percolation test hole and soil profile hole. Soil investigations and testing must be conducted to evaluate subsurface conditions at the site and shall be performed in accordance with the California Building Code (CBC) Sections 1803.3 and 1803.5. Soil types encountered in test holes and excavations must be described and classified in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Classification System (Unified). A geotechnical investigation may also be required by the Building Division for other conditions, as specified by the CBC; and
11. The name, signature, stamp or seal of the qualified professional certified by the State of California who prepared the plan, and the date the plan was signed and stamped or sealed.
12. If submittals propose alternatives, they must include a performance justification (hydraulic calculations, structural design, and an operations and maintenance plan) demonstrating that the objectives in the Standards are met.
Following completion of the required information outlined above, the final approved plans and specifications must be included in the material submittal upon approval of the construction pemit. The design of the sewage holding tank system must comply with Temporary Sewage Holding
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5 Section 3.0 of the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards , including sizing, material selection, access, termination fittings, buoyancy, plumbing and pipiing, and alarm system integration.
For projects in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coastal zones, calculations and drawings demonstrating that the temporary holding tank complies with FEMA coastal zone construction criteria should be required. The system must be designed and certified by a registered professional engineer. Refer to Section 2.4 Site and Setback for Coastal Areas of the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards for more information.
2.1.2 Floor Plan
Four copies of the floor plan for the structure to be served by the sewage holding tank, whether newly constructed or altered, must be submitted with the application. The floor plan must be drawn to a scale of no less than 1-inch equals 20 feet and must be at least 8½ inches x 11 inches in size. The floor plan must contain all of the following information:
1. The layout of all rooms on each floor of the structure;
2. The clear labeling of each room as to type; and
3. The name and signature of the qualified professional certified by the State of California who prepared the plan.
2.1.3 Screening
Any sewage holding tank visible above-ground must be screened from the public right-of- way. Where applicable, installation proposals may require review and approval by the City of Richmond’s Planning Division. For additional information regarding screening details, refer to City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards.
2.1.4 Tank Replacements
An application for a permit to replace a sewage holding tank must include a copy of the manufacturer’s specifications for the replacement tank , or refer to Section 3.0 Design Requirements of the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards for more design details.
2.1.5 Installation
The installation of a sewage holding tank system may be lawfully performed only under a valid sewage holding tank permit (construction permit) issued by the City of Richmond, consistent with applicable Contra Costa County Health Officer regulations. Refer to the Installation Procedures in the City of Richmond Temporary Holding Tank Standards for further information on installation and inspection requirements to comply with the standards.
2.1.6 Construction Permit Expiration
Every construction permit issued by the City of Richmond, consistent with applicable Contra Costa Health Officer regulations, under this chapter becomes void if the work authorized by the construction permit is not commenced within 180 days from the permit’s date. The permit also becomes void if the work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days without justification satisfying the City of Richmond as being beyond the permittee’s control and could not be remedied. Once a construction permit becomes Temporary Sewage Holding
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6 void, a new construction permit must be obtained before any work is commenced or recommenced.
2.2 Operational Requirements
Operation of sewage holding tanks within the City of Richmond must comply with applicable Contra Costa County Health Officer regulations and the requirements outlined in this section. These requirements are intended to ensure proper pumping, hauling, disposal practices, and system maintenance.
2.2.1 Operational Management Requirements
The owner or operator must demonstrate the following as a minimum:
1. Pumping, hauling, and disposal must be performed by a sewage sludge hauler that holds all required licenses and approvals from Contra Consta County and other applicable agencies. Documentation of current certification must be maintained onsite and provided upon request;
2. Disposal of sewage must be at a site or sites approved by the City of Richmond, consistent with applicable Contra Costa County Health Officer regulations, within the jurisdiction where the disposal occurs;
3. Operational records must be maintained by the owner and pumper. These records include information about pumping frequency, sewage volume, disposal site(s), proof of acceptance by the disposal site operator, alarms, and system servicing and repairs;
4. Photocopies of operation records must be submitted to the City of Richmond upon request;
5. An emergency response plan that addresses possible failure of a sewage sludge hauler to provide service, hydraulic overload of the system, or sewage spill at the site. Refer to Section 6.3 Emergency Notification of the City of Richmond Temporary Holding Tank Standards for further information.
2.2.2 Manifest System
The sewage holding tank provider shall be responsible for maintaining a manifest system to ensure that all sewage pumped from a holding tank is disposed of properly.
The sewage holding tank provider shall always maintain a valid contract with a licensed sewage sludge hauler. The contract requires the licensed sewage sludge hauler to provide written notice of dates of pumping and volume of sewage pumped. In addition, a licensed sewage sludge hauler must obtain a Richmond Business License Number.
Operators are also requred to obtain a permit decal for their sewage pumping vehicles.
The permit decal, as required by Section 420-6.1206 of Contra Costa County Ordinance Code 420-6.606, must be displayed permanently to the rear of the sewage pumping vehicle.
In emergency situations, the manifest system should include provisions for establishing an emergency notification. Refer to the Emergency Notification of the City of Richmond Temporary Holding Tank Standards for further information.
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7 2.3 Abandonment Requirements
This subsection provides guidance on the circumstances under which a sewage holding tank must be abandoned and describes the role of the City of Richmond in overseeing the process.
2.3.1 Abandonment Conditions
1. The property owner or agent shall coordinate with the City of Richmond when abandoning an existing sewage holding tank under this policy and shall comply with applicable Contra Costa County abandonment standards and state regulations.
2. The following circumstances require that a sewage holding tank system be promptly abandoned:
a. The system is replaced with a connection to a sanitary sewer, an onsite wastewater treatment system or another sewage holding tank system; b. The system was constructed in violation of any applicable laws or regulations; or
c. Use of the system has ceased.
3. Use of a sewage holding tank system connected to a structure must terminate upon completion of construction of a new onsite wastewater treatment system that will serve the structure (Contra Costa County Ord. Code § 420-6.606; Contra Costa County Health Officer Regulations for Sewage Collection and Disposal, 2018).
4. Use of a sewage holding tank system connected to a structure must terminate within 90 calendar days after the health officer determines that connection to a sanitary sewer is available to the structure (Contra Costa County Ord. Code § 420-
6.606; Contra Costa County Health Officer Regulations for Sewage Collection and Disposal, 2018). Upon completion of the sewer connection and sewage holding tank abandonment, a Certificate of Lateral Compliance should be approved by the City of Richmond.
5. Refer to the Abandonment Plan in the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards for more details on the abandonment provisions.
3.0 Other Provisions
This section includes guidance on the conditions under which temporary structures may be connected to sewage holding tanks. It also addresses the procedure for appealing decisions made by the city when local ordinances adopt applicable county regulations.
3.1 Authority
Permit procedures are adopted by the City of Richmond pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 12.19, “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems ”. The City of Richmond is the authority having jurisdiction for the review, approval, and enforcement of temporary sewage holding tank construction permits, operation requirements, and abandonment requirements issued under this policy.
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8 Responsibility for enforcement is retained by the City and includes the City’s independent enforcement authority, the City’s right to impose stop -work orders, and the City’s right to revoke permits or recover costs. The City will refer to the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards and will maintain consistency with the Contra Costa County Health Officer Regulations for Sewage Collection and Disposal (Contra Costa County Ord. Code § 420-6.606; Contra Costa County Health Officer Regulations for Sewage Collection and Disposal, 2018) and applicable state regulations; however, Contra Costa County is not the primary reviewing or permitting agency for these temporary holding tanks.
This document establishes the administrative requirements for permit applications, review, issuance, and enforcement, and incorporates by reference the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards as the governing technical performance and design criteria.
3.2 Roles and Responsibilities
This subsection clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the City of Richmond, and the City of Richmond Planning Division in the administration and enforcement of the Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Permit Process. Applicable County requirements are incorporated by reference where noted.
3.3.1 Public Works Department
The City of Richmond, through Public Works and Utilities, is responsible for policy under Municipal Code Chapters 12.19 and 12.20, review and approval of sewer connections, enforcement of permit requirements, application of penalties pursuant to Chapter 12.20, and processing of appeals to the City Council in accordance with Chapter 12.19.
3.3.2 The City of Richmond Planning Division
The City of Richmond Planning Division is responsible for review of screening, zoning, and aesthetic considerations associated with temporary sewage holding tank installations.
3.3 Temporary Structure
A temporary structure containing plumbing fixtures may be connected to a sewage holding tank system if the system was incorporated into the original design of the temporary structure. As used in this subsection, “temporary structure” means a structure that is placed at the site of a permitted construction project for use only during the construction project duration and then removed at the conclusion of the project.
3.4 Appeal
Any appeal of a decision by the City of Richmond related to a temporary sewage holding tank permit, enforcement action, or interpretation of these procedures or the City of Richmond Temporary Sewage Holding Tank Standards shall be filed and decided in accordance with the appeal provisions of Municipal Code Chapter 12.19, “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems”.
In resolving such appeals, the City will interpret and apply these standards in a manner consistent with applicable Contra Costa County Health Officer regulations.
Appeals shall be filed and processed in accordance with the procedures, timelines, and requirements established in Municipal Code Chapter 12.19. The Richmond City Council Temporary Sewage Holding
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9 shall review appeals based on the administrative record and apply the applicable standard of review set forth in the Municipal Code. Appeal procedures and timelines are subject to modification as City standards, ordinances, or applicable regulations are amended.
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10 References
Barr, GRAF Heavy-Duty Septic Holding Tanks, https://www.barrplastics.com/products/graf- heavy-duty-septic-sewage-holding-tanks, Accessed 6-16-2025 California Building Standards Code, https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes, Accessed 6-3- 2025
California Building Standards Commission, California Building Code (CBC), Sections 1803.3 and 1803.5, Accessed 3-13-2026
California Code of Regulations, Onsite Wastewater Treatment System, https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/owts/docs/appdxk_ch7t a1401.pdf, Accessed 6-20-2025
California Department of Water Resources, Monitoring Well Standards, https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Wells/Well- Standards/Combined-Well-Standards/Monitoring-Introduction, Accessed 7-10- 2025
California Water Boards, California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 3, Chapter 16, https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/ust/regulatory/docs/ccr_ch16_202010.pdf , Accessed 6-17-2025
City of Richmond, Building Division Permit Application, https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/28142/Building-Permit- Application-Fillable-Form-2021?bidId=, Accessed 3-13-2026 City of Richmond, Certificate of Lateral Compliance,
https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2269/Certificate-of-Lateral-Compliance . Accessed 7-21-2025
City of Richmond, Grading Permit,
https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/27131/Grading-Permit- Checklist?bidId=. Accessed 3-13-2026
City of Richmond Ordinance No. 09-19 N.S., An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Richmond, California, Amending Article XII of the Municipal Code of the City of Richmond, Accessed 6-11-2025
City of Richmond, Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer Moratorium, https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4219/Keller-Beach, Accessed 7-29-2025 City of Richmond, Screening of Equipment,
https://library.municode.com/ca/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId= ARTXVZOSU_CH15.04ZOSURE_SERIES_600GEST_ART15.04.601GESIRE_15.04.601.110SC EQ, Accessed 9-11-2025
Contra Costa County, Contra Costa County Ordinance No. 2018-25, Accessed 5-22-2025 Contra Costa County, Health Officer Regulations for Sewage Collection and Disposal, Contra Costa County Ord. Cose 420-6.606, Accessed 5-22-2025 Temporary Sewage Holding
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11 Environmental Protection Agency, Hazardous Waste Manifest System, https://www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/hazardous-waste-manifest-system, Accessed 7-18-2025
Environmental Protection Agency Onsite Wastewater Treatment Manual, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-
06/documents/2004_07_07_septics_septic_2002_osdm_all.pdf, Accessed 6-3-2025 Florida Health County, Temporary Holding Tank Application, https://lee.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-health/onsite- sewage-disposal/permits/holding-tanks.html, Accessed 5-22-2025 Holding Tank vs. Septic Tank: What’s the Difference,
https://www.angi.com/articles/holding-tank-vs-septic-tank.htm, Accessed 6-10- 2025
Napa County, Holding Tanks and Hold and Haul Systems,
https://library.municode.com/ca/napa_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nod eId=TIT13WASEPUSE_CH13.52HOTAHOHASY, Accessed 5-22-2025 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Damage-Resistant Practices for Designing Septic Systems in Coastal High Hazard Areas, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hnteleqam6k8rw7v6e5hx/NOAA-Damage- Resistant-Practices-for-Designing-Septic-Systems-in-Coastal-High-Hazard- Areas.pdf?rlkey=lwe0toedrzl6xm122e2i8c4vg&e=1&st=7g3sdgri&dl=0, Accessed 5- 22-2025
Septic Tank: Types, Working Principle, Design, Size, Advantages & Disadvantages, https://testbook.com/civil-engineering/septic-tank-diagram-types , Accessed 6-02- 2025
State of California, Waste Holding Tanks,
https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/25-CCR-4517.8, Accessed 5-22- 2025
State of Georgia, Code of Georgia Sewage Holding Tanks, https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-12/chapter-15/article-1/section-12-15- 5/, Accessed 5-22-2025
State of Vermont, Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit, https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/10/064/01979, Accessed 5-22-2025 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Types of Municipal Solid Waste Processing and Disposal Facilities, and Wastes That May Be Accepted, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/waste_permits/msw_permits/waste- types/msw_types.html, Accessed 6-10-2025
Washington State Department of Health, Department Standards and Guidance for Performance, Application, Design, and Operation & Maintenance: Holding Tank and Incinerator Sewage Systems,
https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/337-006.pdf, Accessed 5-22-2025
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12 World Health Organization, Guidelines on Sanitation and Health, https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/274939/9789241514705-eng.pdf , Accessed 5-22-202
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Appendix A
Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer (KBSS) Moratorium Area
Temporary Sewage Holding
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Appendix B
Building Division Permit Application
Apply On-Line
Scan me
Information above this line is for official use only
Special Flood Hazard Area
Yes No
Obtaining Permits
Scan me
BUILDING DIVISION PERMIT APPLICATION
Job Site Address:
Assessors Parcel No. (APN):
* Property Owner:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Phone/Fax:
* Applicant
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Phone/Fax:
Contractor:
State License
Number (CSLB):
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Phone/Fax:
Architect:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Phone/Fax:
Engineer:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Phone/Fax:
Agent/Tenant:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Phone/Fax:
Valuation of Work
(check all that applies)
Building
Electrical
Plumbing
Mechanical
Grading
Underground
Total $
(Fair Market Value of Labor and Materials)
Description of Work
(must be the same applying online)
WHOS DOING THE WORK!
UNDER STATE LAW, CHECK A LINE THAT
APPLIES CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW
_____I am licensed under provisions of Chapter 9
Division 3 of the Business & Profession Code
_____I, as the owner, or my employees with wages
as their sole compensation, will do the work and the
structure is not intended or offered for sale (Sec. 7044) _____I, as the owner, am exclusively contracting with
licensed contractors. (Sec. 7044)
_____I am exempt under Section ________Business
and Profession Code for this reason:
Richmond Business License #: __________________
Permit # _____________________
Plan Check # _____________________
Revision # _____________________
I certify that I have read the information on this permit application (both sides) and state that the above information is correct. I agree to comply with all City ordinances and other laws relating to this permit and hereby authorize representatives of the City of Richmond to enter up the above mentioned property for inspection purposes. *When the property owner or applicant is a LLC the Disclosure Statement must also be fully completed.
SIGNATURE: _________________________________________ DATE: ___________________ 450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 620-6868 CDD Rev.:09/10/2021 * When the property owner or applicant is a LLC the Disclo sure Statement must also be completed * When the property owner or applicant is a LLC the Disclo sure Statement must also be completed
UTILITY SERVICES
During the course of construction and until all permits are finaled, the utility services (gas & electrical) to the property will be considered a temporary construction service. In the event a permanent utility service exists, the utility company will be notified that such service is now changed to a temporary construction service. In the event that the work is not finaled and the permit is revoked, utility service will also be discontinued until such time as inspections are completed to determine that the property meets minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare.
WHEN PERMIT IS ISSUED
• Inspection record card (or copy) must be posted in a
conspicuous place on the job but protected from the weather. • The stamped set of plan, specifications and other data must be kept on the job site.
• Advance one day notice is required for inspection request. • All contractors on the job must maintain a current
business license, Contractors license and insurance.
• All employees on the job must be protected with Workers Compensation insurance.
• You are required to review and follow the stamped set of plans & specifications and understand all building code comments prior to beginning construction.
• A common rule of thumb for inspections is never cover anything until the City Inspector has seen it.
WORKMANSHIP
In the event that the Building Official determines that the work being done is below industry standards or the persons doing the work are unable to produce work to the industry standards without detailed instructions from the inspector, the work will be considered as involving unusual hazards and the following from the CBC shall be employed.
Inspections,
a) General. All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official, and certain types of construction shall have
continuous inspections by special inspectors as specified in Ch. 17 CBC
Special Inspections
a) General. In addition to the inspections required by Ch. 17 CBC, the Owner shall employ a special inspector during
construction on the Following types of work:
SPECIAL CASES: Work which, in the opinion of the Building Official, involves unusual hazards.(a)Special Inspector. The special inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate his competence, to the satisfaction of the building Official for inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.
OSHA PERMITS Calif. Admin Code Sect. 17922.5 requires proof of an OSHA permit prior to the issuance of a building permit when:
1. Trenches or excavations are 5 feet or more in depth into which a person must descend.
2. Construction or demolition of any structure more than 36 feet in height; Title 8, Calif. Code and Safety Orders.
WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE
California Labor Code Sec. 3800 requires every city to keep on file a certificate of Workers Compensation Insurance for a permit applicant before any permit can be issued for jobs where persons will be employed to do the permitted work. Employers who have a certificate of consent to self- insure issued by the states Director of Industrial Relations may file this in lieu of a certificate of insurance. All certificates must show the City of Richmond as the certificate holder and promise to give the City at least ten days written notice before it is cancelled.
ENGINEER OR ARCHITECT REQUIRED
California Law (Section 5500 & 6700 Business & Professions Code) requires that plans and specifications for building work be signed by a state licensed engineer or architect except for nonstructural remodeling and wood frame residential housing with less than five units and less than three stories in height. Any changes to the plans must be signed off by the engineer or architect prior to beginning work.
PERMITS TO CONTRACTORS
1. For the purpose of issuing permits to contractors the following conditions must be met:
o Valid California Contractors License.
o Current Workmans Compensation Insurance
certificate on file.
o Valid City of Richmond Business License.
o No outstanding or delinquent debts to the City of
Richmond.
The following may also be required:
2. Qualifying Individual or his/her designee must apply for permits.
3. A copy of the part of the contract which shows the contract amount and the owners signature authorizing the work. In order to clarify what type of contractors license is required for various permits, the following shall apply:
4. General Engineering (A). Contractors may be issued permits for any and all types of work. Section 830a, 832.62a, 834a, and 7056 of Business and Professions Code.
5. General Building (B). Contractors may be issued permits for any structure and its components (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.) provided the General Contractor is performing or supervising three trades or crafts. Section 830b, 832.62b, 7057 of Business and Profession Code
6. Specialty Contractors (C-3) and General Building Contractors (B) doing framing and carpentry may be issued permits f or their specialty trade and work of other trades provided s uch other work is incidental and supplemental and essential to the specialty work.
Section 831, 832, 834b 834c, 7058, 7059 of the Business and Professions Code.
PERMITS TO OWNERS/TENANTS
For the purpose of issuing permits to property owners or tenants, the following conditions must be met:
1. California required Owner-builder declaration.
2. Proof of ownership or long term lease may be required.
In order to clarify what types of permits may be issued to property owners or tenants, the following section of the Business and professions Code of California State Law shall apply: 7044.
This chapter Contractor License Law) does not apply to any of the following:
An owner of property, building or improving structures thereon, or appurtenances thereto, who does such work himself or herself or through his or her own employees with wages as their sole compensation; provided that such structure/s, with or without the appurtenances thereto is not intended or offered for sale or lease within one year. An owner of property, building or improving structures thereon, or appurtenances thereto, who contracts for such a project with a contractor or contractors licensed pursuant to this chapter. A homeowner improving his or her principal place of residence or appurtenances thereto, provided that all of the following conditions exist:
1. The work is performed prior to sale.
2. The homeowner has actually resided in the residence for the 12 months prior to completion of the work.
3. The homeowner has not availed him or herself of the
exemption in this subdivision on more than two structures more than once during any three-year period.
NOTE:
(I) Long term lessees are also treated as owner for the purpose of this exemption;
(II) Changes in lessees are also treated as sales of
property for this exemption.
Disclosure Statement for Limited Liability Companies
Whenever the owner of a property or the applicant for a City permit or license is a limited liability company (LLC), the LLC shall provide the City with the names and business addresses of any and all shareholders, directors, officers, members, managers, other authorized persons, partners, and Beneficial Owners of the applying LLC. A Beneficial Owner is any person or entity who: (1) exercises substantial control over the applying LLC; (2) owns 25% or more of the interest in the applying LLC; or (3) receives substantial economic benefits from the assets of the applying LLC. If any LLC shareholder, director, officer, member, manager, other authorized person, partner, or Beneficial Owner is itself an LLC or other business entity, the names and business addresses must also be provided for any and all shareholders, directors, officers, members, managers, other authorized persons, partners, and Beneficial Owners of that LLC or other business entity all the way up through each entity in the organizational chart until ultimate ownership by individual people is disclosed.
Name: ___________________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________
Name: ___________________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________
Name: ___________________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________
☐ Check this box if additional ownership information is attached to this Disclosure Statement.
In signing this Disclosure Statement, I represent that the information submitted in this Disclosure Statement, and any attachments, is true and correct.
Signature: ________________________
Printed Name: _____________________
Title: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Temporary Sewage Holding
Tank Permit Process
City of Richmond
Appendix C
Grading Permit
GRADING PERMIT
Application Submittal Checklist
The following materials are required at minimum in order to submit an application for a grading permit..
Additional materials may be required by the City Engineer depending on the complexity of the project.
CITY OF RICHMOND
Engineering Services Department
Ph: (510) 307-8091
Fax: (510) 307-8116
450 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Box 4046
Richmond, CA 94804
www.ci.richmond.ca.us
ENGINEERING APPLICATION FORM
PLAN CHECK DEPOSIT ($_________________)
GRADING PLANS - Includes Storm Water Control Plans, Erosion & Sediment Control Plans. Four (4) full-size sets Engineering (2), Planning (1) and Stormwater/Wastewater (1) GRADING PURPOSE STATMENT - Explain/justify the proposed grading. GRADING QUANTITY ESTIMATE Provide cut, fill, shrinkage, import, export. SCHEDULE OF WORK - Estimated starting and completion dates for work covered by the permit. PROPOSED HAUL ROUTE - Source of Import or Destination of Export. 8-1/2 by 11 exhibit is acceptable. GEOTECHINCAL/SOILS REPORT (3 copies)
ENGINEERS COST ESTIMATE & QUANTITIES BREAKDOWN Signed and stamped by engineer (3 copies) CITY OF RICHMOND BUSINESS LICENSE - Copy of developers business license. INSURANCE CERTIFICATES - Naming the City of Richmond as the Certificate holder. FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE BOND - Based upon the cost of the total number of cubic yards of material moved, plus the cost of all drainage erosion control or other protective devices or work necessary to eliminate geological hazards or to protect persons or public or private property. STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP) Applies to sites greater than one (1) acre (3 copies). Include State Water Resources Control Board WDID number. STORM WATER CONTROL PLAN (SWCP) Applies to C.3 sites (3 copies). O&M MANUAL AND SPECIFICATIONS - If applicable. (5 Sets) TREE PRESERVATION PLAN - or Letter (by civil engineer or landscape architect) certifying that there are no trees on or near the site.
Additional Project Specific Information Submitted (if required):
Landscape Plan
Tree Survey and Arborists Report
Biological Study
Hydraulic calculations and hydrology map (3 copies)
Other:
(over)
1 of 2 Rev. 05.26.11
Grading Permit Application Submittal Checklist
2 of 2
Plans prepared by a Civil Engineer, at minimum, shall include:
Vicinity Map (RMC 12.44.030.d.1)
Dimensioned property lines and easements (RMC 12.4 4.030.d.2,3) Site topography, including existing contours, spot elevations, drainage patterns, and building footprints (including hand topo shots at all conforms, property lines, etc.) (RMC 12.44.030.d.4,5) Elevations, dimensions, location, extent and slope s of all proposed grading shown by contours and other means (RMC 12.44.030.d7)
Plans of all drainage devices, walls, cribbing, da ms, etc., to be constructed as part of the grading project (RMC
12.44.030.d.8)
The grading plan must be signed by a registered ci vil engineer and must be prepared by or under said civil engineer's direction (RMC 12.44.030.d.11)
Existing trees with trunk diameter, tree type, and elevation of the root crown. Trees to be preserved shall be identified and appropriate tree preservation measures included on the plans. Retaining walls, if proposed, shall be shown with top-of-wall and bottom-of-wall elevations Reference to project geotechnical report; landslid e repair and slope stability projects shall be reviewed and approved by project geotechnical engineer and/or project geologist. Include the signature of the geotechnical engineer whose report was used in the design of the grading (RMC
12.44.030.d.17)
APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & AUTHORIZATION
I verify that I have submitted all of the required materials for this application. I understand that if any of the required materials listed above are not submitted, an incomplete letter shall be sent to the Applicant and the first plan check will not commence.
X
Signature Date
- ENGINEERING DIVISION USE -
Project:
Location:
Engineer:
Date:
Notes: