Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin County’s Community Development Agency (CDA) spent months engaging the community around updating its septic system regulations and will present a comprehensive report to the Board of Supervisors at its Tuesday meeting.
CDA hosted more than 45 community, one-on-one and stakeholder meetings from March through June and collected over 450 comments and recommendations to update its Local Agency Management Plan (LAMP), the County’s permitting process for septic systems, also known as Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS).
The eventual updated regulations are designed to meet mandatory state standards, incorporate the community feedback and align with the Board’s priorities. A final policy recommendation to the Board is expected in 2027.
“Thank you to the partners and communities across Marin who worked with us closely and provided detailed feedback to help us shape these regulations for the health and safety of the entire county,” said Chris Choo, assistant director. “From homeowners living close to our population centers to large agriculture properties, Marin residents spread over varying topography and conditions rely on septic systems. We are grateful for their partnership and are eager to finalize the regulations that will provide an easier, more flexible process while protecting our environment and communities.”
In total, the County:
- Hosted 46 meetings
- Engaged over 500 residents
- Had more than 1,000 visitors and over 1,200 visits to its website
During the monthslong engagement, community members stressed the importance of simpler regulations and an improved customer-oriented process, lower costs and financial assistance, flexibility on the types of system and accompanying inspections, and increased education around septic systems.
The County set out with a shared goal to make system upgrades and maintenance feasible for property owners, while maintaining health and safety for the public and environment.
With the community input, the County has identified ways to modernize Marin’s septic codes and process and at the same time meet the water quality requirements set by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
Tuesday’s presentation will provide the Board with findings, progress updates and next steps before final policy recommendations are brought forward in early 2027.
For more information visit CDA’s septic website.