Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – There are many Marin County households that aren’t connected to a centralized sewer system and rely on septic instead. Through several springtime community meetings, the County of Marin wants to hear the thoughts of residents regarding septic system rules and regulations that are in the process of being revised.
Most of west Marin and pockets of east Marin use individual septic systems, which are underground wastewater treatment systems made up of tanks, pipes, and treatment units. The systems collect household wastewater, separate the solids, and let the soil do the filtering. The system is typically on your property, and maintaining it is the responsibility of the property owner.
Sewer systems work differently. They're centralized treatment plants that handle wastewater from multiple homes and businesses.
Not sure which one you have? If you don't pay a sewer bill, you're probably on septic.
The County is preparing to update its countywide septic regulations, known as the Local Agency Management Plan (LAMP). The update aims to protect public health, safeguard water quality, promote agricultural and economic vitality, and support property owners in areas without sewer access. A Marin-specific LAMP allows the County to consider alternative systems and more flexible wastewater calculations, easing constraints on home improvement and housing development countywide. The County’s ability to permit septic systems is authorized by the State Water Board, which will be the final approver of the Marin regulations.
The County is inviting the public to share experiences, raise concerns, and weigh in on what's working and what isn't before updates are made.
"This update is an opportunity to modernize how we approach septic systems in Marin," said Chris Choo, Assistant Director of the Community Development Agency (CDA). "We're not coming in with all the answers. These meetings exist so the community can help shape what comes next."
There are several opportunities for the public to hear about the current septic regulations, ask questions, and provide feedback, both online and in person. Community meetings are scheduled through spring 2026:
- Thursday, April 2, 6 to 7:30 PM — Countywide webinar
- Tuesday, April 28, 6 to 7:30 PM — Margaret Todd Senior Center, Hill Community Room, 1560 Hill Road, Novato
- Wednesday, April 30, 6 to 7:30 PM — San Geronimo Valley Community Center, Valley Room, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Geronimo
- Wednesday, May 13, 6 to 7 PM — Bolinas Firehouse, 100 Mesa Road, Bolinas
These sessions are designed to be open forums, a chance for residents to put everything on the table. County staff will be present to listen and document community feedback, but they are not the decision-makers. The input gathered will help inform the regulation update process.
For residents who prefer a one-on-one conversation, drop-in sessions are also available.
- Wednesday, May 6, 3 to 5 PM -- West Marin Health and Human Services, 1 6th Street, Point Reyes Station
- Wednesday, May 13, 3-5 PM -- Novato Library, 1720 Novato Boulevard
If your group or organization is interested in setting up a meeting with County experts, call (415) 473-6907 or email the CDA staff.
Interested in learning more? Check the Local Agency Management Program webpage and sign up for updates or email Liz Darby. Updates will be made to the website as public engagement continues. The Frequently Asked Questions section and additional public meetings will be posted online.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail County staff in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.