We are still working under the Governor’s Phase 2 guidance for construction sites.

• Our building remains closed to the public, but we are working remotely to help you.
• Staff will wear masks on site visits in accordance with L&I guidelines. Help by observing 6-foot physical distancing. In some cases, we can conduct site visits over video conferencing.

• We will reopen safely when we can. We encourage you to apply online and schedule virtual meetings and virtual consultations. Most services are available online.

Guidance for projects in Pierce County Shoreline Jurisdiction

Procedure for onsite submittals in the Pierce County Shoreline Jurisdiction:

• When submitting a septic system repair application for a property along a shoreline, your customer will also need to submit a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit Exemption to Pierce County Planning and Public Works. Document the severity of the failure, as applications for surface failures may be expedited.
• If you submit for new construction or a remodel in which you will add to, alter or replace the existing septic system, your customer will need to file an exemption. After review by Pierce County, this may also require a Shoreline Variance.
• For more information, review the Pierce County Code Chapter 18.S – Shorelines.
• Questions:
  • Is your property in the Shoreline Jurisdiction?
    • Contact Dave Risvold at dave.risvold@piercecountywa.gov.
  • How does this apply to on-site sewage applications?
    • Contact Leigh McIntire at lmcintire@tpchd.org.

We’ll review restrictive covenants before recording 

We’ve seen an increase in errors on restrictive covenant recorded documents. To ensure proper documentation, we’ll review restrictive covenants for your clients before they record. This will assure accuracy and save time in processing your application. Questions? Contact ehdrinkingwater@tpchd.org.

Application review times

We’re working hard to help you plan and know when to expect a response to your application submittal. We are reviewing most applications within:

• Septic system and well applications: 45 business days.
• Report of System Status: 14 business days.

We continue to shift resources to help balance review times across the county. Please be patient as we work through our backlog of applications and resubmittals. We will soon add data on our application status page to show the oldest application date currently in review.

5 errors to avoid when you submit your application

We see 30% of applications with submittal errors. It can delay application review if your submittal is incomplete or if we can’t identify the proposed plan. Things to avoid:

• Incorrect application type submitted, or incorrect fee selected.
• Missing attachments or documents not attached in the correct location.
• Poor or no description of the proposed work.
• Other structures on the property not labeled on the design or site plan.
• Lack of payment.

Continue to help the process go more smoothly

• Submit a complete application packet the first time.
• Apply online. We’ll soon require you to submit all applications electronically. If you need help, use our online submittal guidance or contact Brad Costello at bcostello@tpchd.org.
• Check your application status at www.tpchd.org/applicationstatus. Our administrative processing time may take up to 3 business days.

• Need to add information to your application? Please don’t submit more than once.

• Did you apply online? Log back on to your account on https://eco.tpchd.org to resubmit. Review instructions for how to upload resubmittals.
• Did you submit by mail or in person before March? Email resubmittal documents to EHSepticSystems@tpchd.org. Include the following information in your email:

• Subject Line: include property address.
• Service Request number (e.g. SR0123456).
• Site address.
• Parcel number.
• Description of document.

• Help us stay focused on your applications.
• Limit calls and emails to staff.
• Permit staff are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-9:30 a.m. to respond to calls and emails or schedule an appointment to discuss a review we performed.

• Ensure your sites are properly prepared for inspection. Field staff need a site map and reasonable access to the site, soil test pits and well sites. Soils test pits must be properly constructed with sloped access. This will help you avoid re-inspection and associated fees and keep our staff safe.
• Remember, last minute changes or appointment cancellations can dramatically impact our efficiency and review timelines. Please help us with good planning and communication.

Payments

• When you apply online, we automatically generate an invoice. You receive an email confirmation with an account and invoice number. Anyone can use these numbers to pay online.
• If you or your customer need to pay with a check, mail a check in with a copy of the invoice.

Questions?

• Leigh McIntire, On-Site Sewage Program Manager at lmcintire@tpchd.org.
• Chrissy Cooley, Water Resources Program Manager at ccooley@tpchd.org.

Curious about Pierce County’s COVID-19 response? Check out our website at www.tpchd.org/coronavirus.