By SCWS Team
Published February 17, 2026 · 12 min read
Drilling a new well in California requires navigating county permit requirements, setback rules, and increasingly, groundwater sustainability regulations. Understanding the process upfront saves time, money, and frustration.
Who Issues Well Permits?
In California, well permits are typically issued by:
- County Environmental Health Department: Most common for domestic wells
- County Water Resources Department: In some counties
- Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA): Additional approval in SGMA-regulated basins
Your well drilling contractor typically handles permit applications as part of their service, but understanding the process helps you plan appropriately.
Permit Application Requirements
While requirements vary by county, typical application requirements include:
Standard Application Components
- Property documentation: Proof of ownership or permission
- Site plan: Showing proposed well location and distances to structures
- Setback compliance: Distances to septic, property lines, other wells
- Well specifications: Proposed depth, diameter, construction details
- Intended use: Domestic, irrigation, etc.
- Driller information: Licensed C-57 contractor
- Application fee: Varies by county
Permit Fees
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Domestic well permit | $200-800 |
| Site inspection | $100-300 |
| Final inspection | $100-200 |
| Environmental review (if required) | $500-2,000+ |
| GSA fee (SGMA basins) | Varies widely |
| Total typical cost | $500-1,500 |
The Permit Process: Step by Step
- Initial consultation: Contact well driller and/or county to understand requirements
- Site assessment: Identify potential well location meeting setback requirements
- Application preparation: Gather documentation, prepare site plan
- Submit application: File with county (driller often handles this)
- County review: 2-4 weeks for simple cases; longer for complex
- Site inspection: County verifies proposed location
- Permit issuance: Approval to proceed with drilling
- Drilling: Licensed contractor drills well
- Final inspection: County verifies construction
- Well completion report: Driller files with state
SGMA Considerations
California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) affects well permitting in many areas:
- Regulated basins: Many California groundwater basins now have GSAs
- Additional review: New wells may require GSA approval beyond county permit
- Potential restrictions: Some basins limit new wells or require water rights documentation
- Fees: GSAs may charge separate fees for new well approval
- Metering requirements: Some areas require production monitoring
See our detailed SGMA regulations guide for more information.
Common Reasons for Permit Denial
- Proposed location doesn't meet setback requirements
- Property already has adequate water supply
- GSA restrictions on new wells
- Environmental concerns (endangered species, wetlands)
- Incomplete application or missing documentation
- Moratorium on new wells in certain areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to drill a well in California?
Yes, all new wells require permits from your county. Drilling without a permit is illegal and can result in fines, required abandonment, or property sale issues.
How much does a well permit cost?
Typically $200-800 for the permit itself, with total costs (inspections, fees) of $500-1,500. Complex cases with environmental review cost more.
How long does permit approval take?
Simple domestic wells: 2-4 weeks. Wells in SGMA basins or requiring environmental review: 2-6 months. Allow at least 1-2 months for planning.
Ready to Drill a New Well?
Southern California Well Service handles the entire permit process for you. We know local requirements and can navigate the process efficiently.
Call (760) 463-0493