SC By SCWS Team | February 2, 2026 | 18 min read
California Well Permit Requirements 2026
Planning to drill a well in California? The permitting landscape has evolved significantly, especially with SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) now in full effect across most of the state. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining well permits in California—from county requirements to SGMA compliance to understanding what's changed in recent years.
📋 California Well Permits: 2026 Quick Facts
- • Always required: County well drilling permit
- • Often required: GSA notification/approval (SGMA basins)
- • Sometimes required: CEQA review, public water system permit
- • Permit costs: $250 - $1,500+ (county), plus GSA fees
- • Timeline: 2 weeks to 12+ months depending on complexity
- • Contractor requirement: C-57 license mandatory
What's New in 2026
Several significant changes have affected California well permitting in recent years:
🆕 Key Changes Affecting 2026 Well Permits
SGMA Full Implementation
All medium and high priority basins now have active Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs). New wells in these areas may require GSA approval and metering.
Critically Overdrafted Basin Restrictions
21 critically overdrafted basins have implemented strict controls. Several have moratoriums or require pumping offsets for new wells.
Enhanced Well Standards
Updated California Well Standards (Bulletin 74-90) requirements are being enforced more strictly, including sealing and construction standards.
Fee Increases
Many counties have increased permit fees 10-25% since 2024. GSA fees for new well registration have also increased.
The Two-Layer Permit System
California well permitting now effectively operates on two levels:
Layer 1: County Well Permit (Always Required)
Every well in California requires a permit from the county environmental health department (or equivalent agency). This has been required for decades and covers:
- Proper well siting (setback compliance)
- Construction standards (casing, sealing, sanitary protection)
- Licensed contractor requirement
- Inspections during and after construction
- Well completion report filing
Layer 2: SGMA/GSA Compliance (Location Dependent)
In addition to county permits, wells in SGMA-regulated groundwater basins may require:
- Notification to or approval from the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)
- Well registration with the GSA
- Meter installation for pumping measurement
- Pumping fees based on extraction
- Possible pumping allocations or restrictions
⚠️ Critical Step
Before applying for a county permit, determine your SGMA basin status. If you're in a managed basin, contact the GSA first—some have restrictions that affect whether you can even drill a new well.
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Step 1: Determine Your Basin Status
First, identify whether your property is in a SGMA-managed groundwater basin:
- • Visit the DWR SGMA Basin Prioritization website
- • Identify your basin's priority level (High, Medium, Low, Very Low)
- • For High/Medium priority basins, find your local GSA
- • Check if your basin is critically overdrafted
Step 2: Contact Your GSA (If Applicable)
If you're in a high or medium priority basin:
- • Contact the GSA to understand requirements for new wells
- • Ask about any moratoriums or restrictions
- • Inquire about metering requirements
- • Understand any pumping fees or allocations
- • Get timeline estimates for approval
Step 3: Hire a Licensed Well Contractor
Select a C-57 licensed contractor who can:
- • Evaluate your site for well location
- • Verify setback requirements can be met
- • Provide technical input for the permit application
- • Handle permit applications (many contractors do this)
- • Verify license at cslb.ca.gov
Step 4: Prepare Application Documents
Typical requirements include:
- • Completed county well permit application form
- • Site plan showing proposed well location
- • Setback measurements to septic, property lines, etc.
- • Proof of property ownership or owner authorization
- • Contractor license information
- • Application fee payment
Step 5: Submit Application and Wait for Approval
The review process:
- • County reviews application for completeness
- • May request additional information or site visit
- • GSA review runs parallel (if applicable)
- • Permit issued with any conditions
- • Timeline: 2-12+ weeks depending on location
Step 6: Drilling and Completion
After permit approval:
- • Schedule drilling with your contractor
- • Required inspections during construction
- • Contractor files Well Completion Report (within 60 days)
- • Final inspection (if required)
- • Register with GSA and install meter (if required)
Setback Requirements
California well setback requirements protect groundwater quality by maintaining minimum distances between wells and potential contamination sources. While state guidelines exist, counties may have stricter requirements.
Typical California Setback Requirements
| Feature | Minimum Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Septic tank | 50-100 feet | Varies by county |
| Septic leach field | 100-150 feet | Some counties require 150'+ |
| Sewer lines | 50 feet | Public or private |
| Property lines | 5-20 feet | Depends on neighboring use |
| Animal enclosures | 50-100 feet | Corrals, pens, feedlots |
| Contaminated sites | Case by case | May prohibit well entirely |
| Flood zones | Special requirements | Additional sealing/height |
| Existing wells | Varies | Some counties have minimums |
💡 Can't Meet Setbacks?
If your property can't meet standard setbacks, options may include: applying for a variance (with justification), enhanced well construction (deeper sealing), relocating the septic system, or using alternative water sources. Discuss with your county environmental health department.
Permit Costs by County
Well permit fees vary significantly across California counties. Here are current (2026) fees for major Southern California counties:
| County | Domestic Well | Agricultural Well | Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | $465-$665 | $665-$865 | Included |
| Riverside | $400-$550 | $550-$750 | $75-$150 |
| San Bernardino | $350-$500 | $500-$700 | $100-$200 |
| Orange | $500-$700 | $700-$900 | Included |
| Los Angeles | $600-$900 | $900-$1,200 | $150-$300 |
| Imperial | $300-$450 | $450-$600 | $50-$100 |
Note: Fees change periodically. Contact your county environmental health department for current rates. These do not include GSA fees, which are additional.
SGMA Basin Status and Requirements
Basin Priority Levels
⚖️ SGMA Basin Categories
Very Low / Low Priority
Minimal SGMA Impact
No GSP required. Standard county permit process applies. No GSA approval needed.
Medium Priority
GSP in Effect
GSA notification often required. May need metering. Pumping fees possible.
High Priority
Active Management
GSA approval typically required. Metering mandatory. Pumping fees/allocations likely.
Critically Overdrafted
Strictest Controls
May have moratoriums. Offset requirements possible. Most restricted category.
Southern California SGMA Basin Status
Key Southern California groundwater basins and their 2026 status:
- San Diego Formation (San Diego County): Medium priority, GSP active, metering for new wells
- Temecula Valley (Riverside): Medium priority, GSP active, moderate restrictions
- Coachella Valley (Riverside): High priority, critically overdrafted, strict controls
- Mojave Basin (San Bernardino): Adjudicated, water rights required
- Indian Wells Valley (multiple): Critically overdrafted, severe restrictions
- Borrego Valley (San Diego): Critically overdrafted, allocation system in place
⚠️ Before Buying Property
If you're considering purchasing property with the intention of drilling a well, verify the SGMA status BEFORE purchase. In critically overdrafted basins, you may not be able to drill a new well at all, or may face significant ongoing pumping fees. This can dramatically affect property value and usability.
Special Permit Situations
Replacement Wells
Replacing an existing well typically follows a simplified process:
- New permit required for replacement well
- Old well must be properly destroyed (permitted separately)
- SGMA status: often treated more favorably than new wells
- Some GSAs exempt replacement wells from certain requirements
- Must be on same property, serving same use
Well Deepening
Deepening an existing well requires:
- County modification permit
- Some counties/GSAs treat as new well for SGMA purposes
- Significant deepening may trigger full new well review
- Well Completion Report amendment required
Well Destruction
When abandoning a well, proper destruction is required:
- Destruction permit required from county
- Must be done by C-57 licensed contractor
- Specific sealing procedures (cement grout)
- Well Completion Report filed for destruction
- Fees: typically $150-$400 for permit
Permit Timeline Expectations
⏱️ Realistic Permit Timelines
Simple Domestic Well
2-4 Weeks
Non-SGMA basin, no setback issues
SGMA Basin Domestic
4-8 Weeks
Medium/high priority basin, GSA review
Agricultural/Commercial
6-16 Weeks
Additional review, possible CEQA
Complex Projects
3-18 Months
CEQA required, public water system
Required Documents Checklist
For All Well Permits:
- ☐ Completed county well permit application
- ☐ Site plan showing proposed well location (to scale)
- ☐ Setback diagram with distances measured
- ☐ Proof of property ownership (deed or recent property tax bill)
- ☐ Owner authorization letter (if applicant isn't owner)
- ☐ Contractor C-57 license number
- ☐ Permit fee payment
Additional for SGMA Basins:
- ☐ GSA application or notification form
- ☐ Proposed water use description
- ☐ Expected pumping volume estimates
- ☐ GSA fee payment
- ☐ Commitment to meter installation (if required)
Additional for Commercial/Agricultural:
- ☐ Water demand calculations
- ☐ Business/agricultural use description
- ☐ CEQA documentation (if required)
- ☐ Engineering reports (if required)
- ☐ Public water system application (if applicable)
Consequences of Unpermitted Wells
Drilling without a permit is illegal and creates serious problems:
💸 Financial Penalties
Fines up to $500-$5,000 per violation, plus daily penalties
🔨 Forced Destruction
County can require well destruction at owner's expense
🏠 Property Sale Issues
Title companies flag unpermitted wells; buyers walk away
⚖️ Contractor Liability
C-57 contractors drilling without permits face license action
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to drill a well in California?
Yes, all wells in California require a permit from the county environmental health department before drilling can begin. This includes domestic, agricultural, and commercial wells. Additionally, wells in SGMA-managed groundwater basins may require approval from the local Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
How much does a well permit cost in California in 2026?
County well permit fees in California range from $250-$1,500 depending on the county and well type. Additional costs may include SGMA/GSA fees ($100-$2,000+), CEQA review if required ($500-$5,000+), and inspection fees. Total permitting costs typically range from $300 for simple domestic wells to $10,000+ for complex commercial projects.
What are the setback requirements for wells in California?
California well setback requirements vary by county but typically include: 50-100 feet from septic tanks, 100+ feet from septic leach fields, 50-100 feet from property lines (depending on neighboring uses), 50+ feet from sewer lines, and 50+ feet from animal enclosures. Some counties have stricter requirements.
How long does it take to get a well permit in California?
Standard domestic well permits typically take 2-4 weeks in most California counties. However, permits in SGMA-managed basins may take 4-12 weeks with GSA review. Commercial wells requiring CEQA review can take 3-18 months. Some critically overdrafted basins have moratoriums that may prevent new wells entirely.
What is SGMA and how does it affect well permits?
SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) requires California groundwater basins to achieve sustainability by 2040-2042. In SGMA-managed basins (high and medium priority), new wells may require GSA approval, metering, pumping fees, or face restrictions. Critically overdrafted basins have the strictest requirements, including possible moratoriums on new wells.
Do I need a permit to repair or deepen an existing well?
Most California counties require permits for well modifications including deepening, pump replacement in some cases, and major repairs. Routine maintenance like pump service typically doesn't require a permit. Deepening a well may be treated as a new well for SGMA purposes in some basins.
Who can drill a well in California?
Only contractors with a C-57 Well Drilling license from the California Contractors State License Board can legally drill wells in California. This applies to all well drilling, including domestic, agricultural, and commercial wells. Verify contractor licensing at cslb.ca.gov before hiring.
What happens after the well is drilled?
After drilling, the contractor must file a Well Completion Report with the Department of Water Resources within 60 days. Many counties require a final inspection before the well can be put into service. In SGMA basins, you may need to register the well with the GSA and install a meter. Keep all permits and completion reports for property records.
Need Help Navigating California Well Permits?
Southern California Well Service has been helping property owners obtain well permits and drill wells throughout San Diego, Riverside, and surrounding counties for over 20 years. We understand the current regulations and can guide your project through the permit process efficiently. Contact us for a consultation about your well project.
