How much does a well permit cost in San Diego County?

San Diego County well permit fees (as of 2026) typically include: new domestic well permit approximately $400-600, site inspection fee $150-250, final inspection fee $100-150, and environmental review if required (additional cost). Total permitting costs are usually $600-1,200 for straightforward domestic wells. Fees are updated periodically; check the DEH website for current fee schedule.

What are San Diego County well setback requirements?

San Diego County requires: 100 feet from any septic system component (tank, leach field, seepage pit), 10 feet from property lines (with neighbor approval, or 50 feet without), 50 feet from surface water bodies, safe distance from contamination sources, and compliance with additional requirements in specific districts. These are minimums; greater distances may be required based on site conditions or soil type.

How long does San Diego County well permit approval take?

Simple domestic well permits with complete applications typically take 3-6 weeks for approval. Complex cases involving environmental review, groundwater basin restrictions, or incomplete applications may take 2-4 months or longer. To expedite: submit complete applications, use experienced well drillers familiar with county requirements, and address any deficiencies promptly.

Do I need a well permit for pump replacement in San Diego County?

No permit is required for routine pump replacement, pressure tank replacement, or general well system repairs that don't alter the well construction. Permits are required for: new well construction, well deepening or modification, well destruction/abandonment, and converting well use (e.g., irrigation to domestic). When in doubt, contact DEH or your well service company.

San Diego County Well Permits: Requirements & Process Guide

Q: Where do I get a well permit in San Diego County?

Well permits in San Diego County are issued by the Department of Environmental Health (DEH), Land and Water Quality Division. Applications can be submitted online through the county's AMANDA portal or in person at DEH offices. Your licensed well driller typically handles the application as part of their service. The DEH office is located at 5500 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123.

San Diego County has specific well permit requirements that differ from other California counties. Understanding local rules, setbacks, and processes helps ensure smooth permit approval for your new well project.

Permitting Authority

San Diego County well permits are issued by:

Department of Environmental Health (DEH)

Land and Water Quality Division
5500 Overland Avenue, Suite 170
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 565-5200

San Diego County Setback Requirements

Potential Contamination Source	Required Distance
Septic tank	100 feet
Leach field/seepage pit	100 feet
Property line (with neighbor approval)	10 feet
Property line (without approval)	50 feet
Surface water	50 feet
Animal enclosures	100 feet
Fuel storage	100 feet

Note: San Diego County's 100-foot septic setback is stricter than some other counties. This can impact well placement on smaller parcels.

Permit Fees

New domestic well permit: ~$400-600
Site inspection: ~$150-250
Final inspection: ~$100-150
Well destruction permit: ~$200-400
Variance request: Additional fees may apply

Fees are updated periodically. Check the DEH website for current fee schedule.

Application Requirements

Required Documents

✓ Completed well permit application
✓ Site plan showing well location and setbacks
✓ Assessor's parcel number (APN)
✓ Property owner authorization
✓ Licensed driller (C-57) information
✓ Proposed well specifications
✓ Application fee payment

Common Areas We Serve

We handle well permits throughout San Diego County including:

Fallbrook

Ramona

Valley Center

Julian

Alpine

Jamul

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get a well permit in San Diego County?

Department of Environmental Health, Land and Water Quality Division. Applications can be submitted online or at DEH offices. Your well driller typically handles this.

How long does permit approval take?

Simple domestic wells: 3-6 weeks. Complex cases: 2-4 months. Submit complete applications to expedite.

Do I need a permit for pump replacement?

No permit needed for routine pump/tank replacement or repairs. Permits required for new wells, deepening, modification, or abandonment.

San Diego County Well Services

We handle the entire permit process for San Diego County wells. From application to final inspection—we know the local requirements.

Call (760) 463-0493

Related Guides

California Permit Process

General California requirements.

Setback Requirements

Detailed setback distance rules.

San Diego County Well Permits