SC By SCWS Team | February 2, 2026 | 10 min read
Well Setback Requirements in San Diego County
Planning to drill a new well in San Diego County? Before you can obtain a permit, your well location must meet specific setback requirements—minimum distances from septic systems, property lines, buildings, and other features. Understanding these requirements early in your planning process can save you significant time, money, and frustration. This comprehensive guide explains all San Diego County well setback regulations and how to navigate them successfully.
đź“Ź Quick Reference: Key San Diego Well Setbacks
- • 50 feet from septic tanks
- • 100 feet from septic leach fields
- • 5 feet from property lines
- • 5-10 feet from buildings
- • 50 feet from animal enclosures
- • 100+ feet from contamination sources
Why Well Setback Requirements Exist
Well setback requirements aren't arbitrary bureaucracy—they protect your groundwater and your family's health. Here's why these distances matter:
- Contamination prevention: Distance from septic systems and other pollution sources allows soil to naturally filter contaminants before they reach groundwater
- Structural protection: Setbacks from buildings ensure drilling equipment access and prevent foundation damage
- Property rights: Distances from property lines prevent disputes with neighbors and protect their groundwater rights
- Future flexibility: Proper placement allows for future construction, septic repairs, or well maintenance
- Legal compliance: Meeting setbacks ensures your well is properly permitted and won't cause problems when selling your property
San Diego County Well Setback Requirements
San Diego County follows California state well standards with some local modifications. Here's the complete breakdown of required setbacks:
Septic System Setbacks
The most critical setbacks involve septic systems, which are the primary contamination risk for private wells:
| Septic Component | Minimum Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Septic tank | 50 feet | From edge of tank |
| Leach field (disposal area) | 100 feet | From any part of leach lines |
| Seepage pit | 100 feet | Same as leach field |
| Septic distribution box | 50 feet | From box center |
| Neighbor's septic system | 50-100 feet | Same requirements apply |
⚠️ Important: Neighbor's Septic Systems Count
You must maintain setback distances from your neighbor's septic systems too. Before finalizing your well location, ask neighbors about their septic layout or check county records.
Property and Structure Setbacks
| Feature | Minimum Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property line | 5 feet | Some areas require more |
| Buildings/structures | 5-10 feet | Depends on construction type |
| Driveways/roads | 5 feet | From edge of pavement |
| Swimming pools | 25 feet | From pool structure |
| Power lines (overhead) | 10+ feet | For drilling rig clearance |
Environmental and Contamination Setbacks
| Contamination Source | Minimum Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Animal enclosures/corrals | 50 feet | Larger for commercial operations |
| Fertilizer/pesticide storage | 100 feet | From storage areas |
| Fuel storage tanks | 100 feet | Above or underground |
| Landfills/dumps | 1,000+ feet | Varies by type and age |
| Streams/surface water | 50 feet | May vary by area |
| Cemetery/burial grounds | 200 feet | Required by state law |
Visualizing Well Setbacks on Your Property
Here's how to map out setback requirements for your specific property:
🗺️ Step-by-Step Site Evaluation
Step 1: Get a Property Survey
Obtain or create a scale drawing of your property showing all structures, septic components, and property lines.
Step 2: Mark Exclusion Zones
Draw circles around each feature using the required setback distances. The overlapping areas are off-limits for well placement.
Step 3: Consider Access
Drilling rigs need 20-30 feet of clearance and firm ground access. Eliminate areas that can't be reached by equipment.
Step 4: Identify Viable Locations
The remaining area is where your well can legally be placed. A licensed contractor can help identify the optimal spot.
What If My Property Can't Meet Setback Requirements?
Small lots or properties with challenging layouts sometimes struggle to meet all setback requirements. Here are your options:
Variance Applications
San Diego County can grant variances for properties where strict compliance is impossible. To apply:
- Document the hardship: Show that compliance is physically impossible, not just inconvenient
- Propose mitigation measures: Deeper casing, additional well sealing, or water treatment systems
- Provide geological assessment: Professional evaluation showing reduced contamination risk
- Submit formal application: Through the Department of Environmental Health
đź’ˇ Pro Tip
Variance applications are more successful when submitted with professional support. Working with a licensed well contractor who has successfully obtained variances before significantly improves your chances.
Alternative Solutions
- Relocate septic system: Sometimes it's easier to move the septic than find a new well location
- Shared wells: Neighboring properties may share a well with proper legal agreements
- Deep well construction: Drilling deeper with additional casing may satisfy regulators
- Connection to water district: In some areas, municipal water may be available as an alternative
The Permit Application Process
Understanding how setbacks are verified during the permit process helps you prepare:
Permit Process Steps
-
1
Submit Application
Include site plan showing proposed well location, septic system, structures, and property lines with distances.
-
2
County Review
DEH staff reviews setback compliance, may request additional documentation or clarification.
-
3
Pre-Drilling Inspection
Inspector may visit site to verify proposed location meets requirements before approving drilling.
-
4
Permit Issued
Once approved, permit is issued with specific conditions including verified well location.
-
5
Final Inspection
After drilling, inspector verifies well was installed at approved location before signing off.
For complete details on the permit process, see our San Diego well permit guide.
Special Considerations by Area
Different parts of San Diego County may have additional setback requirements:
Groundwater Basin Areas
Properties within designated groundwater management areas under SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) may face additional requirements. Learn more about how SGMA affects homeowners.
Coastal Areas
Properties near the coast may need to address:
- Saltwater intrusion concerns
- Coastal Commission jurisdiction
- Additional setbacks from sensitive habitats
Agricultural Properties
Farms and ranches need to account for:
- Larger setbacks from concentrated animal areas
- Chemical application and storage zones
- Irrigation system components
For agricultural well planning, see our guide to agricultural irrigation wells.
Common Setback Mistakes to Avoid
đźš© Forgetting Neighbor's Septic
Your neighbor's septic system requires the same setback as your own—check before finalizing location
đźš© Ignoring Future Construction
A well location that works today might block future building or septic expansion plans
đźš© Measuring Incorrectly
Setbacks are measured from the edge of components, not centers—double-check your measurements
đźš© Not Verifying Septic Location
Septic systems aren't always where homeowners think—get professional verification
đźš© Overlooking Access Needs
A legally compliant location is useless if drilling equipment can't reach it
đźš© Assuming Older Wells Are OK
When replacing wells, current setback requirements apply—don't assume the old location works
How a Licensed Well Contractor Helps
Working with an experienced well drilling company provides significant advantages when navigating setback requirements:
âś… What SCWS Provides
Professional Site Evaluation
We identify all setback requirements for your specific property
Accurate Site Plans
We prepare compliant documentation for permit applications
Variance Assistance
Experience with successful variance applications when needed
Optimal Location Selection
Balance setback compliance with geological factors for best results
Permit Handling
We manage the entire permit process including inspections
Local Knowledge
20+ years experience with San Diego County regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a well be from a septic tank in San Diego County?
In San Diego County, a well must be at least 50 feet from a septic tank. This setback increases to 100 feet from septic leach fields (disposal areas). These distances help protect groundwater from contamination.
What is the minimum distance from a well to a property line in San Diego?
Wells in San Diego County must be at least 5 feet from property lines. However, if the neighboring property has a septic system, you must also maintain the 50-100 foot setback from their septic components.
Can I get a variance for well setback requirements?
Yes, variances are possible but require approval from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health. You'll need to demonstrate that strict compliance is impractical and that alternative measures will protect water quality. A licensed well contractor or engineer typically assists with variance applications.
How close can a well be to a building or house?
In San Diego County, wells must be at least 5 feet from buildings and structures. Some jurisdictions require 10 feet for accessibility and maintenance. The well should also be positioned to allow access for drilling equipment and future service.
What setback is required from a well to a driveway or road?
Wells should be at least 5 feet from driveways and roads in San Diego County. This prevents damage from vehicle traffic and provides access for maintenance. Public roads may have additional easement requirements.
Are well setback requirements different for agricultural wells?
The same basic setback requirements apply to agricultural wells, but additional considerations include distances from animal enclosures (50 feet minimum), chemical storage areas (100+ feet), and irrigation runoff areas. Agricultural properties may need professional site planning.
What happens if my existing well doesn't meet current setback requirements?
Existing wells that predate current regulations are typically grandfathered in but may require additional monitoring or treatment. If you're replacing or deepening an existing well, current setback requirements may apply. Consult with the county and a licensed contractor for guidance.
Who enforces well setback requirements in San Diego County?
The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) Land and Water Quality Division enforces well setback requirements. They review permit applications and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
Need Help With Well Setback Planning?
Our team has 20+ years of experience navigating San Diego County well regulations. We'll evaluate your property, identify viable well locations, and handle the entire permit process. Get a free consultation to discuss your property's specific requirements.
