Onsite Authorization - Application Guide
What is an Onsite Authorization?
A report issued by Deschutes County Onsite Division establishing that an existing onsite wastewater treatment system appears adequate for its intended use.
When do you need one?
An Authorization Notice is required when a property owner with an existing onsite septic system wants to place that system into service, reconnect to that system, or increase the projected daily flow into that system.
Examples:
- add additional bedrooms to existing residence. An authorization is required because the addition will increase the projected flow to the existing system.
- build a new dwelling on the property with an existing septic system or adding plumbing in a detached structure.
- placing a system into service ( system > 5 years old )
- Reconnecting to Existing System (Replacement dwelling)
Notice: Depending on the proposed changes, an Onsite Permit may be required. Onsite Wastewater staff will notify you of any further requirements after they have reviewed your Authorization request.
Required, Conditional and Reference Forms
Required Forms
- Authorized Representative Form - upload this document while applying for the Site Evaluation if applicant is not the owner.
Reference Forms - used as guidelines for creating your site plan.
Summary of Instructions
Step 1: Log into your account on the Oregon ePermitting website. Follow instructions located on the webpage here to create an account. For Onsite/Septic Permits, you do not need to associate licenses to your account.
Step 2: Hover over the “Apply” button and select “Onsite/Septic Application”.
Step 3: Search for your address and then select the “Authorization” Application Type.
Step 4: Fill in any other necessary information such as the detailed description/scope of work*, contact information, site contact, applicant and any required information which will be marked with a red asterisk (*).
*NOTICE: While filling in the required fields we ask that you provide us with as much relevant detail as possible in the detailed description field, aka scope of work , to ensure that there are no delays during the permitting process.
Step 5: Upload all required Documents, view the table below for more details as to what documents are required. Once submitted, staff will contact you if any additional information is needed. If the application is complete, fees will be invoiced.
- Documents uploaded should not be pictures or photos of the document. Image files do not meet file type requirements.
- PDF documents are the only document file type that will be reviewed, .ZIP files will not be accepted.
| # | Document Name/Type | Document Category for Upload |
| 1 | Site Plan | Other |
| 2 | Authorized Representative Form (if applicable) | Other |
Step 6: Submit your application. A Permit Technician will review your application, if they deem the permit incomplete you will be required to provide more information. Be on the lookout for an email from accela-noreply@deschutes.org or directly from a Permit Technician for further instructions such a fee payment.
Step 7: Pay your fees
Related Webpages
Read more about Oregon ePermitting, our permitting system. The Oregon ePermitting Website allows licensed contractors and homeowners to apply for permits such as Building and Septic/Onsite permits with just a few clicks of a mouse. At this time, Planning Permits cannot be applied for via the ePermitting Website, refer to the Planning & Zoning page for the application instructions.
Supporting Documents
Authorizing Representative Form (221 KB) 
