Butte County Well & Septic Public Meeting

Butte County Begins Review of Well and Septic Ordinances

Butte County Public Health has launched a comprehensive review and update of the County's water well and septic system regulations, marking the first major review of these standards in several years. The effort is part of the County's Rural Water Safety Project and is expected to continue through 2028.

The project will evaluate and update regulations governing water wells (Chapter 23B) and onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), commonly known as septic systems (Chapter 19B). County officials say the goal is to ensure local requirements align with current state regulations, industry standards, groundwater management objectives, and community needs while providing greater clarity for property owners, contractors, well drillers, and development professionals.

Why It Matters

The updated ordinances could affect a wide range of projects throughout Butte County, including:

• New residential and commercial construction
• Rural development projects
• ADU and housing development applications
• Agricultural properties requiring wells
• Septic system design, installation, and replacement projects
• Property transactions involving private wells and septic systems

According to the County, updates are being considered to improve consistency in permitting and review processes, strengthen public health and groundwater protections, and reflect recent changes in state policies and technical standards.

Industry Participation Encouraged

Contractors, engineers, developers, well drillers, septic professionals, real estate practitioners, and property owners are encouraged to participate in the process.

The County has opened public input surveys for both water wells and septic systems and will be gathering feedback throughout the update process. Public review drafts are expected in 2027, with ordinance adoption anticipated in late 2027 or early 2028.

A public meeting is scheduled for:

Wednesday, July 22, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Butte County Human Resources Training Rooms
3 County Center Drive, Oroville

The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed updates, hear what issues are being evaluated, and offer feedback directly to County staff and project consultants.

Stay Informed

As these updates progress, Valley Contractors Exchange will continue monitoring developments that may impact permitting, construction, land development, and rural infrastructure projects throughout Butte and surrounding counties.

To learn more, participate in the surveys, or sign up for project updates, visit the Butte County Well & Septic Ordinance Updates Web Page