When to Apply for a Safe Adequate and Proper (SAP) Evaluation
A Safe Adequate and Proper (SAP) Evaluation is a courtesy review of an existing septic system requested by the local building official to protect public health. The local building official will request this type of review by VDH when you are applying for a building permit, modifying an existing structure, renovating an existing structure, or demolishing an existing structure.
How to Apply for a Safe, Adequate and Proper (SAP) Evaluation
- STEP 1: Initiate a building permit with your local community development office.
- STEP 2: Complete a Safe, Adequate, and Proper Application and submit to your local health department with a site plan detailing the location of the proposed addition relevant to the septic tank and distribution box of the existing septic system. Ensure accurate measurements from the addition to the tank and distribution box are shown on the site plan.
What Can I Expect During this Process
An Environmental Health Specialist will carefully review your application. If your application involves an addition intended for human occupancy, a functionality inspection by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will require you to uncover the septic tank and distribution box of your septic system. In the case of additions for non-human occupancy (e.g., pool, deck, gazebo, solar array), uncovering septic components may not be necessary, but it’s essential to ensure that the addition maintains a distance of 10 or 20 feet (depending on type of addition) from any septic system components. Once your application is approved, you must submit this approval to the local community development office to be attached to your building permit application.