I want to get a zoning permit for my building addition, so why can’t I use the private onsite wastewater treatment system evaluation that was done when I purchased the home?

The property owner will have to have another POWTS evaluation done because there is specific administrative code language that specifies when a POWTS evaluation is required. As part of those requirements, there is more detailed information that will need to be submitted to the permitting authority for review. Some of the required submitted information is soil test boring data that will determine whether the existing POWTS can meet the minimum depth of separation to limiting conditions. The typical limiting condition in this area is seasonal saturation depth (seasonal water table).

The seasonal saturation depth can be observed by specific soil feature characteristics found in the various layers found in the soil. A soil pit is typically required to perform a soil test. The soil boring will be dug near the existing POWTS (drain field), and the soil characteristics/properties will be described and recorded on a soil test report form. The evaluator who performs the soil test and provides the rest of the required information for the existing POWTS evaluation has to be licensed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services.

The POWTS evaluation for real estate sale transactions does not require licensure and does not have a specific set of standards or requirements to follow. The data in their reports can be less specific and more general. It is for these reasons – required standards & licensing, that another POWTS evaluation needs to be completed to obtain a permit for a building addition/renovation.

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1. When do I need a sanitary permit for a POWTS?
2. How do I get a sanitary permit?
3. My septic system is not working anymore. How do I get it replaced with another septic system that works?
4. Does it matter if I do all my laundry in one day?
5. How long are soil tests (perk tests) for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) good for?
6. Why do I need a sanitary permit?
7. How long is a sanitary permit good for?
8. I have heard of County sanitary permits – When are these issued?
9. Do mound systems really work?
10. Can anybody install a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS)?
11. Can I have a food waste grinder installed in my home even though I have a POWTS?
12. How often should I pump my treatment tank(s)?
13. Are two-chamber or multi-chamber septic tanks better for your POWTS than single chamber tanks?
14. Does having a two-chamber septic tank help to reduce the maintenance frequency of my effluent filter?
15. How often do I have to service the effluent filter in my septic tank?
16. Is there financial assistance available for property owners whose POWTS has failed and needs to be replaced?
17. I see advertisements that say “if I buy this product I can reduce the pumping cost for my septic tank.” Does this really help?
18. How are Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) sized?
19. I want to get a zoning permit for my building addition, so why can’t I use the private onsite wastewater treatment system evaluation that was done when I purchased the home?
20. I have a mound POWTS and I want to landscape it. Can I plant trees and shrubs on or around it?