Sometimes. A new septic system needs county approval anywhere in Riverside County, and Quail Valley in Menifee and the Temecula Wine Country area have extra limits.
The county's Department of Environmental Health (DEH) requires an OWTS Construction Application. An Environmental Health Specialist reviews the plans, and construction can begin once they are approved. Applications go to DEH's Riverside or Indio office. For a new system, DEH lists these items, along with a building permit from the local building and safety agency:
Quail Valley is in the City of Menifee, according to Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). Riverside County's LAMP says new systems are prohibited in the mapped prohibition area because of small lots, high population density, historical failure rates, poor soils and variable groundwater. No existing system there may be expanded to serve new construction or added fixtures.
DEH's Quail Valley notice says the Regional Water Quality Control Board currently allows new systems in areas of Quail Valley other than sub-areas 4 and 9 if they meet certain criteria. Percolation tests must be done by a registered Professional of Record in the presence of DEH staff, on weekdays during business hours. The application must include a building permit transmittal from the City of Menifee.
EMWD is working on a septic-to-sewer project for sub-areas 9 and 4. It lists sub-area 9 Phase I as complete and sub-area 4 as in design.
DEH Bulletin 159-23 covers commercial projects in Temecula Wine Country that want to use septic. To fall under DEH, sewer must be imminent, meaning the sewering agency documents that a lateral connection will be available within 2 years. Only domestic wastewater counts, with a 1,200 gallon per day maximum for the whole parcel. DEH can then permit a temporary holding tank or hybrid system. Other projects are referred to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The county's LAMP adds that wine country siting rules could include larger setbacks from public supply well capture zones, alternative treatment systems and flow limits. It says commercial projects over 1,200 gallons per day must connect to sewer when sewer is within 200 feet of the property line.
That bulletin is about commercial projects. A homeowner with a wine country parcel should ask DEH what applies to a residence. DEH's Quail Valley Lookup map on its septic page helps you check a parcel in Quail Valley.
Talk to a registered Professional of Record or a licensed septic contractor before you buy or build on a lot that has no sewer.
Only people with a State of California Professional Engineer, Professional Geologist or Registered Environmental Health Specialist credential who are registered with DEH as a Professional of Record.
DEH says alternative treatment units can address soil conditions that prevent a conventional system, but they can cost more to build and maintain. They need an annual operating permit from DEH.
The LAMP says no existing system in the prohibited area may be expanded or modified to serve new construction or additional fixtures or appliances. Ask DEH about your sub-area.
DEH takes applications at its Riverside or Indio office, depending on where the project is located.
Temecula Valley Septic is a free referral service, not a contractor. Request a free quote from a local septic contractor.