This page is a quick summary of resources for a homeowner in Alameda County who may need to do a plumbing project within the County. In most cases, residents in Alameda County want to go to their City-Specific pages (see below). The County takes over responsibility in areas where water, sewer, or the streets are maintained by the County. They also provide permits and building codes for private water tanks and septic systems.
Alameda County Plumbing Services and Project Types
Generally, we provide the same types of services that we provide to City Residents. Most of our Septic and Water tank projects are under the County jurisdiction.
| Water | Sewer | Electrical Conduit | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Leak Repairs (typically no permit) Water Line Replacements and Upgrades Backflows | New Cleanouts Adding new connections to the existing sewer line Backwater Valves New connections to the main | Installing new conduit, usually as part of an electrical upgrade | Includes septic systems, sewage pumps, water pumps, storm drains, French drains, foundation waterproof protection, water storage tanks, water wells |
| Permits: For County projects, their Building Dept handles the majority of permits, Encroachment permits may be required tbd, but you start with the Building Dept. Utilities will be involved when a project involves their assets (from property line cleanout to main). | Permits: Building or no permit | ||
Explore our full list of Services for more details.
Permits
A permit is an official document issued by local governments and utility providers that grants permission to construct or alter a property. Its primary purpose is to ensure construction projects comply with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations.
As the property owner, you usually have the option to obtain a permit for projects solely on your private property. While getting a permit may add to the cost and timeline of your project, it also provides peace of mind, knowing that your project has been reviewed by an expert in local building codes.
Anytime your project involves a public or utility-owned asset, you must obtain a permit.
If you hire us to assist with your project, we will file for any necessary permits. Typically, our clients pay the cost of the permit directly to the issuer, but they save on the time and expense of filing, which is part of our service.
There are three types of permits we generally work with.
| Building | Public Works (aka Encroachment Permits) | Utility Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Generally easy to file for and not very expensive for the types of projects we do. They cover projects on private property. | Public Works Permits can be a lengthy and time-consuming task to obtain. We are experienced in filing for these types of permits and recommend you allow us to provide that service to you. | When the City/Town provides the utility service, it is included with a building or public works permit. If the utility is managed separately, the property owner must obtain permission and adhere to the utility’s building codes. |
As a licensed contractor in California with significant experience delivering projects in the local communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, our construction practices and materials comply with the California Building Code (CBC). We encourage our clients to get permits but doing so is not required.
County of Alameda Links
|
Alameda County Building and Public Works If you are not sure if your property is served by a City Building and/or Public Works Department, first check with your local City. They should direct you to the County if they do not. Use the links to the right to navigate the Alameda County Permit Process. |
Starting Page for Alameda County Building Permits https://www.acpwa.org/permits/portal/index.page? Note, simple permits can be started here “Application Guide” for navigating the process to obtain a permit https://acpermit.acgov.org/Permit/api/EntryForm/Download/10/-1/-1?readOnly=False Alameda County Permit Forms https://www.acpwa.org/permits/forms-and-handouts.page? |
| Water Utility The County does not provide a Water Utility. Most residents will be served by a private well-water tank system or one of the following Utilities. Each Utility has its permit process. Please contact your water service provider for their process. Alameda County Water District (ACWD) ACWD provides water services to the cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Service Area EBMUD serves a significant portion of Alameda County, including many unincorporated areas such as Ashland, Cherryland, Castro Valley, and San Lorenzo. Zone 7 Water Agency Service Area Map Zone 7 supplies water to the eastern parts of Alameda County, including areas around Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin. | Alameda County Water District (ACWD) New or Modified Water Service: https://www.acwd.org/171/Customer-Work-Request-Application Drilling Permit (well water): https://www.acwd.org/218/Permits-Applications East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Service Area New Service: https://wsa.ebmud.com/ Zone 7 Water Agency Service Area Map Permit Page: https://www.zone7water.com/permits-fees |
| Sewer Utility The County does not provide a Sewer Utility. Most residents will be served by a private septic tank system or one of the following Utilities. Each Utility has its permit process. Please contact your water service provider for their process. Oro Loma Sanitary District (OLSD) OLSD serves several unincorporated communities in western Alameda County, including: San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview, and portions of Castro Valley Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) CVSan provides wastewater services to most of the unincorporated community of Castro Valley. Castlewood County Service Area (CSA) The Castlewood CSA serves the unincorporated Castlewood community, located southwest of Pleasanton. East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) EBMUD provides wastewater treatment services to portions of western Alameda County, including some unincorporated areas. However, your sewer main will be managed by the City. Areas Without Centralized Sewer Services will be on Private Septic Systems, which, for permitting and building, fall under the County jurisdiction. | Oro Loma Sanitary District (OLSD) Their site does not specifically have their permit process or forms. Call them at 510-276-4700 Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) While CVSan has a permit portal, you need to call to start the process at (510) 537-0757. Permit Portal: https://permitportal.cvsan.org/ Castlewood County Service Area (CSA) Resident Portal: https://castlewoodpoa.org/ East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) See your City’s Public Works Dept |
Note that some homes in the County may have their water service from www.calwater.com.
We created City-Specific pages for the following cities in Alameda County:
Note that we do projects all over Alameda County, from Berkeley down to Fremont. Other Cities will be added over time.
