1. What types of permits does Oak Lodge Sanitary District issue?

Oak Lodge Sanitary District issues permits for Erosion Control and for Sanitary Sewer Service connection and inspection within the District boundaries.

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2. How much does it cost to connect to the sanitary sewer system?

The basic connection permit fee is a System Development Charge (SDC) of $1,657.10 for each Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) that is connected to the system. Each single-family residence is 1 EDU. Multi-family residential structures are charged 1 EDU of SDC for each apartment. Other structures, such as commercial or industrial uses, are charged SDC fees based on the use to which the site will be put. District staff use a table in the Sewer Code to determine the number of EDUs to be charged to a specific site.

In addition to the SDC fee, connection to the sewer will require an inspection permit and perhaps a tap permit also. The inspection permit is to cover the cost of sending an inspector out to assure that each individual connection meets the Oak Lodge Sanitary District Sewer Code and the State of Oregon Plumbing Code. The tap permit covers the cost of a District crew tapping a sewer line and putting a fitting on the line. The sewer contractor hired by the property owner or general contractor will excavate the line and install shoring as necessary prior to District crews tapping the line.

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3. Who can do the sewer excavation for me?

Anyone excavating around District lines either in easements or rights-of-way must be registered with the District prior to doing the excavation. Sewer excavations on private property and not within a sewer easement can be done by anyone the property owner wants to have do the work. Please call the Administration Office at 503-653-1653 in order to request a list of sewer contractors currently registered with the District. You can also request a list by email from kldeines@olsd.net

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4. Oak Lodge Sanitary District Sewer Contractor registration: what is it, how do I apply, and how can I get a list of contractors?

The Oak Lodge Sanitary District sewer contractor registration program is the District's method for keeping track of those sewer contractors that have provided current information on file for insurance and State of Oregon Contractors Board licensing. The District charges a fee of $25/year to defray some of the administrative expenses involved in keeping the list current. To apply to register as a sewer contractor, contact the Oak Lodge Sanitary District Administration Office at 503-653-1653.

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5. The County says I need a letter from Oak Lodge Sanitary District. What do I need to do?

When you apply for a building permit within the District from Clackamas County, prior to the County issuing the permit you will need to provide them with documentation from Oak Lodge Sanitary District. This cooperative step in issuing building permits was instituted because it is important for Oak Lodge Sanitary District to be aware of construction taking place within its jurisdiction. By requiring this documentation, Clackamas County can be assured that the builder knows about District requirements, and that District staff have checked the site for problems such as an addition being built over a building sewer that does not meet code or encroachment on a District easement. The first step in obtaining this documentation is generally application for an Erosion Control Permit from Oak Lodge Sanitary District.

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6. What is an Erosion Control Permit and why do I need to have one?

All construction or other projects that involve any excavation (even if for something as small as installing a fence or a signpost) require that an Erosion Control (EC) Permit and Plan be in place prior to beginning the project. Excavation does not have to be extensive (such as for a basement) to require an EC permit. Large landscaping projects, especially those that border streams or stormwater facilities such as culverts, ditches, or catch basins, require erosion control measures, also. The primary purpose of the District’s Erosion Control program is to prevent sediment moving from one property to another or into waterways and streams, or the public storm sewer system. This includes water borne sediments as well as those carried by the wind or on vehicle tires. Consideration is given to the size and erosion potential of the project when fees are assessed.

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7. What is process for obtaining an Erosion Control Permit?

To obtain an EC permit you will need to provide to the District a completed application form and three copies of a plan map showing planned erosion control facilities, the slope of the site, planned location of stockpiles, presence of any wetlands or buffer zones required to buffer sensitive areas from construction activities, location of the construction entrance, and type and location of roof water detention structures (such as soakage trenches). Counter staff will review your application materials and start the permitting process. There is typically a one or two day review process prior to the permit being issued. You may be asked to provide further information based on the findings of the review personnel.

Fees for EC permits range from a $25 review fee for small additions to existing structures to $200 for a new single-family residence, to $260 for other projects (such as commercial or industrial) up to one acre in size. Currently, projects that are over 1 acre in size require an EC permit from DEQ. Within Oak Lodge Sanitary District, Water Environment Services (WES), Clackamas County's wastewater and surface water management agency, is responsible for permitting, inspecting, and regulating Erosion Control on projects over 1 acre in size. Call 503-353-4567 for more information on WES program.

Once you have acquired your EC permit from the District, you may take that documentation to Clackamas County to continue the building permit process. If your project does not require any excavation (such as a second story addition or an inside remodel that will not change the footprint of the structure), you will still need this document, although an EC permit will not be required.

An application packet can be obtained by calling (503-653-1653), e-mailing kldeines@olsd.net, or visiting the Oak Lodge Sanitary District Administration Office at 14611 SE River Rd (at the intersection of SE River Road and SE Oak Grove Boulevard). The packet can be faxed to you at your request.

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