How much space will be left for me to build a house after I fit in the required septic system?
How much space will be left for me to build a house after I fit in the required septic system?
It’s important to realize that Guam’s Individual Wastewater Disposal System Regulations requires that you also set aside adequate space for a replacement absorption system (leaching field or trench) of the same size as required for initial construction. This is to ensure that you are able to recover in the event of a failed septic system, which is always a difficult (and expensive) situation, but can be considerably worse if space is not available for replacement. Your engineer or architect will take this into consideration when designing your home, along with other requirements such as parking and setbacks from property lines required under other Guam laws and regulations.
As long as your property meets the minimum lot size requirements and the soils are favorable for a septic system, there should be no problem fitting a reasonably sized home alongside the required septic system components and setbacks.
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UPDATED AS OF JULY 18, 2024: Requirements for Septic Systems
Please be advised that the Toilet Facilities and Sewage Disposal Chapter codified in 10 GCA Chapter 48 has been amended through the enactment of Guam Public Law 37-105.
On July 18, 2024, Bill 175-37(COR) as substituted and amended on the floor was signed into law as Guam Public Law 37-105 and is effective upon enactment. As a result of this enactment, certain conditional environmental clearances issued by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency for building permits issued by the Department of Public Works have changed and will now be performed in accordance to this new law and its amended provisions.
Permitting Tips Presentations: Contractors, Home Builders and Property Buyers
In case you missed our Construction & Industry Forum on March 29, 2023, you can click on the links below to access presentations about Guam EPA’s construction permitting process:
In Guam, the use of onsite wastewater disposal systems commonly referred to as ”septic systems,” is regulated through a number of laws and regulations. These laws and regulations cover specific requirements for the permitting, design and construction of septic systems in Guam. Guam EPA has developed this FAQ to help you understand the application of various requirements to the design, permitting, and construction of a septic system for a single family dwelling.
Guam Business License & Permit Center Window Hours
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