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Setbacks, Easements and Buffers

on Monday, 10 July 2017.

During a septic design, there are many things that need to be provided to Acme by the customer. A full list of the items we need is sent out in the initial design overview, which customers receive before their feasibility appointment with the designer. This list includes, but is not limited to, setbacks, easements and buffers. 

This information is important, as it can all impact the potential drain field area. For example, if you have a utilities easement running through your property, this easement is "off limits" for a septic system. Setbacks are a specific set of requirements to keep the drain field away from other components on a property. Setbacks to wells, property lines and buildings are some of the most common. While Acme is aware of general setbacks, there may be setbacks specific to your property that we need to be made aware of. Buffers are also important, as they can vary from as little as 15 feet to over 100 feet. 

We always ask our customers to provide us with this information, in writing. This information can typically be found at the Department of Community Development (DCD), or with the City of Bainbridge Island (COBI), if your property is on Bainbridge Island. Their contact information can be found here