Frequently Asked Questions

A permit is required for all work categories and work types listed in the table below.

All applicants must apply online.

Use the following link: Wells Drilling Permits

You must submit your application at least 10 working days before the planned start date.

If there is no oversight agency at the site, no open cases exist, and the application is complete, permits can be issued without delay.

The agency with the hold will be contacted, and that agency must clear the application before a drilling permit can be issued.

To find the caseworker contact information, search the project site address at GeoTracker.

Permit fees may be paid online by credit card or by mailing a check.

Checks for drilling permit applications in the Alameda County Public Works Agency jurisdiction should be made out to:

Treasurer, County of Alameda
Alameda County Public Works
399 Elmhurst Street
Hayward, CA 94544
Well Standards Program
Attn: Eneyew Amberber

Yes, if no work has been done and the permit has not expired. The permit expires within 90 days.

If the applicant decides not to perform the work after securing a permit, the applicant is entitled to a refund of 70% of the permit fee. The remaining 30% covers the administrative cost of processing and issuing the permit. No 70% refund can be processed after the permit has expired.

1. All federal and state agencies must apply for permits, but no permit fee shall be charged as long as they are the applicant. The exemption applies only when the state or federal agency is the applicant on a state or federal project on state-owned or federal-owned property.
2. All other public agencies, cities, public utilities, and non-governmental agencies must apply for permits and pay the required permit and inspection fees.
3. Neither the County of Alameda nor the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, together with their departments and contractors, shall be required to pay fees for drilling permits. They must still apply for permits as required, provided an agreed procedure for mutual clearance of plans and prosecution of the proposed work has been reached between the responsible department heads and the director.

• No permit is needed for hand auger work less than 5 feet in depth.
• Any drilling activity using drilling equipment at any depth for soil, soil vapor, and groundwater sampling for environmental or geotechnical investigation requires a well drilling permit application.
• Irrigation and domestic water supply well construction also requires a well drilling permit application.

Wells located in a public right-of-way:

• Remove the Christy box or similar structure. Pressure grout with cement, 25 psi for 5 minutes, for wells less than 30 feet in depth.
• Remove the Christy box or similar structure. Tremie grout with cement for wells more than 30 feet in depth.
• Remove the Christy box or similar structure. Destroy well(s) by overdrilling the upper 5 feet below ground surface and then tremie grouting with neat cement. Allow the sealing material to spill over the top of the casing to fill any annular space between casing and soil. After the seal has been set, backfill the remaining hole with approved encroachment permit concrete material and asphalt material per Caltrans specifications or County/City codes.

Wells located on private property:

• Remove the Christy box or similar structure. Pressure grout with cement for wells less than 30 feet in depth. After the seal has been set, backfill the remaining hole with concrete or compacted material to match existing conditions.
• Remove the Christy box or similar structure. Tremie grout with cement for wells more than 30 feet in depth. After the seal has been set, backfill the remaining hole with concrete or compacted material to match existing conditions.

Note: Tremie grout is acceptable at any depth. All wells constructed with PVC casing less than 1 inch in diameter shall be destroyed by overdrilling only to the total depth.