Program Description
Through the Bolinas Pilot Septic Program (BPSP), BCLT is proudly upholding our community values of environmental stewardship, creativity, and self-reliance. The innovative program, launched in October 2021, provides material support to homeowners to upgrade existing failing and/or unpermitted septic systems on the Gridded Mesa in Bolinas and will allow them to add ADUs (second units) as discussed in the Gridded Mesa Plan. This program is a model that other communities in West Marin are looking at how to replicate.
The first-of-its-kind program, implemented in partnership with the Community Development Agency of Marin County, allows residents to replace their septic systems for roughly half the cost of a typical replacement. Through this program, homeowners may also permit existing illegal second units (ADUs - accessory dwelling units) or build new ones and have permitting fees waived to do so. Thanks to a grant that BCLT received from USDA, some qualifying low-income homeowners received loans of $15,000 at 1% interest rate. These funds have been exhausted and loans are no longer available. This translates to an income of $104,650 for a household of 1, $119,300 for a household of 2, $134,200, for a household of 3, $149,100 for a household of 4, and $161,050 for a household of 5. Spots were approved by CDA for 25 households to participate, and we still have room to accept more applicants.
Interested parties are encouraged to complete the form below.
Why did the BCLT create this program?
Healthy septic systems are the foundation for new affordable housing opportunities on the big Mesa.
With substantial incentives and cost-saving opportunities, our hope is that homeowners with expanded, legalized, and regularly maintained septic systems will take advantage of the chance to add a new ADU, permit an existing ADU, or improve upon a structure that might have otherwise been inhabitable for a long-term, full-time resident.
We look forward to simplifying the path for low-income homeowners to create healthier and more diverse opportunities for housing in our community.
Incentives
The BPSP was initially conceived of as a means to assist and incentivize Bolinas homeowners to add accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) to their properties as affordable, long-term rentals. The BCLT recognized that many low and moderate-income Bolinas homeowners could not take advantage of programs intended to assist in this process due to the status of their septic systems and the astronomical cost required to upgrade them. The BCLT is able to assist qualifying homeowners who want to add an ADU to their properties to apply for additional funding to support this investment.
What system will be installed?
Presby Systems are an alternative above-ground mound system with a smaller profile than a standard mound measuring approximately 30’ long, 10’ wide, and 3’ high. Some of the benefits of this type of system are its smaller size, increased adaptability, and simplicity of installation.
Maintenance Program
To ensure the health and safety of the systems installed by this program, the BCLT will provide a mandatory maintenance program reporting to Marin County.
This maintenance program will have an annual fee beginning of around $1,000. The fee may escalate as costs increase and is designed to cover all maintenance expenses over the 20-year life of the program, including all inspections, the cost and operating permit for the system, biannual pumping, and routine repairs/replacements. Typically it costs $1000 for the inspections and permitting fees alone.
The maintenance fee can be paid annually or in monthly installments. Participants must opt-in to the maintenance program in order for the system to be deemed permitted and compliant.
Cost Breakdown
Generally, replacing a septic system with a permit, site survey, and engineering can cost homeowners as much as $120,000 and requires them to work directly with the county. This is often a long-drawn-out process. By participating in the Bolinas Pilot Septic Program, the basic cost of the upgraded system may be half the market rate. This price may vary based on the exact conditions of each site and additional work that may be required to make the installation successful.
Additional fees may be charged for more complicated site work such as tree or tank removal or other complicating factors. These will be assessed ahead of time on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact info@bolinaslandtrust.org to set up a meeting or conversation about this program!
Updated as of April 11th, 2024.