B-100 Soil Testing or also known as Code Compliant testing is a requirement in CT from the board of health and local building departments. This testing is done to determine a number of different factors for homes with septic systems when looking to add or alter the home’s space such as adding or increasing square footage of a garage, building addition, additional bedrooms, an above ground or below ground pool, or any additional structure. A B100 Code compliant testing is to ensure that there is a suitable area for a functioning septic system should the current system fail.
SUMMARY OF WHAT B‐100a IS AND HOW IT IMPACTS A PROPERTY
"B100A" - BUILDING CONVERSIONS AND ADDITIONS
The purpose of this code is to require that a site assessment be made on those properties served by on- site sewage disposal facilities in order to determine whether further development of the property would jeopardize the ability of that property to properly treat sewage waste due to the fact that a code complying septic system could not be placed on the site. The intent is not to determine the present status of the existing leaching system, but to determine that if or, when the existing system fails a new septic system can be installed on the property which will meet the needs of the proposed future use.
The previous “B100”, which was has been in effect since October 25, 1976, also stipulated that no change of use or building addition shall be approved unless it was determined that the property could support a fully code complying septic system, It has always been the position of the State of CT Department of Public Health that a determination must be made based on soil conditions and the available area present on the property. The revised “B100a” now makes it very clear that testing information is required prior to approval for building conversions, additions and construction of accessory structures on the property.
It must be understood that test information and the subsequent determination of a code complying area is required even if the proposed construction is for a non-water use structure (request of a non- bedroom addition, detached garage or shed, deck, in-ground swimming pool, etc.). The key is that whenever a portion of the property will be lost (by virtue of the fact that a structure is being built which will reduce the area available for future septic system needs), a code complying area must be found, exclusive of the proposed construction area, prior to an approval being granted. If a code complying area cannot be found the proposed construction shall not be granted since approving such a structure would only make the property less conforming relative to the proper disposal of sewage.
Our process includes the following :
- 1. Notifying the town and filing all the necessary permits and applications.
- 2. Setting up a date with the local town or board of health for soil analysis.
- 3. Calling a Cbyd and notifying all utilities of the work to be done.
- 4. Using an excavator to dig test holes on site.
- 5. A soil sample and soil analysis
- 6. Clean up and backfilling of holes and yard restoration
- 7. Asbuilt is submitted to the town and local health and building departments that demonstrates a code compliant area so you can get your project started.
Failure to comply and have a b100 completed correctly could be a result in a denial of a permit or if the structure is already built a dismantle of the structure until proper and proven documentation is completed.