Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions we hear most often. If you don't see your question here, give us a call at 360-244-5843 or send us a message — we're happy to talk through your project.
General Questions
What does A+ Design & Consulting do?
We're a full-service environmental and land-use consulting firm based in Southwest Washington. We design septic systems, perform wetland consulting, prepare stormwater and erosion control plans, handle energy code compliance, and procure permits at the local, county, state, and federal level. In other words, we handle the technical design work and the regulatory paperwork that most building and land-use projects require.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Pacific County, Wahkiakum County, and Grays Harbor County in Southwest Washington. We occasionally take projects in adjacent areas or may be able to recommend a competent professional in your area.
How long have you been in business?
A+ Design & Consulting LLC was founded in 2010. Our founder has worked in this region's environmental and septic field since 2006, including two years as the Pacific County septic inspector before becoming a licensed designer.
Are you licensed and certified?
Yes. We're a Washington State Licensed Septic Designer (#5100380), Certified Wetland Delineation (PSU) and a Certified Veteran-Owned Business with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
How do I get a quote?
The fastest way is to call 360-244-5843 or fill out the quote form on our Contact page. The more details you can share about your property and project, the more accurate our initial response will be.
Septic System Questions
What is a soil evaluation? (Sometimes called a "perc test")
A soil evaluation is the most critical step in designing a septic system. We dig a series of test pits to observe the soil layers, texture, and structure. We're looking for limited layers like seasonal high-water tables, bedrock, or impermeable clay.
This information determines which type of septic system your property can support. It is not just about how fast water drains; it's about how much vertical separation exists between the bottom of the system and the restrictive layers below.
How long does it take to get a septic system designed?
Typically, we can have a design completed within 1 week or less from the time of the field work. Field visits are scheduled on a first come first serve basis. We make exceptions for emergency situations such as a failed septic system or environmental health hazard. However, the timeline for county approval varies by jurisdiction. We handle the submission and follow-up to ensure things move as quickly as possible through the regulatory process.
Do I need a new septic system or just a repair?
If the drainfield is surfacing or not longer taking effluent, a new system will be required. Occasionally, the tank(s) may be re-used if they are in good condition and able to be upgraded to current standards with risers, effluent filter and water tightness. We perform a site visit to determine the most cost-effective path forward that still meets legal requirements.
I'm buying a property — do I need a septic evaluation?
Absolutely. Buying land without knowing if it can support a septic system is a major risk. A preliminary soil evaluation (feasibility study) tells you what kind of system will be needed and where you can build your home. If there is an existing system, and is over six years old without connection to a building with power it is considered "Abandoned". Abandoned systems are typically referred to as an "RV System". They can still be used for RV use, but when it comes time to use it for a residence, it will have to be evaluated to current standards and may need to be upgraded or replaced.
Can you design septic systems for commercial properties?
Yes. Commercial systems have different requirements than residential ones, often involving higher daily flows and different waste strengths. We have the expertise to design systems for businesses, campgrounds, and multi-family developments.
Wetland Questions
What is a wetland delineation?
A wetland delineation is the process of identifying the precise boundary between a wetland and the upland area. We use three indicators: vegetation, soil, and hydrology. We flag the boundary in the field, and that line is then used for site planning to ensure your project meets required setbacks (buffers).
How do I know if my property has wetlands?
While some wetlands are obvious (standing water, marsh plants), others are "dry" for most of the year. Indicators like specific types of moss, soil color patterns (mottling), or a prevalence of certain shrubs can suggest a wetland. The only way to know for sure is a professional field reconnaissance, as county maps are often inaccurate. If there are wetland mapped on or within 300' of your property on the National Wetland Inventory maps, a wetland delineation is typically required for any development permits.
Can I build on or near a wetland?
Building directly in a wetland is generally avoided and requires extensive permitting and mitigation (creating or enhancing wetlands elsewhere, or wetland bank purchase). Most projects focus on building outside of the wetland and its required buffer if possible. Buffer sizes vary depending on the wetland's rating and the intensity of the proposed land use. For existing lots of record, a variance is required to develop within a wetland buffer. We help you navigate these rules to find a buildable footprint.
What's the difference between wetland delineation, rating, and reconnaissance?
- Reconnaissance: A quick site visit to determine if wetlands are likely present.
- Delineation: A formal study to determine the exact boundary of the wetland.
- Rating: Determining the function and value of a delineated wetland (Category I, II, III, or IV) which dictates the required buffer size. Buffers vary according to different jurisdictional regulations.
Permit & Regulatory Questions
Q: What permits do I need for my project?
A: The answer varies significantly depending on your property's specific characteristics and what you intend to build. Typical permits in our region include septic permits (new or repair), building permits, and critical areas review and land use permits (CARL). We specialize in performing a project feasibility review to determine exactly which local, county, state, and federal permits your unique situation requires.
Q: What is SEPA, and do I need it?
A: The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) provides a way to identify potential environmental impacts that may result from governmental decisions, such as issuing a permit. You typically need a SEPA review for projects that exceed certain 'categorical exemptions'—often based on the size of the building, the amount of grading (earth moving), or proximity to critical areas. We prepare the SEPA checklists and provide the technical documentation required for the lead agency’s review.
Q: What is JARPA?
A: JARPA stands for Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application. It is a single application form used to apply for more than one permit from different agencies (like WDFW, Ecology, and the Army Corps of Engineers) for work in or near water. Navigating a JARPA can be complex; we handle the technical design and coordination required to ensure these multi-agency approvals move forward correctly.
Q: My permit application has been sitting at the county for months. Can you help?
A: Yes. In many cases, applications are stalled because the reviewing agency is waiting for additional technical information or a specific specialist report (like an energy code worksheet or abbreviated drainage plan). We can review your current file, identify the 'bottleneck' text or requirements, and provide the professional documentation needed to get the application moving again.
Energy Code Questions
Q: What is the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC)?
A: The WSEC is a set of state-mandated requirements designed to increase the energy efficiency of buildings. Every new home, addition, or significant remodel in Washington must prove compliance with this code before a building permit is issued. It covers everything from insulation levels to window efficiency to heating systems.
Q: What are energy credits and UA requirements?
A: Compliance in Washington usually involves two parts: meeting a 'UA' (heat loss) threshold for the building envelope and achieving a certain number of 'energy credits' from a list of efficiency options. We provide the consulting and form preparation to find the most cost-effective path for your specific project to meet these requirements without over-building where it isn't necessary.
Working With Us
Q: Do you work with builders and contractors as well as homeowners?
A: Absolutely. We work with individual homeowners building their dream homes, but a large portion of our work is for professional builders and site developers who need reliable technical support and permitting to keep their crews working and their projects on schedule.
Q: Do you offer phone consultations before I commit to a project?
A: Yes. We’re happy to talk through the basics of your project over the phone. If the situation is complex and requires specialized research or a site visit to give you accurate advice, we can set up a formal consultation or provide a phase-one feasibility proposal.
Q: What does it cost?
A: Costs vary depending on the scope of the project—a simple energy code form is different from a comprehensive wetland delineation and septic design. We provide clear, fixed-fee proposals for most services so you know exactly what the technical design and consulting will cost before we start.
Q: Do you take weekend appointments?
A: As a business with employees , we value the time our team has to spend with family, so we typically work a standard business week. However, we know that land-use issues don't always happen on a schedule, and we occasionally arrange site visits on weekends when a project timeline requires it and our schedule allows.
Still Have Questions?
That's normal — every project is different. Give us a call or send us a message and we'll talk through what your specific situation needs.