The UST Application Form is the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department (EMD) application for a permit to install, upgrade or repair underground storage tanks (UST) for hazardous substances. The tank owner signs it, the contractor completes its own block, and it travels with site-specific drawings and supporting forms. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the form and its companion documents are published by EMD at emd.saccounty.gov.
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What is UST Application Form – Sacramento County, CA?
The UST Application Form, printed as Application for a Permit to Install Upgrade or Repair Underground Storage Tank(s) for Hazardous Substances, is the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department (EMD) application used to request a permit before underground storage tank (UST) work begins.
On the first page you mark the type of work: Install, Upgrade–Including Piping, Upgrade–No-Piping, Repair or Spill Container Only. The form defines two of these: no-piping upgrade includes UDC installation or sump installation, and repair includes replacing the leak detection console or repairing a leaking pipe. Pages 2 and 3 list the components to be installed, replaced or modified, with the manufacturer and model of each new piece of equipment. The remaining sections cover general project information, monitoring equipment, certifications, enhanced leak detection, sampling and the owner's acknowledgement.
Completing the application does not by itself allow work to start. The form states that no UST construction activity may proceed until the agency issues an "Authority to Construct" letter (the permit). That letter is addressed to the owner, identifies the contractor and lists inspection scheduling and site-specific construction requirements. The application also does not constitute approval from other local agencies.
EMD lists related UST documents on its regulatory compliance forms page, including a separate Removal Application Form, the Drawings & Parts List Requirements Checklist and the Legal UST Owner's Authorization Letter.
Who needs to file UST Application Form – Sacramento County, CA?
Owners of underground storage tank systems for hazardous substances, and the contractors working for them, use this application when a UST system in Sacramento County will be installed, upgraded or repaired. The form covers five types of work: installation, upgrade including piping, upgrade without piping, repair, and spill container only.
- Tank owner: signs Section IV, the Owner Acknowledgement, and gives a printed name, phone and title.
- Contractor: gives company name, phone, address, license number and classifications, and signs and dates the contractor block on page 1.
- Someone signing for the owner: a copy of an authorized signatories form must be on file with SCEPD, the office the form names, when an individual signs for the tank owner. EMD's forms page also lists a Legal UST Owner's Authorization Letter for cases where the owner does not fill out the application.
Do not use this form for other UST procedures. EMD publishes a separate Removal Application Form and a separate application to temporarily close underground tanks. Installing, modifying or repairing a cathodic protection system also requires the "Cathodic Protection System Installation, Modification and Repair Addendum" form.
When to file UST Application Form – Sacramento County, CA
File the application before any work starts on the UST system or the UST leak detection system. The owner acknowledgement states that no work may begin on any portion of either until the Authority to Construct letter (permit) is issued.
The application is valid for six (6) months from the date of application, so submit it close enough to the planned work that the permit does not lapse; Section I asks for the estimated starting date and estimated completion. Inspection appointments must be set with SCEPD at least three working days (72 hours) in advance.
The form also lists new UST regulatory requirements beginning July 1, 2026, including continuous interstitial release detection for pressurized piping at facilities that are not routinely staffed. It sets no other filing deadline.
Documents you need
- Three sets of site-specific drawings, listing the items in the "Drawings and Parts List" document; every equipment item marked Yes must appear in them. The Section V list excepts repair of damaged pipe.
- A UST written monitoring plan, for all applications except repair of damaged pipe.
- Name, address, phone number and contractor's license number of any subcontractor that will work on the UST system, if one is used.
- A copy of the monitoring system manufacturer's training certification for the employee who will install and program the equipment (Sections II.A and III.A).
- A photocopy of the manufacturer training certificate for the tank, pipe and all other UST components to be installed, replaced or repaired (Sections II.B and III.B).
- A photocopy of the ICC installer certification for the person supervising all UST work on site (Sections II.B and III.B).
- A program of enhanced leak detection from the company that will perform the ELD test, for UST installations (Section II.C).
- The "Cathodic Protection System Installation, Modification and Repair Addendum" form, if you install, modify or repair a cathodic protection system.
- A copy of an authorized signatories form on file with SCEPD, if an individual signs for the tank owner.
- Installation applications only, submitted to CERS: a certificate of financial responsibility, a hazardous materials business plan and UST certifications of installation/modification.
- A UST tank form in CERS for each tank or compartment, accepted and up to date before a permit is issued.
How to fill out UST Application Form – Sacramento County, CA
Select the type of work
On page 1, mark Install, Upgrade–Including Piping, Upgrade–No-Piping, Repair or Spill Container Only, and enter the Number of Compartments. Each compartment counts as a separate tank for fees.
Enter parcel and contractor details
Give the Assessors Parcel Number, then the contractor company name, phone, address, city, ZIP, LIC# and Classifications. The contractor signs, dates and prints a name.
Enter facility and owner details
Fill in the facility name, fire district, facility address, city and ZIP. Then add the owner name, phone, address and mailing address.
Complete the equipment table
On pages 2 and 3, mark Yes, No or N/A for each component. For new equipment only, list the manufacturer name and model number, and use the Other rows for items not listed.
Complete Section I, general information
Mark the reason for upgrade or repair, and enter the estimated starting date and completion. Give the distance from the nearest well in feet, depth to usable ground water if known, the type of system, and the scope of work.
Complete Section II for installations
Name the monitoring equipment company with its license and certified personnel (A) and list the attached certifications (B). Name the ELD test company (C) and mark the continuous VPH monitoring type for each interstice (D).
Complete Section III for upgrades and repairs
Fill in the monitoring equipment company and certified personnel (A) and other certifications (B). For sampling (C), give the sampling company and the state-certified laboratory with its CA certification number.
Sign the owner acknowledgement
In Section IV, the tank owner signs and dates, then enters a printed name, phone and title. If an individual signs for the owner, an authorized signatories form must be on file with SCEPD.
Check the Section V additional items
Confirm you have the monitoring plan, three sets of drawings, subcontractor details and, where they apply, the cathodic protection addendum and CERS submissions. Leave the agency-use boxes and page 8 blank.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check that every component is marked and every signature block is complete. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and assemble the package described under How to submit.
How to submit UST Application Form – Sacramento County, CA
Submit the completed application to the Environmental Management Department (EMD), with site-specific drawings and the supporting forms, at the address printed on the form: 11080 White Rock Road, Ste. 200, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. The form gives Tel: (916) 875-8550 and Fax: (916) 875-8513, and names no other delivery channel.
- To EMD: include three sets of drawings (see the "Drawings and Parts List" document), the UST written monitoring plan and the certifications the form asks you to attach.
- Fees: all fees must be submitted with the application, and each tank compartment counts as a separate tank. The form does not print an amount, so ask EMD for the current fee at the number above.
- California Electronic Reporting System (CERS): each tank or compartment, even if identical, needs its own UST tank form submitted to CERS, and an up-to-date, accepted UST submittal is required before a permit is issued. For installations, the certificate of financial responsibility, hazardous materials business plan and UST certifications of installation/modification also go to CERS.
FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting work on any part of the UST system or leak detection system before the Authority to Construct letter (permit) is issued.
- Treating the application as approval from every agency; the form says you must also seek approval from local building, planning, air quality and fire departments or other agencies with jurisdiction.
- Submitting fewer than three sets of drawings, or drawings that omit an item marked Yes in the equipment table.
- Leaving equipment rows unmarked instead of checking Yes, No or N/A, or listing manufacturer and model for equipment that is not new.
- Not filing a separate UST tank form in CERS for each tank or compartment, even when the compartments are identical.
- Entering a distance from the nearest well under the 100 ft minimum printed on the form.
- Changing design, materials or equipment after submitting without prior approval, which voids the Authority to Construct (permit).
- Having an individual sign for the tank owner without a copy of an authorized signatories form on file with SCEPD.
- Booking an inspection less than three working days (72 hours) ahead, or letting the six-month validity of the application run out.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UST Application Form for Sacramento County?
It is the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department application for a permit to install, upgrade or repair underground storage tanks for hazardous substances. Approval comes as an "Authority to Construct" letter addressed to the owner, and no UST work may start before it is issued.
Is this a Sacramento County business license application?
No. This form is an application for a permit to install, upgrade or repair underground storage tanks, issued through the Environmental Management Department (EMD). It does not register or license a business, and the form does not describe any business license.
How long is the UST application valid?
Six (6) months from the date of application, according to the instructions printed on the form. The owner acknowledgement adds that any change in design, materials or equipment voids the Authority to Construct (permit) if prior approval is not obtained.
What do I have to attach to the UST Application Form?
Three sets of drawings, a UST written monitoring plan (not required for repair of damaged pipe), and the manufacturer and ICC certifications listed in Sections II and III. Installations also require submissions to CERS, and cathodic protection work needs its own addendum form.
Can I fill out the UST Application Form online?
Yes. You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is independent of Sacramento County and does not submit the form; you deliver it to the Environmental Management Department yourself.
Who can sign the UST Application Form?
The tank owner signs Section IV. If an individual signs for the owner, a copy of an authorized signatories form must be on file with SCEPD. EMD's forms page also lists a Legal UST Owner's Authorization Letter for applications not filled out by the owner.
Is there a fee to apply for a UST permit?
Yes. The instructions say all fees must be submitted with the application, and each tank compartment counts as a separate tank. The form prints no amount, so ask EMD at (916) 875-8550, the telephone number printed on the form.
Do I need approval from other agencies besides EMD?
Yes, possibly. The form says the application does not constitute approval from all local agencies. You must seek approval from the local building, planning, air quality and fire commissions, departments or other agencies with jurisdiction over the project.
How far ahead do I schedule a UST inspection?
At least three working days (72 hours) in advance. The owner acknowledgement says inspection appointments must be established with SCEPD, and the Authority to Construct letter lists inspection scheduling and site-specific requirements.
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