Permitting

 1. Site Evaluation (Soil Test or Perc Test)

• A licensed professional (soil scientist, engineer, or septic installer) evaluates:

  • Soil type and texture

  • Drainage capacity (percolation/perk rate)

  • Depth to bedrock or water table

  • Slope of the land

• Purpose: To determine if the soil can safely treat wastewater and what type of system is suitable.

2. System Design

• Based on site evaluation and home size (# of bedrooms or expected flow), a licensed designer creates a plan.

• Design includes:

  • Type of system (conventional, aerobic, drip, mound, etc.)

  • Tank and drain field size

  • Layout, materials, and setbacks (from wells, property lines, water bodies)

3. Submit Permit Application

• Submit to your local health department or permitting authority.

• You may need to include:

  • Site plan

  • Soil/percolation test results

  • System design

  • Application fee

4. Permit Review and Approval

• The permitting agency reviews the application for:

  • Compliance with local codes and regulations

  • Proper sizing and site conditions

• Approval time: Could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on location

5. Installation by Licensed Contractor

• Once approved, a licensed septic installer installs the system according to the approved plan.

• Must follow:

  • State/local codes

  • Any specific design or material requirements

6. Inspection

• The local authority inspects the system before backfilling.

• They verify:

  • Proper tank and pipe installation

  • Correct depth and layout of drain field or drip lines

  • No unauthorized changes from the approved plan

7. Final Approval / Certification

• If the inspection passes, the system is approved for use.

• You may receive:

  • A "final approval" or "operational permit"

  • Documents confirming the system meets health and environmental standards

8. Ongoing Maintenance (If Required)

• Conventional systems may require little more than regular pumping.

• Aerobic or alternative systems may require:

  • Annual inspections

  • Maintenance contracts

  • Regular chlorine disinfection (for spray systems)