🚰 Septic System
A new or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) system — tank, drainfield, and often a local health-department permit.
Permit requirements for Septic System differ by state and city. The table below summarizes the rule in each covered state — open a state for full detail, fees, and official sources.
| State | Permit? | Authority | Typical fee | Timeline | Go / No-Go | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the local environmental health / wastewater agency; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the local environmental health department or regional water quality control board under the State Water Board OWTS Policy. Engineered design and a site/percolation evaluation are typically required. Local agencies implement the program; verify with your county environmental health department. |
| Texas | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the local authorized agent (county/city) under TCEQ rules; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit under TCEQ Chapter 285 (OSSF). The local authorized agent (usually the county) issues the permit after a site evaluation and engineered design; a percolation/soil test is typically required. Verify with your county environmental health or TCEQ regional office. |
| Florida | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the county health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic / OSTDS) systems require a permit from the county health department (or, in 16 designated counties, the FL Dept. of Environmental Protection) under the Florida Administrative Code. Engineered design and a site/soil evaluation are typically required. |
| New York | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the local (county) health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the local county health department under NYSDOH Appendix 75-A. Engineered design and a site/percolation evaluation are typically required; the local health department is the permitting authority. |
| Pennsylvania | Permit required | county | Onlot septic permit fees set by the local agency (municipality or county health department); verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (onlot septic) systems require a permit from the local agency (municipality or county health department) under the PA Sewage Facilities Act. A certified Sewage Enforcement Officer conducts the soil/perc evaluation and reviews the engineered design. |
| Illinois | Permit required | county | Private sewage permit fees set by the local health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (private sewage / septic) systems require a permit from the local health department under the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 905). Engineered design and a site/perc evaluation are required; the local health department is the permitting authority. |
| Ohio | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the local health district; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (home sewage treatment) systems require a permit from the local health district under Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-29. The Ohio Department of Health sets the standards; the local health district issues the permit after a soil/site evaluation and engineered design. |
| Georgia | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the county health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (on-site sewage management) systems require a construction permit from the county health department under GA DPH Rule 511-3-1. Engineered design and a site/soil evaluation are required; the county board of health is the permitting authority. |
| North Carolina | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the local health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require an Improvement Permit and Construction Authorization from the local health department under 15A NCAC 18E. The NC DHHS On-Site Water Protection Branch provides oversight; engineered design and a site/soil evaluation are required. |
| Michigan | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the local health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a construction permit from the local county health department under the Michigan Public Health Code. EGLE provides statewide oversight; engineered design and a site/soil evaluation are required. |
| New Jersey | Permit required | county | Onsite wastewater (septic) permit fee set by the local county health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the local county health department under NJDEP’s Onsite Wastewater Management Program (N.J.A.C. 7:9A). A site evaluation and design are required; subsurface sewage disposal permits are issued locally. |
| Virginia | Permit required | state | Onsite sewage permit fee set by the Virginia Department of Health; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite sewage (septic) systems require a construction permit from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) under 12 VAC 5-610. A licensed onsite soil evaluator performs the site/soil evaluation; engineered design is required. A VDH permit is typically needed before the local building department issues a building permit. |
| Washington | Permit required | county | Onsite sewage permit fee set by the local health jurisdiction; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | Onsite sewage (septic) systems are permitted by the local health jurisdiction (county health department) under Chapter 246-272A WAC, administered by the Washington State Department of Health. A site evaluation and design are required; larger or alternative systems need a licensed designer. |
| Arizona | Permit required | county | Septic (OWTF) permit fees set by the county environmental/health department. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems are permitted by the county environmental/health department under the Arizona ADEQ Onsite Wastewater program (ADEQ delegates to the 15 counties) — a standard building permit does NOT cover septic. A Notice of Intent, site/soil evaluation, and engineered design are required. |
| Massachusetts | Permit required | state | System permit fee set by the local Board of Health under MassDEP Title 5. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems in Massachusetts are regulated under 310 CMR 15.000 (Title 5) by the local Board of Health (with MassDEP oversight), not the building department. A licensed system inspector and soil evaluation are required before design and installation. |
| Tennessee | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the local county health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic / subsurface sewage disposal) systems require a construction permit from the local county health department under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68 (TDEC Ground Water Protection Program). A site/soil evaluation and engineered design are typically required; new subdivisions need health-department approval before any septic permit. |
| Indiana | Permit required | state | Onsite sewage (septic) permit fee set by the Indiana Dept. of Health / local health department. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems in Indiana are permitted through the Indiana Department of Health Onsite Sewage Systems Program, typically administered by the county or district health department (not the building department). A site evaluation and soil/load test are required before installation. |
| Missouri | Permit required | state | Onsite sewage construction permit fee set by the MO DHSS Onsite Sewage Program; verify with the program (573-751-6095). | Soil morphology evaluation and plan review typically several weeks; a Registered Onsite Soil Evaluator is required. | Generally allowed | Septic (onsite wastewater) systems in Missouri are permitted by the MO Department of Health & Senior Services Onsite Sewage Program under RSMo 701.025–701.059 / 19 CSR 20-3.060 — NOT the building department. A permit is required for new systems on lots under 3 acres (and other triggers). Contact DHSS or your county health department. |
| Maryland | Permit required | state | Onsite disposal system (septic) permit fee set by the Maryland Dept. of the Environment / local health department. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems in Maryland are permitted through the Maryland Dept. of the Environment Onsite Disposal Systems (OSDS) program, typically administered by the county health department (not the building department). A site evaluation and soil/load test are required before design and installation. |
| Wisconsin | Permit required | county | POWTS permit fee set by the municipality/county; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS / septic) are regulated by DSPS (SPS 383) with DNR review for larger or non-domestic systems; permits are issued by the municipality or county. A certified inspector performs the site evaluation and a design is required before installation. |
| Alaska | Permit required | county | Permit fee set by the local environmental health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation / local environmental health authority. A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; conventional systems need a certified installer, and some areas (e.g., Anchorage, Valdez) run their own programs. |
| Alabama | Permit required | county | Permit fee set by the county health department; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the local county health department (Alabama Dept. of Public Health). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers must perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Arkansas | Permit required | county | Permit fee set by the county health unit; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the Arkansas Dept. of Health (county environmental health specialist). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Colorado | Permit required | county | Permit fee set by the county/ district health department; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit under Colorado Regulation 43 (CDPHE), administered by county/district health departments. A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; conventional and alternative systems are reviewed for site suitability. |
| Connecticut | Permit required | city | Septic permit fee set by the local health department; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems in Connecticut are permitted by the local director of health (town/city health department) under the Public Health Code. A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before a permit to discharge is issued. Larger systems (design flows above 7,500 gpd) are reviewed by the CT Department of Public Health. |
| Delaware | Permit required | state | Septic permit fees set by DNREC; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems are permitted by the Delaware DNREC (Division of Water, Residential Services / Wastewater Disposal Program) under 7 DE Admin. Code 7101 — a standard building permit does NOT cover septic. A licensed soil scientist site evaluation and system design are required before a permit is issued. |
| Hawaii | Permit required | state | Septic permit fee set by the state environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the Hawaii Department of Health Wastewater Branch. A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Iowa | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the state environmental/health department (or local health district). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Idaho | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the state environmental/health department (or local health district). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Kansas | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the state environmental/health department (or local health district). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Kentucky | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the state environmental/health department (or local health district). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Louisiana | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the state environmental/health department (or local health district). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Maine | Permit required | state | Subsurface wastewater permit fee set by the Maine CDC Subsurface Wastewater Unit / Local Plumbing Inspector; verify locally. | Site evaluation and plan review typically several weeks; a soil evaluation is required. | Generally allowed | Septic (onsite wastewater) systems in Maine are regulated under the Maine Subsurface Wastewater Rules by the Maine CDC Subsurface Wastewater Unit; permits are issued by the Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI) in many towns or by the state where no LPI serves. A new or replacement system requires a permit and a site/soil evaluation. This is NOT a building-department permit — contact your local plumbing inspector or the Maine CDC. |
| Minnesota | Permit required | county | SSTS permit/admin fee set by the local government unit (county/city/township) under MPCA rules; verify locally. | Site evaluation and design review typically several weeks; a Licensed Septic System Designer and soil evaluation are required. | Generally allowed | Septic (onsite wastewater) systems in Minnesota are regulated under the Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) rules (Minn. R. ch. 7080–7083) by the MPCA, but permits are issued and enforced by the county, city, or township — NOT the building department. A new or replacement system requires a permit and design by a licensed SSTS professional. Contact your county environmental services office. |
| Mississippi | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the Mississippi State Department of Health Division of On-Site Wastewater; a soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required. |
| Montana | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (subsurface wastewater treatment systems under ARM 17.36); site evaluation and engineered design are typically required and permits are issued locally by the county sanitarian. |
| North Dakota | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality; a soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required, with inspections handled by the local public health unit. |
| Nebraska | Permit required | county | Septic permit/registration fee set by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit/registration from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy; a soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required, and local government requirements may also apply. |
| New Hampshire | Permit required | state | Septic permit/approval fee set by NH DES; residential system application fees are based on design flow. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require an Approval for Septic System Construction from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES Subsurface Systems Bureau), followed by an Approval for Operation before use. A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are required; licensed designers prepare the plans and licensed installers perform the work, and the system is inspected by a NH DES regional inspector before backfill. |
| New Mexico | Permit required | state | Septic permit fee set by NMED; based on system type and design flow. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Water Quality Bureau’s On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) Program; permits are issued through NMED field offices (or delegated local authorities). A soil evaluation and engineered design are required; licensed liquid-waste professionals install the system and it is inspected before backfill. |
| Nevada | Permit required | county | Septic/ISDS permit fee set by the county health district (e.g., Southern Nevada Health District fee schedule). | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems in Nevada are permitted at the county level. In Clark County the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) issues Individual Sewage Disposal System (ISDS) permits and inspects all residential septic systems; other counties use their local health district or the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Oklahoma | Permit required | state | Septic permit/Authorization to Construct fee set by Oklahoma DEQ; based on system type. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require an Authorization to Construct (ATC) from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which administers the On-Site Sewage Treatment program statewide. A Report for On-Site Sewage (Form 581) and soil profile/perc evaluation are required; licensed installers perform the work and DEQ or a certified installer inspects before backfill. |
| Oregon | Permit required | state | Septic permit fee set by Oregon DEQ; based on system type and design flow. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems are permitted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Onsite Wastewater Management Program — directly in Curry, Jackson, and Josephine counties, and through local contract agents in the other 33 counties. A site evaluation and engineered design are required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Rhode Island | Permit required | state | Septic/OWTS permit fee set by Rhode Island DEM; based on system type. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Program. A soil evaluation and engineered design are required; DEM-licensed designers and installers perform the work and DEM inspects during installation before backfill, issuing a Certificate of Conformance. |
| South Carolina | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the state environmental/health department (or local health district). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| South Dakota | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the state environmental/health department (or local health district). A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed installers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| Utah | Permit required | county | Onsite wastewater permit fee set by the local county health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a construction permit from the local county health department under Utah Admin. Rule R317-4 (Utah DEQ Division of Water Quality). The Utah DEQ permits larger systems (daily flow over 5,000 gallons); counties issue the rest. A soil exploration and engineered design by a DWQ-certified professional are required. |
| Vermont | Permit required | county | Septic permit fee set by the local environmental/health authority; engineered systems cost more. | — | Generally allowed | New or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) systems require a permit from the Vermont DEC (Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply Program) or the local regional office. A soil/perc evaluation and engineered design are typically required; licensed designers perform the work and the system is inspected before backfill. |
| West Virginia | Permit required | county | Septic permit fees set by the local county health department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | Onsite sewage (septic) systems are permitted by the local county health department under W. Va. Code 64 CSR 9 and 64 CSR 47. A percolation test and site evaluation are required, and new subdivisions need health-department approval before any septic permit is issued. |
| Wyoming | Permit required | county | Small wastewater permit fee set by the county; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | Small wastewater (septic) systems are permitted by the county (under Wyoming DEQ delegation) prior to installation, repair, or modification. A percolation test and site evaluation are required; Laramie County issues permits for Cheyenne. Systems over the county threshold or with surface discharge involve the Wyoming DEQ. |
Frequently asked questions
Does a septic system need a permit?
In most U.S. jurisdictions a septic system requires a building or trade permit because it affects structure, safety, or utilities. Requirements vary by state and city, so confirm with your local building department using the state and county pages on this site.
Who issues the permit for a septic system?
Issuance depends on the project and locality: some are handled by the city building department, others by the county, and a few by the state. The state and county pages list the responsible authority with links to the official source.
What is typically exempt when installing a septic system?
Minor or cosmetic work is often exempt, but the thresholds differ by jurisdiction. Some states exempt small structures under a height or area limit, while others require a permit for any electrical or plumbing connection. Check the specific state and county rules rather than assuming a blanket exemption.
How much does a septic system permit cost?
Fees are set locally and range widely — from a flat residential fee to a percentage of project value. Where an official fee schedule is published we list it; otherwise confirm the current fee with the issuing authority before you apply.