Graham County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Division
Septic System Application Information Sheet
Phone: (828) 479-6232
Fax: (828) 479-6956
1. Complete all applicable blanks on application; mark N/A (not applicable) in blanks which do not
apply to your request. An evaluation will not be done until the application is satisfactorily completed.
Explanation of IP and CA: When applying for a lot to be evaluated for a septic tank, you have
two options. On the application they are listed at the top IP (Improvement Permit) and CA
(Construction Authorization), circle IP or IP/CA.
Improvement Permit (IP): The EHS will evaluate the requested property and determine
whether it is suitable for installation of a septic system. The IP is valid for 5 years, unless
it is attached with a site plan that meets all the requirements. It CANNOT be used to
install a septic system.
Construction Authorization (CA): The EHS will evaluate the requested property and
determine whether it is suitable for installation of a septic system, design a system for
your proposed structure, and draw a permit which may be used by your septic contractor
to install the septic system. The CA is valid for five years, unless it is attached with a site
plan that meets all the requirements.
Note: If you are building on a lot which will require drilling a well, you SHOULD apply for a
well permit at the same time as the septic permit, so that the septic system design area will meet the
required setback of the well.
2. Include a copy of a survey plat or site plan. Draw in the proposed location of the structure(s),
driveway(s) and dedicated right-of-ways (roads, electrical, phone, etc.) Also show the location of
existing wells, (wells within 100’ of the property) streams, and lakes.
3. Once the application has been satisfactory completed, a plat or site plan has been provided, and the
property has been prepared for evaluation by: marking all property lines, staking proposed location of
the structure(s) (including decks, porches, and garages), driveway(s), right-of-ways and existing
septic systems or wells you should ensure that the property should is easily accessible by clearing
brushes, large weeds and briars from the area to be evaluated. DO NOT CUT LARGE TREES OR
GRADE THE TOP SOIL FROM THE PROPERTY.
4. Contact the local EHS to schedule property evaluation. Evaluations will be done as soon as possible
after all required responsibilities have been met by the applicant. The Department cannot guarantee
same day service, but will operate on a first come / first served and workload priority basis.
5. Do Not Grade or Fill Your Lot until the Environmental Health Specialist has visited your
proposed building site and issued an Improvement Permit or Construction Authorization.
Once the IP or CA has been issued the ground over the proposed septic tank nitrification field
and repair area for the nitrification field should not be graded or filled. If this area is graded or
filled, you may void you IP/CA. If the area is graded or filled before am IP/CA is issued you
may not be issued an IP/CA.
6. Applications are void after 18 months.
7. A CA is not transferable and is required to obtain a building permit.
8. An IP is transferable as long as all site conditions and intended uses do not change. If changes do
occur, the IP is subject to revocation. A request for a property evaluation DOES NOT guarantee that
an IP or a CA will be issued.
9. Improvement Permits, Construction Authorizations and Well Permits may be changed only by
Graham County Environmental Health Staff. Any alteration or deviation from any permit may
result in your Permit being voided by the Graham County Department of Public Health.
Changes in design or location may require a new application and fees.
10.
A.
For Existing System Checks
After an evaluation is made of the sewage system and it is approved, the Environmental
Health Specialist will give the Building Inspections Department approval. If the system
is not approved because of system failure, a Repair Permit will be issued.
B.
For Repairs
After an evaluation is made of the sewage system, a Repair Permit will be issued.
11. If a Repair Permit is issued, only the Graham County Department of Environmental Health staff can
make any changes.
12. KEEP YOUR APPLICATION ON HAND AT ALL TIMES UNTIL THIS PROCESS IS COMPLETE.