Residential Septic Systems*
Residential on-site sewage disposal system or septic system permits can be applied for by
a licensed drainlayer or a licensed plumber. A homeowner may install a septic system at
their place of residence. If the homeowner intends to install their septic system they must
apply for the septic permit. Two types of residential septic system permits exist: new
system and repair system. A new system refers to the installation of a septic system for a
new structure; whereas, a repair system refers to the replacement of a portion of a septic
system or a whole septic system for an existing structure.
New System Permits:
Prior to application for a new system permit, satisfactory percolation tests must have been
conducted on the property. The results of the percolation tests and information on the
number of bedrooms are used to design the septic system. If the property has not had any
recent percolation tests, a percolation application must be submitted to our office. Also, a
building permit must be approved prior to the issuance of a new system permit. After
satisfactory percolation tests are performed and a building permit issued, a licensed
drainlayer or licensed plumber may apply for a septic system permit by submitting a
completed “ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL” permit along with a $350.00 fee. If the
homeowner intends to install their septic system they must apply for the septic permit.
Repair System Permits:
Repair system permits encompass replacement of septic tanks only, drainfields and/or dry
wells only, sewer lines only, or all of the above. The replacement of drainfields and
drywells requires a percolation test; however, the replacement of septic tanks only or
sewer lines only does not require a percolation test. If a percolation test is required, a
percolation application must be submitted to our office. Upon completion of percolation
test(s), if required, a licensed drainlayer or a licensed plumber may apply for a septic
system permit by submitting a completed “ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL” permit
along with a $50.00 fee. If the homeowner intends to install their septic system, they must
apply for a septic permit. Please note, if the septic system is being upgraded in response
to a building permit, the fee is $160.00. The replacement of a sewer line only, however,
does not require a fee.
For more information regarding residential septic system permits, call 410-877-2328.
* All installations of on-site sewage disposal systems require inspections. Call
410-877-2328 8:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. the day of the installation to set up an
inspection.