Home / Septic permits by state
Checked 2026-10-13Septic and drain field permits by state
Who issues the permit to install or replace a septic system or drain field, and what soil or perc testing each state requires. Every row links to the official state source.
Counties and local health departments often add their own rules, so call the office named in your row before you hire a designer. We list only states where we could confirm the rule on an official state page. Rather than guess, we left the other states out. More are added as we verify them.
| State | Who issues the permit | Permit | Soil or perc testing | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | TCEQ, or the local authorized agent | “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.” Some 10-acre single-family sites can be exempt. | Preconstruction site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer, including a soil analysis in the proposed disposal area. | Official source Checked 2026-10-13 |
| Florida | County health department (DEP in some Panhandle counties and Marion County) | Construction permit application (DEP 4015), with a site plan and the building floor plan. | A site evaluation that assesses soil, topography and other conditions, done by the agency or a qualified private evaluator. | Official source Checked 2026-10-13 |
| Georgia | County board of health | Permits are issued on sites found suitable by a soil evaluation. A construction permit is valid for up to 12 months. | A soil evaluation report that meets the DPH manual’s Section C checklist. DPH lists certified soil classifiers for Level III soil reports. | Official source Georgia DPH, Onsite Sewage Checked 2026-10-13 |
| Pennsylvania | The local agency’s Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) | The lot owner applies through the local SEO. The SEO must inspect the finished system before it is covered. | The SEO does soil profile examinations and percolation tests. A perc test uses six or more test holes in the proposed absorption area (25 Pa. Code § 73.15). | Official source PA DEP, Onlot Sewage Program guide Checked 2026-10-13 |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Health (local health district) | A permit to construct a sewage system is needed before the county issues a building permit on property without public sewer. | A site and soil evaluation report from a licensed Onsite Soil Evaluator or professional engineer. VDH provides evaluation services only to owners who qualify through a petition. | Official source VDH, Onsite Sewage Forms Checked 2026-10-13 |
| Washington | Local health officer (rules set in WAC 246-272A) | Under the state on-site sewage rules, applications are reviewed by the local health officer. | Soil and site evaluation by a professional engineer, licensed designer or the local health officer. The owner prepares the soil log pits. | Official source Checked 2026-10-13 |
This table is a summary, not legal advice. The state source and your local permitting office have the final word.