How to Apply for a Permit: Septic

Decide what type of septic application is right for you and prepare your documents

Septic permits and projects are for homes and businesses located in areas of the county not served by community sewer systems.
These applications cover installations, updates, and repairs you make to your septic system, as well as connecting to an existing system or adding bedrooms to your home. There are several kinds of applications depending on the work you are doing, so you may need more than one application type for your project.

Types of Projects	Documents to Prepare Before Submitting an Application
Authorization Notice Apply for an authorization notice if you propose making one or more of the following changes to an existing septic system: Connecting a new or replacement structure to an existing system Changing the use (for example, from residential to a daycare, or residential to commercial), or Increasing the projected daily sewage flow (for example, adding a new bedroom).	Land Use Compatibility Statement (approved by the Planning Department) Existing System Evaluation Report (to be completed by a DEQ-licensed septic contractor)
Existing System Review To confirm the location of an existing system, generally for a Building permit, when there are insufficient septic records on file. See the Existing System Verification Guide for more information	Existing System Verification (to be completed by a DEQ-licensed septic contractor)
Site Evaluations Apply for a site evaluation to evaluate the soil before designing or installing a new or replacement drainfield. This is also the first step for constructing a new septic system. See the Site Evaluation Guide for more information	Site Plan (sample)
Construction Permits Construction permits are needed to replace, repair, alter or install a septic system.	Site Plan (sample) Land Use Compatibility Statement (for new systems or alteration of an existing system) The file number or a copy of an approved Site Evaluation, if a drainfield is to be installed or modified Product information sheets for all materials you plan to install An Operation & Maintenance contract if your system requires one Information on proposed pumps & controls

Prepare your drawings and documents

You'll need to submit project drawings and documents electronically. We use electronic plan review, and do not accept paper or email submittals. The guidelines on the Development Direct webpage provide information on how to prepare your project plans and documents.

All documents must be sent as PDFs.
Plans must be legible, and to scale with correct dimensions.
If you need help scanning your drawings, a local printing shop may be able to help.
All drawings and documents must use the county naming conventions.

Submit and manage your project

After you determine what permits you need and prepare your drawings and documents, you are ready to apply. The Development Direct webpage and User's Guide provide information on how to perform these tasks.

It may take up to 4 business days for initial pre-screen/intake review of your permit documents before your project is set-up in the system.
Project review times vary depending on the type and complexity of the project, as well as the number of applications currently under review.
Watch your Development Direct account for information regarding payments, requests for additional information and for when to download your approved drawings and documents.

Receive permits and download drawings

When your project is approved and your permits are ready, you will receive your permits and approved drawings directly in Development Direct. Print a color copy of all approved plans, documents, and permits, and be sure to have these documents on-site for inspections. Your plans will be permanently stored in Development Direct, so if they are lost or destroyed later on, you can log in and download them again.