Septic Systems

Obtaining a Septic Permit

Before a property parcel can be evaluated for septic permit, the following information must be provided:

  • Any easement or rights of way on the property
  • Driveway location marked
  • Fill out a complete septic application by visiting the Environmental Health office or by an online application. 
  • Full list of Fees associated with permits
  • Location of existing septic systems on property
  • Location of existing wells or springs on property of adjacent lots
  • Location of future structures or improvements to the property
  • Property lines shall be properly marked on site
  • Proposed location/size of house on site
  • Provide a survey plat or site plan
  • The site shall be easily accessible

Upon completion of required information the EHS will contact property owner / applicant to schedule a time to visit the property for an evaluation for a septic permit.

Setback Requirements for Septic Systems

These distances represent minimal horizontal distances from a wastewater system:

  • 10 feet  from any property line
  • 10 feet  from any water line
  • 10 feet  upslope or 25 feet  downslope from interceptor drains
  • 100 feet  from normal high water line of any class I or II impounded reservoir used as a source of drinking water
  • 100 feet from any private water supply source
  • 100 feet from any public water supply source
  • 15 feet  from any basement
  • 15 feet  from any swimming pool
  • 15 feet  from the top of a slope of an embankment or cut of two feet or more vertical height
  • 20 feet  from any other nitrification field
  • 25 feet  from ground water lowering and surface drainage ditches
  • 5 feet  from any building foundation, including a deck
  • 50 feet  from any stream, canal, marsh, or coastal waters
  • 50 feet  from normal high water line of any other lake or impoundment

Resources

.1900 Rules

Resources

Septic system construction

North Carolina On-Site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors

State Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section

Septic System Layout