- Inspections / Central Permitting Physical Address 912 Greensboro Street Lexington, NC 27292 Directions Phone: 336-242-2230 Fax: 336-249-9703
Can a homeowner install a septic system in NC?
ANSWER: A homeowner may install the system for a property that will used as his or her primary residence as long as the system is gravity fed, pipe and gravel system and is limited to two systems within a five year period. ANSWER: Single septic tank, Conventional (Gravel) Gravity System.
How do I find my NC septic tank records?
Anyone can request a copy of septic and well records on file with the Environmental Health division. For service please send your request via e-mail to [email protected]. Requests may also be made by calling the Environmental Health division at (919) 560-7800.
Does NC require septic inspection?
Septic system installers and inspectors MUST now be certified by the North Carolina On-site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board (NCOWCICB) in order to install or inspect septic systems in NC. The legislation does NOT require a septic system inspection as part of a real estate transaction.
How long does a septic permit last in NC?
New Construction An Authorization for Wastewater System Construction Permit (New Septic Permit) allows construction of a septic system. It’s required before a building permit can be issued, and is valid for five years after the date issued.
How long is a septic permit good for NC?
How long is a perc test valid? If a septic permit has been issued, the permit is good for 5 years.
Do I need a certificate for my septic tank?
The General Binding Rules were designed to simplify the regulation of small sewage discharges. Septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants no longer need to be registered and there is no legal requirement to keep records of maintenance (although this is advisable).
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
What license do I need to install septic system in NC?
Serving NC & VA No other licensing supersedes this, including General Contractors, Licensed Plumbers, or even Septic Pumpers. You must hold an Inspector Certification, issued by the NCOWCICB to perform a septic inspection.
Where is my septic permit Wake County NC?
Wastewater permits can now be viewed online. You can either go to Permit Portal or view information through iMaps. If your permit has not been scanned, you may request a copy of your permit from Environmental Services (ES) by calling 919-856-7400 and providing property and owner information.
How do I get a building permit in Johnston County NC?
Building Permit Process
- Do you have the site address?
- Does this address have well water?
- Call to obtain a Zoning Permit.
- Do you have a Site Plan?
- NO: View the Site Plan Example, then proceed to Step Five.
- Complete the Residential Plan Review and Permit Application.
- Submit all documents to Building Inspections.
Who pays for septic inspection in North Carolina?
Unless negotiated otherwise, all inspections are paid for by the buyer. (One exception to this is if the buyer is using a VA loan, in which case the buyer is actually prohibited from paying for the termite inspection in all but nine states.)
How far does a septic tank have to be from a house in NC?
Maintain 15 feet between septic tanks and basements, embankments, drainage system side-slopes, and swimming pools. Septic tanks also must be at least 10 feet away from property lines, water lines, and the up-slope portion of drainage systems.
Can you build a deck over a septic tank?
You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck. The dissipating effluent can also rot the deck from underneath.
Existing System Authorization
An application for an existing system authorization, which is typically for mobile homes or the replacement of a mobile home with a house, must include a site plan indicating the locations of the proposed facility, setbacks from the property line(s) or other fixed reference point(s), the proposed use and design flow, the location of the existing system, and the location of all water supplies. An application for an existing system authorization, which is typically for mobile homes or the replacement of a mobile home with a house, must include a
Original Permit
If the original permission given by the health department is still in existence, it will aid in the discovery of the system. A request for information form may be sent to the health department in order to get a permit. The septic tank, planned structure(s), water lines and/or wells, and other infrastructure must all be identified and plotted out on the land. In rare circumstances, it may be required to dig up the septic tank and the distribution box to complete the installation.
Validity
Once it is determined that the existing wastewater system and system components are in compliance with the applicable Operation Permit and are being operated and maintained in accordance with the applicable laws, rules, and permit conditions, as well as that a proposed change of use, relocation, or addition to the facility or connection to the system is in compliance with the applicable Operation Permit and the Rules, an Environmental Health Specialist will issue a written authoriza-tion.
Environmental Health
Providing a public health approach to prevention and control of environmental contaminants and disease while making Carteret County a healthier place to live is the mission of the Department of Environmental Health. This is accomplished by limiting the spread of disease through diverse environmental health programs and protecting the public from potential illness through the regulation of environmental factors that may threaten the public’s health.
Services
The following are examples of Environmental Health services:
- Site-specific wastewater systems and private drinking water wells are approved once they have been allowed, inspected, and approved. Compliance checks of permitted wastewater systems are also performed. Permitting, inspecting, and grading of regulated food and lodging facilities are all part of the job description. The following are examples of establishments that are regulated:
- Restaurants, motels / hotels, food kiosks, child care centers, public swimming pools, tattoo parlors, and other similar establishments
- Outbreaks of foodborne disease are being investigated
- The findings of investigations on high blood lead levels in youngsters
- Initiation of an investigation into public health nuisance complaints sampling and testing of water sources
The Environmental Health Section of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, offers technical assistance and delegation of power to other departments and agencies in the state.
Application & Site Preparation
The permission procedure is tailored to the type of construction being requested for, whether it is for new construction, reuse, or repair. Before any installation can take place, it is necessary to fulfill the necessary permits. Please do not hesitate to contact the Carteret County Health Department if you have any questions or concerns. Permission to Make Improvements (Application for Improvement Permit) An application for an Improvement Permit will be required to be completed by the lot owner or his or her authorized agent.
Please make certain that you have completed the full application properly in order to accelerate the soil / site evaluation procedure. To complete the application, the following information must be provided:
- Name, postal address, and phone number of both the applicant and the owner (if they are different)
- The property’s geographical location
- The identification and description of existing and prospective facilities and buildings
- A plot layout or a site plan of a property
- The number of beds and inhabitants, the number of people serviced, the design daily flow, the properties of the wastewater, and other elements are taken into consideration while designing a wastewater system. Describe the type of water supply you have, including the location of any proposed or existing wells
- Signature of the owner or a representative of the owner
- If there are current or prospective easements, rights of way, encroachments, buffers, or if the property has designated wetlands or other places on the property that are subject to legal limitations, the property should be avoided.
Accessibility Markings for a Property It will be necessary to make the property easily accessible and clearly identified. The application brochure includes detailed instructions on how to prepare the site. When the Environmental Health Specialist comes on the scene to do the assessment, he or she will be unable to finish the exam if anything is not correctly completed or noted. This will result in the property owner being charged a revisit fee, as well as the issue of permits being delayed.
Operation Permit
It is only after the Environmental Health Specialist has completed a final system inspection and determined that all conditions of the Improvement Permit, the Construction Authorization, as well as the installed system, are in compliance with the Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems that the Operation Permit is issued to the facility. In order for the building inspector to provide the Certificate of Occupancy (CO), the granting of the Operation Permit is necessary. Conditions The Performance Permit specifies the conditions for system performance, operation, maintenance, monitoring, and reporting.
A contract between the owner and a certified subsurface operator or wastewater operator is required for some septic systems, such as low pressure pipes, peat filters, fixed media filters, and other pretreatment systems, in order to maintain and operate the system for the duration of the system’s use.
Validity An Operation Permit should be valid and in force for a system if and only if the following conditions are met:
- The facility continues to be used in the same manner. In the meantime, the amount and quality of wastewater remain unaltered. There is no evidence of a malfunction
- There is compliance with the terms of the Operation Permit, and the Operation Permit has not expired
A Type V and VI system (Pretreatment) is allowed to operate with an operation permit for a term of 60 months. Applications for renewal must be submitted six months before the expiration date.
Improvement Permit
When an Environmental Health Specialist determines that a site is appropriate for sewage treatment and disposal systems and that a system can be established to fulfill the requirements of the Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, an Improvement Permit is given. The following information is contained in the Improvement Permit:
- Figure 1: a schematic depicting the position of the original system and reserve area, together with their size and setbacks from established reference points
- Geographical locations of existing and future well(s), as well as any relevant water lines
- • The location and description of any planned modifications (including structures, driveways, and other infrastructure)
- Detailed descriptions of the planned initial and reserve system types, as well as permit conditions and site changes
Additional Permit Requirements Other requirements that may be placed on an Improvement Permit include the submission of designs and specifications, as well as the execution of legal agreements or the acquisition of easements. The Improvement Permit is valid for 60 months from the date of issuance, or for an infinite period if a plat is submitted with the application. It is possible to have your Improvement Permits cancelled if your intended use changes, if the site and soil conditions change, if the design wastewater flow changes, or if the wastewater characteristics change.
Refusal to grant an improvement permit When a permit application for a wastewater system is refused, a letter is sent to the applicant informing him or her of the grounds for the inappropriate classification designation.
Options The applicant is informed of any reclassification alternatives that may be open to him or her in the case of the site.
Appeals A petition for a disputed case hearing must be submitted with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) within 30 days of the date of the rejection letter in order to be considered for a formal hearing appeal. On the OAH website, you may find further information on filing an appeal.
Authorization for Construction Permit
A permit for Authorization for Construction (also known as a Construction Authorization) is provided when all of the requirements specified in the Improvement Permit, as well as the laws and rules governing sewage treatment and disposal, have been satisfied in full. System type, layout, location, installation requirements, and maintenance and operation requirements are all specified in the Construction Authorization. The Construction Authorization also includes a list of conditions. Building permits are valid for a period equivalent to the length of time that the Improvement Permit has been in effect, but they cannot be used to construct structures that are more than 60 months old.
The wastewater system contractor is responsible for completing the wastewater system installation in accordance with the Construction Authorization permit specifications.
Repairs
Septic tank systems are not designed to last indefinitely. If you are experiencing issues with your septic tank system, you should review the questions listed below. Answer them with a simple “yes” or “no”; even if your answer is “occasionally,” you should still respond with a “yes.”
- If you have sewage or effluent being released from your septic tank system onto the surface of the earth or into surface waterways, or whether it is being dumped straight into groundwater Having problems with sewage or effluent backing up into your house or building, drains, or septic tank? Whether or not there is sewage or effluent within three inches of the completed grade above the septic tank system In order to avoid answering “yes” to any of the above questions, is it essential to have your septic tank emptied more than once every month?
Malfunctioning Wastewater System
If you replied “yes” to any of the questions above, you may have a problem with your wastewater treatment system. An application for a repair permit must be completed, as well as a basic questionnaire, by the property owner. The responses to the questionnaire will aid the Environmental Health Specialist in establishing the root cause of the problem if it is found to exist.
Site Evaluation
Before obtaining a repair permit, the specialist will conduct an inspection of the site and the current system. In certain circumstances, fixing a leaking toilet or fixture, or redirecting surface water, may be sufficient to repair the system. In these instances, there is no need for a repair permit.
Poor Soil ConditionsSpace Limitations
Repair permits provided for sites with poor soil conditions or limited space are based on the best expert judgment available in order to offer the best functional system feasible while also protecting the environment and the general public. To assure the continued functionality of their system in the future, it is important for the system owner to take further steps in the majority of these instances. Practice effective wastewater system procedures is one of the strategies that may be taken. This and other pertinent information may be found in the pamphlet Septic System Information for Homeowners (available in English and Spanish).
Dangers
However, it is crucial to remember that sewage includes viruses and germs that are potentially harmful and should not be overlooked or treated as unclean.
Onsite Wastewater
What It Does and How It Works Bacteria in septic tanks thrive in low-oxygen environments, which is why they are installed. Because they convert most solids into liquids and gases, these bacteria are responsible for a portion of the treatment process. It is in the drain field that the bacteria that require oxygen grow and finish the treatment process that begins in the septic tank. If the septic tank is functioning well, the wastewater that flows out of the tank is generally clear, albeit it still has an odor and may include disease-causing organisms.
- OperationMaintenance As soon as the septic tank system is put into service, it must be operated and maintained properly to guarantee that it continues to provide effective service and to avoid the need for unexpected replacement costs.
- If you consistently go above and beyond the design flow, you will ultimately overload the system and cause it to fail.
- Many items are available for purchase that claim to start, accelerate, or increase the action in a septic tank’s biological filter.
- PumpingInspections The amount of maintenance required for a septic tank will be determined mostly by the amount of sewage that is discharged daily and the characteristics of the particular home wastewater.
- But it should be examined to see how much muck and grease has built up in the bottom of the tank.
- If a trash disposal is utilized, the tank’s capacity should be raised in order to accommodate the increasing volume of solid waste.
- Overflowing Drainage Fields Septic tank systems should be pump out when suggested to prevent particles or grease from spilling into the drain field, which might cause the system to get blocked and stop working.
Septic tanks may only be pumped by licensed septic tank cleaning companies who have been approved by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Waste Management.
Water wells should be positioned at least 100 feet from any portion of a septic tank system, except in circumstances where space constraints and other site-planning considerations allow for a decrease of up to 50 feet in distance between wells.
Consequently, changes that lower the volume of incoming water or enhance the quality of effluent that passes through the system will extend the system’s lifespan.
There should be no obstructions in the drainfield, and it should be sown with grass.
Washing machines are responsible for a significant amount of water entering the septic system.
Washing should be spread out throughout the week rather than being done in large batches.
It is impossible for the bacteria present in septic tanks and drainfields to live and operate effectively when exposed to a hardened grease environment.
Grease should be stored in jars or cans to be disposed of in the rubbish.
Understand where your septic tank system is located and how much capacity it has.
When the total depth of the sludge and scum equals one-third of the tank’s liquid content, the tank should be pumped.
Plant grass over the irrigation system.
Maintaining plumbing fixtures such as toilets and faucets in excellent working order will help to reduce leaks and water waste.
Don’t.
Never use excessive amounts of common household cleaning products that will be flushed down the toilet.
It is never acceptable to allow oil or other bulky trash into the system.
Never grow trees or shrubs in the drainfield because they will clog it.
Maintain its integrity by preventing it from being crushed. Never let water go to waste. If you need to clean your plumbing pipes or septic tank system, never use chemical solvents.
Expansion of an Existing System
When a proposed alteration or addition to an existing facility results in an increase in the amount of water used, a wastewater system expansion is necessary. The increase in water use is based on Rule.1949, Sewage Flow Rates for Design Units, which was implemented in 2009. Examples of flow increases include the addition of a bedroom or two, an increase in retail sales space, the addition of restaurant seats, or the extension of a food-stand preparation area. Expansions of the wastewater system must be carried out in accordance with the existing Rules and regulations.
Application
The owner must complete an application for an Improvement Permit in which he or she must explain the current facility as well as any alterations or additions that are requested. In addition to finding the existing septic tank, drain field, and repair area, an expansion is required.
Original Permit
If the original permission given by the health department is still in existence, it will aid in the discovery of the system. In order to get a permit, a request for information form should be filed to the health department.
Inspection of Site
An Environmental Health Specialist will be dispatched to the location in order to analyze the plan and check the current system to confirm that it complies with state regulations. If the current system and the planned extension are acceptable for the projected enlargement, an Improvement Permit and, later, a Construction Authorization will be awarded to the project developer.
Fee Schedule
Effective as of July 1, 2021, the following pricing schedule will be in place. There are no refunds for fees.
Site Evaluation / Improvement Permit
| Residential* | Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 Bedrooms or Less | $300 |
| Each Additional Bedroom | $100 |
*Construction Authorization for non-engineered systems is included in this category.
| Multi-Family Residential* | Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 – 12 Bedrooms | Per Bedroom: $125 |
| More than 12 and less than 25 Bedrooms** | Base Fee: $1,500 |
| Each Bedroom Over 12 | $75 |
*Condominiums, townhouses, flats, and so forth. *If you have more than 25 bedrooms, you should use the commercial rate.
| Commercial* | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1,000 gpd** or less | $400 |
| 1,001 – 2,000 gpd | $500 |
| 2,001 – 3,000 gpd | Base Fee: $600 |
| Each 100 gpd over 3,000 gpd | $20 |
| Reinspection | $30 |
| Repair | No Charge |
*Condominiums, townhouses, flats, and other similar structures. More than 25 bedrooms should be charged at the commercial rate.
Construction Authorization (Engineered Systems Only)
| Type of Fee | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 gpd and Tap-Ins | Base Fee: $200 |
| Each additional 100 gpd up to 10,000 gpd | $20 |
| Over 10,000 gpd | Base Fee: $2,000 |
| Each additional 1000 gpd up to 10,000 gpd | $100 |
| Permit Revision (No Site Visit Required) | 1/2 of Original Fee |
| Relocation / Existing System Inspection (No Flow Increase) | $60 |
| Mobile Home Park Authorization / Connection (No Flow Increase) | $60 |
| Existing Systems (Change In Use, No Flow Increase) | $100 |
| Request for Flow Increase – Existing System = 3,000 gpd | $150 |
| Request for Flow Increase – Existing System greater than 3,000 gpd | $300 |
In accordance with NCGS 130A-336.1, the charge for Engineered Option Permit wastewater systems is determined at 30 percent of the price for Improvement Permit and Construction Authorization, which is the maximum fee authorized (n). In accordance with Session Law 2020-97 Section 3.19 and NCGS 130A-336.2, a charge for Licensed Soil Scientist Permitting During a Coronavirus Emergency is computed at 30% of the Improvement Permit and Construction Authorization price (n).
Maintenance Inspection Fees
| Type of Fee | Fee |
|---|---|
| Type III (b) – Once Every 5 years | $100 |
| Type IV – Once Every 3 years | $100 |
| Type V – 0 – 1,000 gpd: Once per year | $75 |
| Type V – Between 1,000 and 3,000 gpd: Once per year | $150 |
| Type V – More than 3,000 gpd: Once per year | $400 |
| Type VI – Twice per year | Each Time: $400 |
Wells
| Type of Fee | Fee |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water Well Permit* | $200 |
| Replacement Well | $100 |
| Irrigation Well Permit** | $100 |
The following are required: *Permit, grout inspection, well head inspection, bacteria and nutrient sample **Permit, grout inspection
Water Samples (Existing Private Wells)
| Type of Sample | Fee |
|---|---|
| Bacteriological | $50 |
| Chemical | $100 |
| Nitrate/Nitrite (when not requested as part of chemical sample) | $50 |
| Pesticide | $100 |
| Petroleum | $100 |
| Collection Fee for Federal Loans – Bacteriological Samples | $25 |
Public Swimming Pools
| Type of Fee | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee – Permit* | $200 |
| Each Additional Pool per Site | $125 |
| Plan Review** | $300 |
*First Pool**Public PoolFood Service Establishments *Public PoolFood Service Establishments
| Type of Fee | Fee |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Plan Review (1/2 fee for hot dog pushcarts or existing restaurant additions/remodels) | $250 |
| Limited Food Service Establishment | $75 |
| Temporary Food Establishment | $75 |
| ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course with exam | $100 |
| Type of Fee | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tattoo Artist Annual Permit | $250 |
Engineered Option Permits — Engineered Septic, Package Plants, and Effluent Sewer Solutions
Food Service Establishments *First Pool**Public PoolFood Service Establishments
