Residential Onsite Septic System

Do I need a building permit?

The Building Department will need a letter from the Environmental Division confirming facts about your septic system before a building permit can be issued. You MUST contact the Environmental Division to inquire if there are any records of a septic system on file. If no septic system is on file with our department, you must obtain a septic system inspection and provide inspection results. If you are in the process of a new construction house and repair or replacement systems, once the septic permit is issued, a copy of the new construction septic permit will be provided to the building department once it is purchased and picked up. This will act as the letter to obtain the building permit.

What are signs of a failing septic system?

A failing septic system is a system that exhibits one or more of the following:

• The system does not accept sewage at the rate of design application thereby interfering with the normal use of the plumbing in the home, such as gurgling toilets, back-up of drains, slow drains, etc.
• The system does not accept sewage at the rate of design application thereby causing ponding, seepage, or other discharge of effluent to the ground surface or to surface waters.
• Effluent is discharged from the system thereby causing contamination of a water source. This includes those systems that do not have a leach field (or drain into a field tile). aeration unit, or sand filter.

For tips on how to properly care for and use your septic system, please visit SepticSmart | US EPA

Homeowners packet  

• Homebuyers Brochure
• List of Registered Installers
• List of Soil Scientists
• Septic Permit Application (return by email, mail or in-person)
• Homeowner's On-Site Sewage Checklist

County Ordinance

State Rule

Once all paperwork is completed and ready to be submitted, please call our office to schedule an appointment to submit paperwork and fees. *Please submit fees and paperwork at the same time.*

Current Septic Fees:

• Septic Application - $50
• New Construction - $150
• Replacement System - $125
• Repair - $50
• Holding Tank Bi-Annual Permit - $100
• Registered Installer Exam - $75
• Installer Registration Fee - $30

You must complete/submit the following:

• Installer Application
• You must have one of the following:
  • IOWPA Certification
  • GCHD Test 80%, Grant County Health Department Exam
    • Fee - $75 per test
    • By appointment only
    • 3-hour exam limit
    • Must pass exam with 80% or above
  • Registered and in good standing in another Indiana county
    • Must obtain a letter from said county on their letterhead
  • Sand lined System Certifications (if you plan to install these systems)

• Dose Tank Worksheet
• Materials Worksheet
• Installer Inspection Form
• Septic Install Cross Section
• ATL Cross Section
• Presby Cross Section
• Presby Design Worksheet