Why is a Septic System Permit necessary?

A septic system permit is necessary to ensure that any septic system installed in the County meets all current County and State standards relative to minimum setbacks associated with the protection of all residents’ and the environment’s health.

When do I need a Septic System Permit?

A septic system permit is required prior to the start of installation of a septic system to serve a new home, to install a replacement septic system to serve an existing home with a failing system or to upgrade or replace an existing septic system to accommodate a building addition.

What is the Septic System Permit application process?

At minimum, all applicants must submit an application package, including a completed application with applicant’s original signature, the current septic system permit fee, and two copies of a scaled site plan with all pertinent data. Please refer to the eDocuments link: Well and Septic procedure and requirement

Conditions of Approval

A County septic system permit may be issued only after an application package is submitted and reviewed for completeness and accuracy of information. The property in question must be eligible for septic system permit issuance.

Appeal Information

If a permit is denied, an appeal may be made to a committee through the Chief of the Division of Land Development Services in this department. If the appeal is denied based on County law, the denial may be appealed to the Montgomery County Board of Appeals. If the denial is based on State law, an appeal may be made to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Inspection Information

A minimum of two inspections is required prior to approval of the installation of any permitted septic system. All inspection requests must be made to the Well and Septic office by calling (240) 777-6306 at least 24 hours in advance.

The first required inspection must be requested once the septic trenches have been dug to full length and depth and the septic tank has been installed. The second required inspection must be requested once all stone, pipe and geotextile fabric have been installed in the trenches and the septic tank has been properly connected to the trenches. The second inspection can only be requested once the initial inspection has been conducted and approved by an inspector from the Well and Septic office.

Special Programs

The Bay Restoration fund is a fund created by the Bay Restoration Fund (Senate Bill 320) signed into law on May 26, 2004. This law created a fund partially financed by wastewater treatment plant users and partially by property owners with on-site sewage disposal systems. In part, the fund helps to pay for installation and maintenance of nitrogen reducing treatment units to be installed on either existing or new septic systems. Please visit MDE’s website for more information: http://www.mde.state.md.us/Water/CBWRF/index.asp

Other Agencies Involved

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is the agency that issues all plumbing permits and can be reached at (301) 206-8000.

Maryland Department of the Environment oversees the Bay Restoration Fund and can be reached at (410) 537-4195.

What is the cost of the Septic System Permit?

When will I receive my Septic System Permit?

Septic system permits for new homes are generally issued within two weeks of submission of a complete application package, providing the property is eligible for permit issuance. Permit processing time may vary due to workload factors and project complexity.

Septic system permits required to replace a failing system are expedited and issued as soon as possible, based on available information.

Permit Duration

A septic system permit is valid for twelve (12) months from the date of issuance. A septic system permit may be extended one time for up to six (6) months from the original expiration date.

Permit fees are not transferable.