Why is a County Well Location Permit necessary?

The purpose of the County Well Location Permit is to protect the public health and ground water by assuring that wells are properly sited with respect to the improvements and the sewage disposal system on a property.

When do I need a County Well Location Permit?

A County Well Location Permit is required when a new, replacement, monitoring or geothermal well is to be installed. This permit must be obtained and the well drilled before a building permit may be issued.

What is the County Well Location Permit application process?

The application process is described in detail on the direction sheet available from the Well and Septic Section at the address below or on the following eDocuments link: Well and Septic Procedure & Requirement. At a minimum, applicants must submit a completed application form, accompanied by the correct fee, and three copies of accurately scaled plans (1" = 30' or 1" = 50').

Conditions of Approval

If the plans meet minimum standards, and test data are available for the building’s septic system, the Well Location Permit will be issued.

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.

An inspection is required when the well grout is placed by the well driller. Additional inspection/ water sampling is required before occupancy when the water supply plumbing has been completed and disinfected. Inspections must be scheduled by the builder or applicant. Please call 240-777-6306 for further information or to schedule an inspection.

Other Agencies Involved

A State of Maryland Well Construction Permit must be obtained by your well driller. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) should also be contacted at 301-206-8000 for information about plumbing permits.

What will the County Well Location Permit cost?

The total fee for a Well Location Permit located in a DPS zone is $160.00.

Filing fees and permit fees are based on fees in effect on the date the application was filed. All other fees are based on fees in effect at the time the service is requested (revision fee, extension fee, etc.). The fee to extend a permit, after written application and before the expiration of the original permit, is the minimum permit fee applicable to the permit being extended.

When will I receive my County Well Location Permit?

Permit Duration

A permit is valid for 12 months from the date of its issuance. Upon request, it may be extended once for 6 months. Extension fees must be paid before the permit is extended.