Do I need a septic permit in Texas, and who issues it?

Almost always yes. TCEQ says almost all on-site sewage facilities need a permit before any construction, installation, repair or alteration. Permits come from the local authorized agent, often a county, city or health district; where no local program exists, the TCEQ regional office issues them. A licensed professional must do a preconstruction site evaluation, including soil analysis, and the permitting authority must act within 30 days. Limited exemptions exist, such as some single-family systems on 10 or more acres that meet setback conditions. TCEQ's contacts page has a county lookup for your local authority. Never assume an exemption without confirming it.

Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.

Sources

• Getting a Permit for an OSSFTexas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Basics for Septic SystemsTexas Commission on Environmental Quality
• On-Site Sewage Facility Program ContactsTexas Commission on Environmental Quality