How close can a septic system be to my property line?

Under the Texas state rules, septic tanks and standard soil absorption drainfields must be at least 5 feet from property lines. Aerobic systems that spray treated water onto the surface need more room: Table X lists 20 feet from property lines for surface application areas, and drip irrigation lines need 5 feet. If you rely on the Texas "10-acre" permit exemption, every part of the system must stay 100 feet or more from the property lines. Counties and cities acting as TCEQ authorized agents may set larger distances, and a neighbor's well or creek near the line can force the system farther in. Ask your local permitting office for its current setback sheet.

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

• 30 TAC §285.91(10), Table X: Minimum Required Separation Distances for On-Site Sewage FacilitiesTexas Register (via The Portal to Texas History, University of North Texas)
• Permitting an On-Site Sewage FacilityTexas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)