East Shore District Health Department

New Properties to be served by a Septic System:

For a new home or building, soil tests are the first step of the process. Soil tests will determine the suitability of the lot to be served by a septic system. If the soils are suitable, a plan review will be submitted by an Engineer. Two copies of the proposed septic plan must be provided, in addition to an interior building plan.

• Soil Testing Application
• Septic Plan Review Application

When a new septic system plan review is approved, prior to installation of a septic system a licensed installer must submit the permit to construct application. A permit to construct must be issued by ESDHD prior to septic installation. The Sanitarian will conduct final inspections. Following the final inspection and receipt of the septic as-built, a Permit to Discharge will be issued to the property owner.

• Septic permit application
• Septic As Built

Septic System Repairs:

Depending on the type of repair, soil tests may or may not be required. A detailed plan for the repair must be submitted with the application. Once the plan is approved, a permit to construct will be issued by the Sanitarian. Installation cannot begin until a permit to construct is issued by ESDHD. Final inspections will be conducted by ESDHD, and a Permit to Discharge issued following receipt of the septic as-built.

• Soil evaluation form 2025
• Septic Plan Review Application 
• Septic As Built

Separation Distances for Septic Systems:

• Building with no drains to Septic: 10’
• Building with foundation drains/roof leaders to Septic: 25’
• Well to Septic: Minimum 75’
• Deck/Patio to Septic: 5’
• In-ground pool to Septic: 25’
• Above-ground pool to Septic: 10’

See the following for a detailed list of separation distances: Septic Technical Standards Separation Distances

Installation of Wastewater System for a Water Treatment System (WTW):

Wastewater from a water treatment system cannot be directed into your Septic System. Instead, there is a separate system on the property to properly dispose of the waste water. Complete the WTW application with a drawn layout showing distances from the septic system and well on the property.

• WTW Application

Building additions and alterations for properties on septic require completion of a B100 Application. See the building/properties addition tab for more details.