Procedures to Obtain Septic Permits in Morgan County:

1) A soil test must be conducted by a State approved Soil Scientist (list is available in our office).

2) After the soil report is received in our office from the Soil Scientist, the Environmental Health Specialist enters the information on our computer and prints a condensed report which we will mail out to the property owner along with a cover letter explaining the application process. As stated in the cover letter, these items will need to be submitted:

a) Completed application form - installer’s information on materials he will use.

b) Parcel number for the property is required on the application form.

c) Detailed drawing of the proposed system with all dimensions and elevations - this is the installer’s drawing of what he proposes to install.

d) Floor plan (including all levels - as well as unfinished basements) - from the Property Owner.

e) Plot plan with dimensions - show size or dimensions of lot with compass direction noted.

Also indicate where septic system, house, any other structures, and the well will be located. Show dimensions (footage) from lot lines, waterways, etc. The Property Owner or installer can hand draw this, it doesn’t have to be drawn professionally.

f) Legal description of the property. (A copy of the tax form which the property owner receives from the treasurer’s office will suffice, or usually the legal

description is listed on the property deed.)

3) The proposed septic field should be staked (the ends and middle of each trench), along with the house, any other structures, and the driveway, so that the Health Specialist can perform an on-site inspection.

4) Once application is made, (all paperwork submitted as outlined above), the Health Specialist will review the paperwork and go to the site for a site inspection. This process is normally conducted within 2-3 working days. If everything is in order, a permit can then be issued. Someone at that time must come to the office to pay the fee and sign for the permit.  

5) After the system is installed completely, the installer should call the office for a final inspection. *The reinspection fine is only assessed when an installer calls for a final inspection and isn’t ready when the Health Specialist arrives.

PLEASE NOTE: According to the Morgan County Septic Ordinance, all Septic Installers must be registered with our office before obtaining a permit or installing systems.