Do You Need a Septic System Permit in North Carolina?

For most septic work, yes. In North Carolina, the Environmental Health section of your county health department issues septic permits. It follows the state rules in 15A NCAC 18E. Those rules were rewritten for the first time in over 30 years and took effect January 1, 2024.

Here is how the rules sort the work:

• A new system needs an Improvement Permit and a Construction Authorization before you can get a building permit. After the install passes inspection, the county issues an Operation Permit.
• A repair needs an application to the health department before the work starts.
• More bedrooms, or a site change that needs a building permit, means an application to the county first.

If your drain field is failing, replacing it runs through the county’s repair process. Our drain field restoration works inside the tank you already have. Nothing is replaced or expanded, and the drain field is not dug up. We tell you before work starts if your county health department needs to be involved.

What are the septic permits in North Carolina?

The state rules set up three permits, issued in order:

1. Improvement Permit (IP). This step includes the soil and site evaluation. It approves where the system goes and what type it is. Iredell County’s instructions call it a perc test.
2. Construction Authorization (CA). This authorizes the installation. Once the CA is issued, you may get a building permit. Iredell calls this step the Authorization to Construct.
3. Operation Permit (OP). The county inspects the finished installation and then issues the OP. It covers long-term operation.

There are private options too. You can hire a licensed soil scientist for the soil and site evaluation. The state also allows Engineer Option Permits and permits from an Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE). Davie County still charges for a soil scientist’s permit package: 40 percent of its combined IP and CA fee.

Does a septic repair need a permit?

Yes. Under 18E .0202(c), an application goes to the local health department before a system is repaired. Health departments investigate complaints and system failures, and they issue repair permits.

When the county finds a malfunctioning system, it can issue a notice of violation (NOV). Rule 18E .1306 then sets these steps:

• You apply for a repair, unless only maintenance is needed to bring the system into compliance.
• The repair is due within 30 days of the NOV date, unless the notice sets another time frame.
• When public health calls for it, the county can require pump and haul during the repair.
• For systems installed before July 1, 1977, the authorized agent, an AOWE or an engineer may use best professional judgement.

Davie County’s repair application asks when the tank was last pumped. It also asks you to dye test your toilets. Put food coloring in the toilet tank and do not flush. If color shows up in the bowl after 30 minutes, you have a leak.

Not sure what is wrong yet? A septic system inspection from our team looks at the tank and the field to find the cause. We do not do real-estate inspections; in North Carolina those need a state-certified inspector.

Does replacing a drain field or a septic tank need a permit?

Plan on it. Replacing a failing field runs through the county’s repair process, and a repair starts with an application. Iredell’s online application lists “Relocate septic tank/drain lines” as its own permit type. Davie’s application lists Repair next to New, Expansion, System Relocation and Change of Use.

We do not replace tanks or drain fields, so we refer that work out. For market prices, see what drain field replacement costs.

Do additions, a pool or a new bedroom need a septic review?

Often, yes. More bedrooms raise the design daily flow, and 18E .0202(a)(3) calls for an application when that flow goes up. Davie’s fee schedule shows the link: 100 to 360 gallons per day means 2 to 3 bedrooms. Iredell’s online application even has a permit type called “Expand septic to add bedrooms.”

A site change that needs a building permit also needs the county first. Under 18E .0202(b), an existing system approval application goes in before those changes. Health departments also inspect existing systems for “no flow” additions.

Pools and sheds go on the county site plan. Both counties ask you to stake or flag a proposed addition or pool.

What do septic permits cost in North Carolina?

These are public county fees from county paperwork. Counties change them, so check with your own health department. They are not our price list.

The Iredell figures come from Iredell County Environmental Health’s application instructions. Iredell charges the gravity fee up front. The balance for a pump system is due before the permit is released. The Davie figures come from the Davie County Health and Human Services fee schedule, effective November 8, 2023.

How long does a septic permit last?

• Iredell: the Improvement Permit is valid for 5 years.
• Davie: its IP and CA application says a permit lasts 60 months with a complete site plan. With a complete plat, it lasts without expiration. Its repair application says permits expire 5 years after issue.
• Statewide: an application left waiting on you expires 12 months after you apply.

What should you do before the county visits?

Both counties list these steps on their forms:

• Call NC 811. The locate is free. Davie wants your 811 reference number and visit date before it comes out. Iredell wants all utilities marked before any pits are dug.
• Mark the lines. Flag property lines every 25 feet when you cannot see one corner from the next. Mow lines and fence lines do not count.
• Clear the lot. Clear heavy undergrowth so the house footprint is visible.
• Wait on backhoe pits. Both counties say not to dig pits until the specialist has authorized and scheduled your evaluation.

In Iredell, the specialist contacts you to schedule the pits. In Davie, you or your backhoe operator call the specialist to set the appointment. Davie requires at least three pits. Your backhoe operator must be on site for the evaluation. A lot that is not ready costs a $100 revisit in either county.

What if your drain field is failing?

Our drain field restoration works from inside your existing tank. An aeration and bacteria unit gives natural bacteria oxygen, and they digest the biomat that clogs the soil. As the biomat breaks down, the field can take water again. Most installs are finished in a day. The only digging is a shallow air line, located through NC 811 first.

We tell you before work starts if your county health department needs to be involved. After the install, septic system maintenance visits keep the system on schedule. Based in Statesville, our team handles septic system repair for homes within about 50 miles. The on-site evaluation is free: we look at the tank and the field first. Call or text (336) 624-7314.