🏠 New Home Construction
New Septic System Permit
Installing a septic system for:
- New house construction
- Lot without existing system
- Replacing completely failed system
Most Common Application
Septic System Permit Applications
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Septic System Permit Applications
Section titled “Septic System Permit Applications”Get the Right Form for Your Project
Section titled “Get the Right Form for Your Project”Every septic system installation, repair, or expansion in Idaho requires a permit from your local health district. This page helps you find the right application forms and understand the permit process.
🎯 Quick Start: Find Your Application
Section titled “🎯 Quick Start: Find Your Application”Step 1: Identify Your Project Type
Section titled “Step 1: Identify Your Project Type”🔧 Repair or Upgrade
Repair Permit
Fixing or improving existing system:
- Drainfield repair or replacement
- Septic tank replacement
- Adding treatment components
- System upgrade or expansion
Second Most Common
🏘️ Adding to Existing
Expansion or Accessory Use
Adding capacity to existing system:
- Home addition or extra bathroom
- ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
- Garage apartment
- Connecting to existing system
Growing in Popularity
🔍 Pre-Purchase Evaluation
Speculative Site Evaluation
Assessing feasibility before purchase:
- Vacant lot evaluation
- Buildability determination
- System location planning
- Property due diligence
Wise Investment (~$200-500)
Step 2: Find Your Health District
Section titled “Step 2: Find Your Health District”Not sure which district you're in? Use the interactive county map to find your health district.
Quick Links by District:
- Panhandle (5 counties) - Northern Idaho
- North Central (5 counties) - Lewiston area
- Southwest (6 counties) - Western Idaho
- Central District Health (4 counties) - Boise metro
- South Central (8 counties) - Twin Falls area
- Southeastern (8 counties) - Pocatello area
- Eastern Idaho (8 counties) - Idaho Falls area
📋 Application Types Explained
Section titled “📋 Application Types Explained”New System Permits
Section titled “New System Permits”When Required:
- All new septic system installations
- New home construction
- Lots without existing systems
- Replacement of completely failed systems
What You'll Need to Submit:
-
Completed Application Form
- Property owner information
- Site address and legal description
- Proposed system type and size
- Installer information
-
Site Plan (Plot Plan)
- Property boundaries with dimensions
- Proposed house location
- Well locations (yours and neighbors' within 100 feet)
- Septic system components (tank, drainfield, replacement area)
- All setback distances labeled
- North arrow and scale
-
Soils Information
- Percolation test results (if required)
- Soil profile descriptions
- Depth to limiting layer (bedrock, water table)
- Site evaluation report (if required)
-
Permit Fee
- Varies by district ($94-$500+ typical range)
- See fee schedules for district-specific costs
Processing Time:
- Simple residential: 1-3 weeks
- Complex sites or systems: 3-6 weeks
- Incomplete applications: delayed until information provided
Repair Permits
Section titled “Repair Permits”When Required:
- Drainfield is saturated or failing
- Septic tank is cracked or damaged
- System upgrade needed for home expansion
- Converting to alternative system type
What You'll Need:
-
Repair Application Form
- Existing system description
- Nature of failure or problem
- Proposed repair method
- Installer information
-
Site Information
- Location of existing system
- Available replacement area
- Soil conditions
- Any site constraints
-
As-Built Drawings (if available)
- Original system installation plans
- Helps identify system location
- May not exist for older systems
Repair Challenges:
- Limited space: Replacement area may be unavailable (built over, too close to well, etc.)
- Alternative systems: May require upgrade to ATU, mound, or other technology
- Higher costs: Repairs often more expensive than initial installation
Cost Range: $3,000-$20,000+ depending on complexity
Expansion Permits
Section titled “Expansion Permits”When Required:
- Adding bedrooms or bathrooms
- Home addition increasing square footage
- Installing ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
- Converting garage to living space
- Connecting additional building to existing system
System Sizing: Idaho systems are typically sized by bedroom count, not actual occupancy.
- 3-bedroom home: 450-900 gallons/day design flow
- Each additional bedroom: +150 gallons/day
Key Questions:
- Does existing system have capacity for additional flow?
- Is existing drainfield adequate size?
- Is replacement area still available?
- Do setbacks still meet current requirements?
Possible Outcomes:
- ✅ Approved as-is: Existing system adequate
- ⚠️ Drainfield expansion required: Add additional trenches
- 🔄 Complete replacement needed: Existing system inadequate
- 🚫 Denied: Site constraints prevent expansion
Speculative Site Evaluations
Section titled “Speculative Site Evaluations”Purpose: Get professional assessment of septic system feasibility before purchasing property.
Why It Matters:
- Property might not be buildable - Some lots can't support septic systems
- Costly surprises - Alternative systems can add $10,000-$20,000 to construction
- Lot value - Buildable certification increases property value
- Loan requirements - Some lenders require septic feasibility confirmation
What You Get:
- Soil evaluation (texture, depth, permeability)
- Groundwater assessment
- Site suitability determination
- Recommended system type and location
- Estimated system cost
- Written report (usually valid 2-5 years)
Cost: $200-$800 depending on district and complexity
Who Can Perform:
- Health district staff (some districts)
- Licensed engineers
- Certified soil scientists
Best Practice for Property Buyers: Include speculative evaluation as contingency in purchase offer. If site won't support septic, you can walk away or renegotiate price.
🗺️ District-Specific Applications
Section titled “🗺️ District-Specific Applications”Panhandle Health District (5 counties)
Section titled “Panhandle Health District (5 counties)”Northern Idaho Applications
Counties: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Shoshone
Available Forms:
- Septic System Permit Application (June 2025)
- Repair/Expansion Application
- Speculative Site Evaluation Form
- ⭐ Mortgage Survey Application (unique to this district)
Unique Features:
- Mortgage Survey Application - For real estate transactions requiring well/septic inspection
- Real estate focus with specialized forms
- May-June 2025 updates (recent forms)
Fee Schedule: FY2023 Environmental Health Fees
North Central District (5 counties + DEQ Statewide)
Section titled “North Central District (5 counties + DEQ Statewide)”North-Central Idaho Applications
Counties: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce
Available Forms:
- Individual Sewage Disposal System Permit (2025)
- Site Evaluation Form
- Repair/Modification Application
- Variance Petition Form
- Final/As-Built Inspection Form
Unique Features:
- Most comprehensive training materials - 98-page basic + 63-page complex installer guides
- DEQ statewide resources - Technical Guidance Manual (350 pages), approved products database
- 85 technical diagrams extracted from training materials
Fee Schedule: February 2025 Environmental Health Fee Schedule
Southwest District (6 counties)
Section titled “Southwest District (6 counties)”Western Idaho Applications
Counties: Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Washington
Available Forms:
- Individual Sewage System Application
- Repair Permit Application
- Subdivision Applications
- Speculative Site Evaluation
Unique Features:
- Subdivision engineering expertise - SER templates and sanitary restriction language
- Well water quality resources - Hydrogen sulfide guidance
- Emergency procedures - Sewage cleanup protocols
Applications: Online portal system
Central District Health (4 counties)
Section titled “Central District Health (4 counties)”Boise Metro Applications
Counties: Ada, Boise, Elmore, Valley
Available Forms:
- County-specific applications:
- Ada/Boise County Application (most urban)
- Elmore County Application
- Valley County Application
- Repair/Expansion Applications
- Accessory Use Applications
- Speculative Site Evaluation
- Planning & Zoning Review Form
Unique Features:
- ⭐ Lawful Presence Verification (new July 2025 requirement)
- County-specific forms - Different applications for different counties
- Highest permit fees - $94-$1,505 (urban services)
- ATU focus - Aerobic treatment common for small urban lots
Fee Schedule: Detailed fee matrix by service type
South Central District (8 counties)
Section titled “South Central District (8 counties)”South-Central Idaho Applications
Counties: Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Twin Falls
Available Forms:
- Septic System Permit Application
- Repair Permit Application
- Subdivision Application
- Site Evaluation Request
Unique Features:
- ⭐ May 2025 Rule Changes - Most recent regulatory updates
- Gravelless systems guidance - Emerging technology (May 2025)
- Acreage policies - Policies 795/799 for lot size requirements
- 2025 Installer Course - 20 MB comprehensive training
Fee Schedule: Included in collection
Southeastern District (8 counties)
Section titled “Southeastern District (8 counties)”Southeastern Idaho Applications
Counties: Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Butte, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, Power
Available Forms:
- Individual Sewage Disposal Permit Application (Sept 2025)
- Installer Application (Sept 2025 - most recent!)
- Pumper Application
- Speculative Evaluation Form
- Subdivision Application
Unique Features:
- ⭐ RCAC Grant Funding Info - Financial assistance for low-income homeowners (unique!)
- Soils education - Soils/wastewater relationships factsheet
- Groundwater monitoring - Well installation procedures
- Most recent installer app - September 2025
Fee Schedule: Included in collection
Eastern Idaho Public Health (8 counties)
Section titled “Eastern Idaho Public Health (8 counties)”⭐ Most Current Forms
Counties: Bonneville, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Teton
Available Forms:
- ⭐ Septic Permit Application (June 2025) - Most current permit app
- Installer Application (July 2025)
- Pumper Application (July 2025)
- Speculative Evaluation Form (Feb 2025)
- Connect to Existing System Form
- Letter of Intended Use (non-residential)
Unique Features:
- ⭐ MOST CURRENT IN ENTIRE KNOWLEDGEBASE - October 2025 homeowner guide
- DIY Homeowner Focus - Comprehensive installation manual for homeowner-installers
- Current approved materials - Sept 2025 aggregate list
- June-October 2025 updates - Newest forms across the board
Fee Schedule: Available from district
💰 Permit Fees by District
Section titled “💰 Permit Fees by District”| District | Typical Residential Permit | Speculative Evaluation | Repair Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panhandle | See FY2023 fee schedule | $200-500 | Varies |
| North Central | See Feb 2025 fee schedule | $200-400 | Varies |
| Southwest | Check online portal | $200-500 | Varies |
| Central (CDH) | $94-$1,505 | $250-500 | $94-$750 |
| South Central | See fee schedule | $200-400 | Varies |
| Southeastern | See fee schedule | $200-400 | Varies |
| Eastern Idaho | See district | $200-500 | Varies |
Detailed fee information: Fees & Financial Assistance →
📝 Application Process Step-by-Step
Section titled “📝 Application Process Step-by-Step”1. Pre-Application Research
Section titled “1. Pre-Application Research”Before you submit:
- ✅ Determine project type (new, repair, expansion)
- ✅ Find your health district
- ✅ Download current application forms
- ✅ Review separation distance requirements
- ✅ Check if speculative evaluation needed
- ✅ Budget for permit fees + installation costs
2. Gather Required Information
Section titled “2. Gather Required Information”Property Information:
- Legal description (from deed or tax records)
- Lot size and dimensions
- Existing structures and utilities
- Well locations (yours and neighbors')
Site Conditions:
- Soil type and characteristics
- Topography (slopes, drainage)
- Groundwater depth
- Obstacles (rock outcrops, trees, easements)
System Design:
- House size and bedroom count
- Estimated wastewater flow
- Proposed system type
- Tank and drainfield locations
3. Prepare Site Plan
Section titled “3. Prepare Site Plan”Required Elements:
- Property boundaries with dimensions
- Proposed or existing buildings
- Septic system components (tank, drainfield, replacement area)
- Wells within 100 feet (including neighbors')
- Surface water bodies
- All setback distances labeled
- North arrow
- Scale (e.g., 1" = 20')
Tools:
- Graph paper for hand-drawing
- CAD software for professional plans
- Hire surveyor for complex sites
- Use satellite imagery as base layer
4. Complete Application Form
Section titled “4. Complete Application Form”Common Sections:
- Property owner contact information
- Site address and legal description
- Lot size and dimensions
- Number of bedrooms
- Type of system proposed
- Installer information (if known)
- Signature and date
Accuracy Matters:
- Double-check all information
- Use legal property description (not street address)
- Provide daytime phone and email
- Sign and date application
5. Submit Application Package
Section titled “5. Submit Application Package”What to Include:
- ✅ Completed application form (original signature)
- ✅ Site plan showing all required information
- ✅ Soils information (perc tests, evaluation reports)
- ✅ Permit fee (check or credit card)
- ✅ Additional documents (variance petitions, engineering reports if needed)
Submission Methods:
- In person: Most districts accept walk-in applications
- Mail: Certified mail recommended for proof of delivery
- Online: Some districts have online portals
- Email: Check if district accepts electronic submissions
Get Receipt: Always get dated receipt confirming application received. This starts the processing clock.
6. Application Review
Section titled “6. Application Review”What Happens:
- Health district staff reviews application for completeness
- Site conditions evaluated against regulations
- Setbacks verified
- System design checked for adequacy
- Soils assessed for suitability
Possible Outcomes:
- ✅ Approved - Proceed with installation
- ⚠️ Additional information requested - Provide missing data
- 🔄 Modifications required - Revise design and resubmit
- 🚫 Denied - Site unsuitable or doesn't meet requirements
Timeline:
- Simple residential: 1-3 weeks
- Complex or alternative systems: 3-6 weeks
- Variances or special circumstances: 6-12 weeks
7. Permit Issued
Section titled “7. Permit Issued”What You Receive:
- Approved permit document
- Approved site plan (stamped)
- Installation requirements and conditions
- Inspection schedule
- Permit expiration date (typically 2-5 years)
Next Steps:
- Hire licensed installer (if not already arranged)
- Schedule installation
- Notify health district of start date
- Arrange required inspections
8. Installation & Inspection
Section titled “8. Installation & Inspection”Required Inspections: Most districts require multiple inspections:
- Pre-installation: Verify site conditions before digging
- Tank installation: Inspect tank placement and connections
- Drainfield construction: Inspect before backfilling
- Final inspection: Verify complete installation
Inspection Process:
- Call district to schedule (24-48 hours advance notice)
- Inspector visits site
- Must pass each stage before proceeding
- Failed inspection = stop work, make corrections, re-inspect
9. Final Approval & As-Built
Section titled “9. Final Approval & As-Built”What's Required:
- All inspections passed
- System installed per approved plans
- As-built drawings submitted showing actual locations
- Final fees paid (if applicable)
As-Built Drawings: Document actual installed locations (may differ slightly from plan):
- Septic tank location with dimensions from permanent reference points
- Drainfield boundaries and dimensions
- Access risers and manholes
- Any deviations from original plan
Why As-Builts Matter:
- Future repairs require knowing exact locations
- Property transfers need system documentation
- Protects your investment with permanent record
10. Maintenance & Compliance
Section titled “10. Maintenance & Compliance”Ongoing Requirements:
- Pump septic tank every 1-3 years
- Maintain repair/replacement access
- Don't build over replacement area
- Keep maintenance records
- Some alternative systems require annual service reports
Selling Property: Provide buyers with:
- Approved permit documents
- As-built drawings
- Pumping and maintenance records
- Warranty information (if applicable)
🎓 Tips for Success
Section titled “🎓 Tips for Success”For First-Time Applicants
Section titled “For First-Time Applicants”Do:
- ✅ Start early - Permitting takes time
- ✅ Ask questions - District staff are there to help
- ✅ Submit complete applications - Saves time and frustration
- ✅ Hire professionals for complex situations
- ✅ Keep copies of everything you submit
Don't:
- ❌ Assume property is buildable without evaluation
- ❌ Start work before permit approved
- ❌ Guess at measurements or setbacks
- ❌ Submit sloppy, incomplete applications
- ❌ Argue with inspector (ask for clarification instead)
For Property Buyers
Section titled “For Property Buyers”Before You Buy:
- Request speculative site evaluation as purchase contingency
- Review existing system documentation (if present)
- Verify replacement area hasn't been built over
- Check if lot size meets minimum requirements
- Confirm adequate setbacks from property lines and wells
Red Flags:
- 🚩 Seller refuses septic evaluation contingency
- 🚩 No documentation of existing system
- 🚩 Buildings or improvements over replacement area
- 🚩 Very small lots (may not meet current setbacks)
- 🚩 High groundwater or rocky soils visible
For Homeowner Installers
Section titled “For Homeowner Installers”Can You Install Your Own System? Idaho allows homeowner installation on your primary residence if you:
- Own the property
- Will occupy the home
- Obtain proper permits
- Pass all inspections
- Meet all regulatory requirements
Resources:
- Eastern Idaho Homeowner Installation Guide (Oct 2025) - Most comprehensive DIY resource
- North Central Homeowner Manual - Detailed training
- Installer training materials - Study professional courses
Realistic Assessment:
- Pros: Save $3,000-$8,000 in labor costs
- Cons: Physically demanding, must rent equipment, risk of mistakes, no warranty
When to Hire Pro:
- Alternative systems (ATUs, mounds, pressure distribution)
- Difficult sites (slopes, rock, high water table)
- You lack time, tools, or physical ability
- Any system with mechanical components
📚 Related Resources
Section titled “📚 Related Resources”Separation Distances
Understand setback requirements before planning system location.
Site Evaluation
How to assess soil conditions and site suitability.
Installer Resources
For professionals doing installation work.
Fees & Grants
Permit costs and financial assistance programs.
Alternative Systems
When conventional systems won't work on your site.
Homeowner Guide
Complete resource for homeowners navigating the process.
📞 Contact Your Health District
Section titled “📞 Contact Your Health District”Not sure which form you need? Contact your local health district:
- Panhandle Health - 5 northern counties
- North Central - 5 north-central counties
- Southwest - 6 western counties
- Central District Health - Boise metro (4 counties)
- South Central - 8 south-central counties
- Southeastern - 8 southeastern counties
- Eastern Idaho - 8 eastern counties
Or find your county on the interactive map.
⚡ Quick Reference
Section titled “⚡ Quick Reference”Most Common Applications:
Section titled “Most Common Applications:”- New System Permit - New construction or replacing failed system
- Repair Permit - Fixing or upgrading existing system
- Speculative Evaluation - Pre-purchase property assessment
Average Costs:
Section titled “Average Costs:”- Permit fees: $94-$500 (residential)
- Speculative evaluation: $200-$500
- Site plan preparation: $0-$500 (DIY to professional)
- Total installation: $5,000-$30,000+ depending on system type
Timeline:
Section titled “Timeline:”- Application review: 1-6 weeks
- Installation: 1-3 days (simple) to 1-2 weeks (complex)
- Inspections: Multiple site visits throughout installation
- Permit expiration: 2-5 years (varies by district)
Red Flags That Delay Approval:
Section titled “Red Flags That Delay Approval:”- 🚩 Incomplete applications
- 🚩 Inaccurate measurements or missing setbacks
- 🚩 Illegible site plans
- 🚩 Insufficient replacement area
- 🚩 Soil conditions not evaluated
- 🚩 Variance needed but not requested
Septic permits protect public health and groundwater quality. Complete, accurate applications get faster approvals. When in doubt, ask your health district staff - they want you to succeed!