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On-Site Septic Applications
Anyone who installs, changes, or repairs an on-site sewage system (OSS) is required to first obtain a permit from Grant County Health District (GCHD). Installing a septic system requires site and soil evaluations to make sure the OSS is installed to prevent environmental pollution. Most on-site septic systems must be installed by an installer who has a certificate from GCHD.
Paper copies of the application, complete design, and site plan can be turned in at our office or mailed to our office. Applications turned in on paper must be printed on paper no bigger than 11 inches by 17 inches. Applications can also be turned in electronically by emailing it to us. All fillable On-site Septic applications must be opened in Adobe to work correctly.
If you have questions about what is needed, please call our office at 509-766-7960.
NEW: The revised On-Site Septic (OSS) rule, WAC 246-272A, went into effect on April 1, 2025. This statewide rule regulates the location, design, installation, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of OSS. All parts of the new rule, except property transfer inspections, is now in effect. For more information on changes to WAC 246-272A go to the Department of Health's website.
Along with the new statewide rules, the update GCHD OSS ordinance also went into effect on April 1, 2025. Please see our OSS main page for more information.
GCHD cannot accept new septic applications for properties under Grant County’s authority without first applying for a Grant County building permit. More information about why a building permit application is required is in this letter to septic professionals. The site plan turned in with the building application must contain all the parts of the septic system, including tanks, lines, drainfield, and reserve area, the well and water distribution lines from the well to the building(s). The site map with the building application must also match the site map for the OSS design that is turned in with the OSS application.
- OSS Permit Application (for New systems, alterations, and repairs)
- Site Registration Form
- Waiver Request Application
- Manufactured Home Floor Plan Template
If you already have a septic system installed on your property and are building a new structure, replacing a mobile home, remodeling an existing building to add bedrooms, changing the footprint of a building, or changing the use of a building, you will need an existing system evaluation. The evaluation determines if the septic system is adequate for the added septage and whether a project is built in a way that protects the septic system and reserve area.
Craft3 is a regional loan program offering low-interest loans to repair failing systems or to bring systems into compliance with current regulations. All homeowners in Grant County are eligible to borrow up to the full cost of your septic repair or replacement. To qualify for a loan one or more of the following must apply:
- Your septic system is at least 25 years old
- Your septic system is failing
- You’ve been contacted by local health officials
- You are under orders to fix your septic system
For more information, please see Craft3's website by clicking here.
GCHD reviews land use proposals in connection with a proposed land use application being processed by Grant County Development Services. GCHD reviews the safety of drinking water (potable water) and wastewater disposal. The Grant County Health District does not review the proposed plat or other land use permits for the legal availability of water or compliance with building permits. GCHD may review the following types of proposals:
- Subdivision (major and short plats)
- Conditional Use
- Discretionary Use
- Reasonable Use Exception
- Binding Site Plan
- Site Plan Review
- Boundary Line Adjustments
If you have questions about whether you need to submit a Land Use Proposal Application to GCHD, please reach out to our office.
To determine if a homeowner can design and install their own OSS, the first step is having a Site Registration done by a licensed Septic Designer or Professional Engineer. The site registration determines the soil type and what kind of septic system can be installed. Only if the Site Registration shows the lot conditions are acceptable for a conventional gravity septic system can the resident homeowner design their own septic system. Because the Site Registration must be done by a licensed Septic Designer or Engineer, it is almost always more efficient to have them design the septic system as well.
On-Site Septic systems may only be designed and installed by a homeowner only when:
- Soils allow for a conventional gravity system; and
- The home is a single family residence; and
- The home that will be connected to the OSS is the property owner's home.
A resident homeowner may install a gravity system that was designed by a WA State licensed OSS designer when the project meets the other two conditions above. If the soils and property conditions require a pressure septic system, it must be designed by a licensed designer or Professional Engineer and installed by a GCHD certified installer.
There are many things that have to be considered when designing septic systems which is why the Washington State Department of Licensing licenses Septic Designers like they do Professional Engineers. GCHD cannot help property owners design a septic system.
- List of OSS Installers, Designers, Pumpers, and Well Drillers
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WAC 246-272A, On-site Sewage Systems
Washington State Rules for On-Site Septic Systems
- GCHD On-Site Septic Ordinance 2025-03
- Craft3 Website