Onsite Septic Permits
Standard Systems
Standard installation of residential septic systems consists of a 1,500 gallon tank and a dispersal field (leach lines) where the wastewater is gravity fed from the tank to the leach lines before dispersing into the soils. Alternative systems are considered in areas of restrictive or questionable soils that are other than Aiken Very Deep (AVD) 0-30 as outlined in the Town's Onsite Manual, Section 1.2 & 1.3. For example, if groundwater is present anywhere on the subject parcel, test holes may be required to locate suitable soils for septic and to determine whether an alternative system is required.
Test holes are scheduled to be dug in the presence of the Onsite Sanitary Official to witness and assess the composition of soils. Please reference the Onsite Wastewater Manual for additional information on the design, rules and regulations regarding septic systems in the Town of Paradise.
Existing System Repairs
Any repairs or alterations made to the onsite wastewater disposal systems within town limits require an Onsite permit in order to request inspections by the Onsite Sanitary Official to sign off on the work and issue an Operating Permit to authorize use of the system.
1. Standard Repair ($281.81)* - Permit issued following a failed septic evaluation of either the tank, field or both.
2. Upgrade/Alteration (356.42)* - Permit issued to upgrade the system to current codes or to expand the system to accommodate additional flows following an approved Land Use Review.
3. Minor Repair ($80.52)* - Permit issued over-the-counter following a failed evaluation for things such as tees, risers, lids, floats, building sewer connection, pump components, etc.
Application Process
A permit to construct or repair an onsite wastewater system can be applied for in person at the Building Resiliency Center located at 6295 Skyway but preferrably online using our new permitting software GovWell. An accurately scaled plot plan of the proposed system is required to include all plot plan requirements with fees for plan review by the Onsite Official. The application review process usually takes anywhere between 2-4 weeks and is subject to change depending on the volume of permits actively in review. Please make sure to include the location of existing septic system showing tank and leach line locations per As-Built(s) of record to ensure proper setbacks from the newly proposed system. This is often the item that most often contributes to the delay for completing plan review. You will be notified via email from GovWell of any additional requirements and to sign the Final Acknowledgements form when the permit is ready to issue.
Application Requirements:
- Onsite Permit Application
- Plot Plan Requirements
- Fees (Cash/Check/Credit Card)
Please note only licensed contractors with the following designations are permitted to apply for and install septic systems.
- C-36 Plumbing
- C-42 Sanitation
- General A Engineering
In lieu of a contractor's license, a property owner may install their own system as an owner-builder.
Please see Owner Builder Declaration for additional information.
Onsite Permit inspection requests can now be made online following instructions on our main page. Please make your requests at least 24 hours in advance.
NOTE: *All fees are payable to the Town of Paradise and are subject to change.
