Septic Permit
New Septic Systems Permit for installation of new construction septic system = $60.00
To obtain a permit, you need to make an appointment with the Marshall County Health Department Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Please call 574-935-8565.
Requirements necessary for Septic Permits
The first step in getting a septic permit for any location in Marshall County is to have the building site evaluated to see if it has suitable soil for a septic system. The regulations that we follow, enacted in December, 1990, require that an on-site soils analysis (site survey) be done. This site survey may have been done already and we will have a record of this. In order for us to look up the records we must know the subdivision name and lot number, or if the site is not in a subdivision we need to know the location of the site.
If a site survey has not been done, our office can do this for you in one of two ways. (1) An appointment can be made with Jerry Fussell to meet you at the site. Or (2) Jerry will take your name, address, phone number and approximate location of the site. You must then flag the (4) corners of the building, mark another flag with an “S” and place that in the area you would like the septic system to go, and 1 (one) flag at roadside. Flags are available at our office. Then you must contact our office to let Jerry know that the site is flagged. We cannot do our work until we are notified that flagging has been done.
Our department will then do the site survey as soon as possible and send you a site survey report stating whether the site is suitable for a conventional septic system or not. If a site is turned down for a conventional system we will tell you why it was rejected and what your possible options are. One option is having a certified soil scientist make an evaluation to see if an alternative septic system may be possible.
If your site is approved, your soil report will have all information necessary for you to get a septic permit. This soil report will require a site plan of development to be drawn showing the size, dimensions and locations of lot lines, house, well, perimeter drain and its outlet if this is the type of system required. It is best that a septic contractor or someone with an understanding of the septic regulations draw this site plan in order to get it done correctly the first time. If you have any questions please contact us at (574)935-8565. On-site meetings with you and/or your contractor can be arranged, if necessary.
These requirements may be confusing or seem stringent, however, this is the only way we can ensure that septic systems are installed properly and only in acceptable areas. In reality, the 1990 regulations open up new areas for development that were unsuitable before. This is possible through the use of alternative septic systems. (i.e., perimeter drains and/or elevated mound systems, pump-assisted systems, etc.) Because of the complexity of these systems, a certified soil scientist is required to do the on site soils analysis. We will then send you recommendations within a few days of receiving an original copy of their report.
The site plan of development must be submitted to our office for approval. Upon approval of this site plan, an appointment must be made to get your septic permit. At that time, the approved site plan or blueprints, the permit application fee and a copy of the recordable deed to the property is needed.
If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact our office. A meeting with you and/or your contractor at the building site can also be set up to answer any of your questions, if that is necessary.
Existing Septic Systems
Permit for installation of repair/replacement/addition/renovation of an existing site. = $30.00
Sign-off existing requirements.
To utilize an existing septic system for replacement of a dwelling, or for a one bedroom addition to the existing dwelling, or for any renovation of the house that includes construction of a bedroom, regardless of whether it changes the number of bedrooms, the following requirements apply:
- The septic tank shall be pumped by a state licensed pumper. The amount of effluent pumped shall be noted.
- The tank shall be in good working order and shall be concrete or ISHD approved.
- The field system shall be in good working order.
All the above information shall be put in writing by the septic tank pumper. The property owner’s name and the location of the property where the pumping was done shall also be stated. If the above criteria can’t be met, a repair/replacement system must be installed after obtaining a septic permit from the Marshall County Health Department.
If the number of bedrooms or bedroom equivalents is increasing by more than one, the septic system will have to be upgraded to accommodate and treat the increased amount of effluent.
After the above requirements are completed, please contact Jerry Fussell at 574-935-8565 to schedule an appointment to sign-off existing septic systems. Also, feel free to call us if you have any questions concerning this matter.
Additional information
- Homeowner’s Guide to septic systems
- Register of approved soil scientists.
- Purdue hosts publications about septic systems
- Commercial applications of septic systems.
To obtain a permit, you need to make an appointment with the Marshall County Health Department Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Please call 574-935-8545.
