Septic System Permits and Regulations in Georgia
Georgia Septic System Regulations Guide
Understanding Georgia's septic system regulations is essential for any homeowner planning to install, modify, or maintain an on-site sewage treatment system. Georgia's Department of Public Health, through county boards of health, oversees the regulation and permitting of septic systems across the state. This guide explains what you need to know to stay compliant and protect your property.
Who Regulates Septic Systems in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) establishes the rules and standards for on-site sewage management systems (OSMS) statewide. However, day-to-day regulation and permitting is handled by your local county health department's Environmental Health division.
Each of Georgia's 159 counties has an Environmental Health office that processes permits, conducts inspections, and enforces regulations. While the statewide rules provide a baseline, some counties have adopted more restrictive local ordinances.
When You Need a Permit
In Georgia, you need a permit for any new septic system installation, replacement of an existing system, major repairs or modifications to an existing system, changes that affect system capacity such as adding bedrooms, and commercial system installations. You do NOT typically need a permit for routine maintenance like pumping, minor repairs that don't change the system's design or capacity, or replacing system components with identical parts.
The Permitting Process
Step 1: Application — Submit an application to your county's Environmental Health office. You'll need to provide property documentation, a site plan, and the applicable fee.
Step 2: Site Evaluation — A county environmental health specialist will visit your property to evaluate soil conditions. This includes borings to assess soil type, depth, and the seasonal high water table. The evaluation determines what type of system your property can support.
Step 3: System Design — Based on the site evaluation, a system is designed either by the county health department for conventional systems or by a licensed engineer for more complex systems.
Step 4: Permit Issuance — Once the design is approved, the county issues a construction permit. This permit specifies the system type, size, and location on your property.
Step 5: Installation — A licensed installer constructs the system according to the approved design.
Step 6: Final Inspection — The county inspects the completed installation before it's covered and put into service.
Georgia's Key Regulations
Lot Size Requirements: Georgia requires minimum lot sizes for properties with septic systems. For conventional systems, the minimum is typically one-half acre, but this varies by county and soil conditions. Some counties require larger lots for advanced systems or in areas with environmental sensitivity.
Setback Distances: Systems must maintain minimum distances from wells (150 feet for public wells, 100 feet for private wells), property lines (10 feet), surface water (50-100 feet depending on water body classification), and structures (10 feet).
Tank Requirements: Georgia requires minimum tank sizes based on the number of bedrooms. A three-bedroom home requires at least a 1,000-gallon tank. All tanks must meet Georgia DPH specifications for materials and construction.
Installer Requirements: Georgia requires septic system installers to be licensed through the county health department. Licensed installers must demonstrate competency and maintain their licenses through continuing education.
Real Estate Transactions
Georgia law does not mandate a septic inspection when selling a home, but most lenders require one. If an inspection reveals problems, the seller is typically responsible for repairs. Some counties require a transfer permit when property with a septic system changes ownership.
This is an area where having your maintenance records in order really pays off. A well-documented maintenance history can smooth the transaction process significantly.
Finding Licensed Professionals
When you need septic services in Georgia, ensure your provider is properly licensed and familiar with your county's specific requirements. Browse our [Georgia state directory](/georgia) to find licensed professionals in [Atlanta](/georgia/atlanta), [Augusta](/georgia/augusta), [Savannah](/georgia/savannah), [Athens](/georgia/athens), and communities across the state.