Septic Permits for Rural Property in Hamilton County

Texas calls septic systems On-Site Sewage Facilities, or OSSFs. TCEQ says a permit and approved plan are required to build, alter, repair, extend, or operate one. In Hamilton County, the county packet sends applicants to the County Clerk's office. It lists the program phone as 254-386-3518.

The site check comes first. Hamilton County requires a licensed site evaluator and a report on soil and site conditions. A standard system plan may be drawn by the owner or installer. A non-standard system needs a professional engineer or sanitarian, and county staff may send those plans to the TCEQ office in Waco.

The county fee is $300 and is non-refundable. Pay by cash, check, or money order made out to Hamilton County. If the county approves the packet, it issues an Authorization to Construct that lasts one year. Before the final inspection, the installer must give the county inspector at least five working days' notice and leave the excavation open.