Septic & Wastewater

Mission

As Environmental Health specialists, protecting public health, groundwater resources, and the environment are key components of our mission. As part of that mission, our environmental health specialists permit and inspect septic systems to ensure their proper location, installation, maintenance, and operation in accordance with state law.

New Construction

An Authorization for Wastewater System Construction Permit (New Septic Permit) allows construction of a septic system. It’s required before a building permit can be issued, and is valid for five years after the date issued. An Environmental Health specialist will inspect the septic system after it’s installed to ensure proper installation.

Apply for a Permit

To apply for a Wastewater System Construction Permit (New Septic Permit), return the following items to the Environmental Health office (next to Tractor Supply). 

If the site/facility is not ready as indicated by the applicant (property lines not marked, etc.), a site visit fee of $50 will be assessed. For questions, contact Environmental Health.

  • Applicable permit fee: see chart below (check made payable to Haywood County Environmental Health)
  • Completed septic system application, including a detailed site plan and surveyed plat

Reconnect to an Existing System

Existing System Inspections are required when switching out mobile homes and when remodeling or adding on to homes or businesses. If there is no increase to the number of bedrooms in a residential addition/remodel, and the building addition doesn’t encroach on the existing septic system or well setbacks, you can apply for an Existing System Reconnect Permit. 

If the addition or remodel is increasing the number of bedrooms, or if the septic system will need to be relocated to accommodate the addition/remodel, you will most likely need to apply for an Improvement Permit and Authorization for Construction.

Applying for a Permit

To apply for an existing septic system authorization (for home additions, garages, mobile home set up, etc.), return the following items to the Environmental Health office at 157 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, NC (next to Tractor Supply). 

If the site/facility is not ready as indicated by the applicant (property lines not marked, etc.), a site visit fee of $50 will be assessed. For questions, contact Environmental Health.

  • $100 permit fee (check made payable to Haywood County Environmental Health)
  • Completed existing septic system application, including a detailed site plan

Septic System Repair or Replacement

If your septic system is malfunctioning, call our environmental health specialists at 828-828-452-6682 or call 828-452-6682 to evaluate the system and help determine an appropriate solution.

Malfunctioning septic systems are indicated by wet areas in the yard, plumbing that is draining slowly, sewage backing up into the house, sewage odor, and/or the grass over your septic tank being greener than the rest of the yard. There is no cost for repair permits, which may be applied for by the property owner or an authorized agent.

Equal Opportunity

Interpreter services available at no cost. Haywood County Health and Human Services is an equal opportunity provider and employer.