Well and Septic Permits

Steps for obtaining Residential Repair Permit (defined as an existing home with a failing septic system):

  1. Contact Porter County Health Department, Environmental Division and request an onsite visit from Environmental Health Inspector.
  2. An Environmental Health Inspector will visit and review site. 
  3. A soil test may be requested, at which time a private, certified Soil Scientist must be hired.  A “Repair Permit Field Investigation Report” will be issued within approximately 2-4 days.  This report will detail septic system specifications and any additional site considerations.  Most septic contractors request this report when preparing a bid.
  4. To obtain a Residential Repair Permit, the customer is required to visit the Porter County Health Department, Environmental Division. 

Residential Repair Permit fee: $168.00.  Residential Repair Permits are valid for two years.


Steps for obtaining Residential New Construction Well and Septic Permit: 

  1. A soil test is required and may be obtained by hiring a private, certified Soil Scientist.  Most lots located within a Subdivision may have a soil test on file at the Porter County Health Department.  Please contact our office with the subdivision name and lot number for additional information. A list of Soil Scientists is available in the local telephone book and from the Porter County Health Department.
  2. Submit soil test to Porter County Health Department, Environmental Division and request a Septic/Well Field Investigation Report.
  3. A Septic/Well Field Investigation Report will be issued within apprx. 2-4 days.  This report will contain detailed septic system specifications; requirements for permit issuance and any additional site considerations.
  4. To obtain the Well and Septic Permit, customer is required to visit the PCHD, Env Div. and make a Well and Septic Permit Application.  The customer should bring with them all the check-marked items listed under “Requirements for Permit Issuance” located on their Field Investigation Report.  PCHD staff will review the siteplan within 3-5 days.
  5. If documents are not approved, then revisions will be requested.  Customer should make needed changes and resubmit to PCHD, Env. Div.
  6. If the documents are approved, then a well and septic permit will be issued. 

Well Permit fee: $25.00, Septic Permit fee: $182.00 ($207.00 total).  Septic permits expire 2 years from the date of issuance.  Well permits have no expiration date.

Steps for obtaining Residential Well Permit:

  1. To obtain a Well Permit, customer is required to visit the PCHD, Env Div.
  2. Provide the PCHD, ENV. Div. with a site plan drawn to scale and detailing the location of house, proposed well and existing septic system (tank and laterals) or sewer line.  A permanent address must also be provided.  Wells must be located at least 50ft from septic tanks, laterals and sewer lines.
  3. A permit will be issued for a fee of $25.00 and have no expiration date.

Steps for obtaining Commercial Well and Septic Permit:

  1. A soil test is required and may be obtained by hiring a private, certified Soil Scientist.
  2. Contact Indiana State Department of Health, Commercial Septic System Division, (317) 233-1325 and follow their instructions.

Permit Fees:

Residential Repair: $168.00 
Residential, New Construction Well and Septic  $207.00
Residential Septic:  $182.00           Residential Well: $25.00
Commercial Well and Septic:  $207.00

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can PCHD recommend a Septic System Installer?  Yes, a list of Registered Onsite Septic System Installers can be found here.

Can PCHD recommend a Septic Installer, Septic Tank Pumper, Soil Scientist or Well Driller?  Yes. PCHD has a contrator list detailed below.  Please contact us at 219-465-3525, Environmental for more information.

How do I know if I need a Septic Repair Permit?  A permit is required when any part of your septic system is replaced (laterals, tank, distribution box, etc).  No permit is required to pump a septic tank or to investigate septic system problems.  Septic contractors that insist permits are not required or ask to do repair work without contacting the Health Dept. are neither reputable nor recommended 

How do I know if I need a Well Permit?   ALL well installations require a permit.  Even wells used for irrigation, gardening or located within city limits require a permit.                     

What if I am tearing down or removing an existing home and building a new one?     While lot size will be “grand fathered”, a Residential, New Construction Well and Septic Permit will be required.

What is the minimum lot size required for building a new home?    At least one acre of useable or buildable acreage is required to obtain a septic permit.  Useable/buildable does not include easements, ponds, wetlands, hydric soils, disturbed areas, etc.