It is important for the developer/homeowner to contact SWDH at 208-455-5400 regarding the application and the permitting process for a septic system or drainfield. A septic system permit is almost always a pre-requisite to obtaining a building permit from the county.
Septic systems can be classified in different forms; some samples include:
Basic:
A standard and basic alternative system installer’s registration permit is required to install all individual systems not listed under Subsection 006.01.b.
Complex:
A complex alternative system installer’s registration permit is required to install evapotranspiration systems, extended treatment systems, lagoon systems, large soil absorption systems, pressure distribution systems, intermittent sand filter, in-trench sand filter, sand mound or other systems as may be specified by the Director
Extended Treatment Package (ETP) Systems:
Extended Treatment Package Septic Systems are treatment devices that provide extended biological treatment to septic tank wastewater prior to being delivered to the septic drainfield. These are also commonly called Aerobic Treatment Units. Once delivered to the drainfield, the wastewater will seep into the ground. These are generally required in situations of limited acceptable soil conditions, shallow ground water, or in areas of known degraded ground water quality.
ETP Systems are required to have annual testing, inspection, and repairs to ensure it is working properly. This work is required to be done by a licensed service provider.
Southwest District health is responsible for permitting the septic tank and drainfield for both private and commercial properties. Additional permitting may be required through the city/county the construction is being completed.
Please contact the Idaho Department of Building Safety for permitting of plumbing from the structure to the septic tank. The Meridian office is located at 1090 E. Watertower Street, Suite 150. Office hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Phone 208-334-3950 or toll free at 800-955-3044.
Land Development and Septic System Permits
Land Development
Fees:
| Service Description | Charges |
| Subdivision Engineering Report Application Fee | $300.00 |
| Cost Per Developable Lot | $350.00 |
| Subdivision Application - City Services (Requires DEQ Approval) | $150.00 |
| Central/LSAS | $1,000 + $100 per 250 gpd |
| Pre-development site evaluation for commercial or engineered lots (includes multiple test holes and evaluation results) | $800.00 |
| Pre Development Meeting (Fee to apply toward SER application if within 12-months of pre-development meeting) | $100.00 |
Accessory Use Approval Application and Plot Plan (PDF) can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Septic Systems.
For further information, please contact SWDH at 208-455-5400.
Septic Installers
Installer: Any person, corporation, or firm engaged in the business of excavation for, or the construction of individual or subsurface sewage disposal systems in the State.
All installers within the State of Idaho must obtain either a basic or complex installer’s registration permit. An installers registration permit may be obtained at SWDH, and may be used for installation of septic systems throughout the state. Basic installer’s registration permit operators are limited to the types of systems they may install. Complex installer’s registration permit operators are permitted to install all types of systems.
Complex Installers may install all of the following alternative type systems:
- At-grade soil absorption system
- Drip distribution systems
- Evapotranspiration and evapotranspiration/infiltrative systems
- Experimental systems
- Extended treatment package systems
- Pressurized gray water systems
- Individual lagoons
- Pressure distribution or transport systems
- Recirculating gravel filters
- Intermittent sand filters
- Pretreated enveloped in-trench sand filters
- Pressurized in-trench sand filters
- Sand mound
- Subsurface flow constructed wetland
- Two-cell infiltrative systems
- Drainfield remediation components
- Large soil absorption systems
Initial Installer’s Registration
To obtain an installers license the probable installer must complete the following:
- Submit an installer license application via the payment and application portal linked below.
- Submit a bond to SWDH in a format approved by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the sum applicable to the permit type sought: Basic $10,000 or Complex $ 30,000.
- Pay the application fee.
- Pass the installer examination administered by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and provide the results to SWDH.
Installer License Renewal
- All installer licensure must be renewed annually. To renew the installer must;
- Submit a copy of a complete bond or continuation certification to SWDH. This document must include the bond amount, effective and expiration dates.
- Continuing education is required to be completed every three years. This requirement can be met by attending an approved continuing education course or by retaking the DEQ installer exam.
Service Provider Requirements
A Service Provider must have a complex level septic system installer license plus be bonded at that level. This includes taking the Complex Installers exam.
The Service Provider must pass a test developed by the State of Idaho’s Department of Environmental Quality. The study material for the installer’s test is the Technical Guidance Manual for Individual and Subsurface Sewage Disposal System.
The Service Provider must provide to the appropriate Health District a yearly confirmation letter from the manufacturer whose product they are servicing that they are current and qualified to service their technology.
The Service Provider must participate in a three (3) year training course.
If you need more information please call 208-455-5400.
Fees
| Service Description | Charges |
| Basic Installer License | $130.00 |
| Complex Installer License | $195.00 |
| Installer Late Fee | $25.00 per month; maximum of $100.00 |
Related Links for Septic Installers:
- On-Site Wastewater Systems (Septic Systems); including system types, Individual, Central, Large Soil Absorption Systems and related links.
- Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules
Pumper Trucks
All persons or businesses operating any truck with a tank used to pump and transport septage/sewage must comply with the “Rules Governing and Cleaning of Septic Tanks” – See below link.
A permit is required for pumping, transportation, and disposal of sewage. Permits for septic pumping trucks must be renewed annually with applications being submitted on or before March 1 of each year.
Pumper truck applications can be submitted via the payment and application portal linked below. A Sewage Disposal Site Approval form will need to be signed by the plant operator or manager and submitted with your application. This form is available to download via the portal and our document repository.
Truck Requirements
Truck tank capacity
- 1000 gallons – pumping of septic tanks, RV dump stations,
- 500 gallons – pumping of portable toilets, or vault privies.
Other Requirements
- An access port for the inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of the interior
- A gage to indicate the volume of liquid contained
- Tank should have a gravity drainage valve that can be safely locked during transportation and storage
- Discharge valve to dispose septage should be at least 2 ½ inches in diameter and equipped with a cam lock quick couple screw cap, and placed in a manner that the discharge stream is not blocked in any way, unless it is necessary for disposal
- Pumping equipment on the truck should be sized to provide at least 15 feet of suction lift and should be able to reverse flow
- A water trap between the tank and pump to prevent liquid from entering the pump in case the pump pulls a vacuum on the tank
- Several lengths of hoses should be available that can accommodate the distance between the vehicle and the septic tank. These hoses from the tank to the pump should be at least 3 inches in diameter.
For additional information see the link below “Rules Governing the Cleaning of Septic Tanks”
Fees
| Service Description | Charges |
| Pumper License Permit Fee (Includes 1 truck or tank) | $150.00 |
| Pumper License Fee for each additional truck or tank | $30.00 |
| Pumper on-site inspection (in addition to permit fee) | $100.00 |
Links
Rules Governing the Cleaning of Septic Tanks: https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/2007/58/0115.pdf
Septic Systems
An on-site evaluation must be conducted by SWDH prior to the issuance of a subsurface sewage disposal permit. The applicant must schedule a backhoe to have a ten (10) foot test hole dug at the time of the evaluation. SWDH needs a legal description, zoning certificate, and tax assessment notice, or property profile at the time of application. You may contact the county or refer to a tax notice to find your legal description.
How to Apply
Subsurface Sewage Disposal System applications can be submitted via our payment and application portal linked below.
For new construction, please provide an 8” x 10” copy of the house floor plans confirming the number of bedrooms.
Fees
| Service Description | Charges |
| New permit | $950.00 |
| Expansion permit | $950.00 |
| Tank Only & Vault Privy permit | $450.00 |
| Septic permit renewal | $100.00 |
| Individual System Permit Replacement/Repair | $950.00 |
| Site Evaluation Charge (Single Family Dwelling - Fee to apply toward an individual system permit if application is made within one year) | $550.00 |
Accessory Use
SWDH also provides Accessory Use approvals. Accessory Use approvals are required by the county prior to receiving a building permit to construct an addition, shop, building, etc, on a piece of property. At the time of Accessory Use Application an Environmental Health Specialist will evaluate if the new proposal will require a modification to the existing subsurface sewage disposal system. The proposal may require the applicant to apply for a new or expansion subsurface sewage permit or if no impact is identified an in office approval can be authorized.
Accessory Use applications can be submitted via our payment and application portal linked above.
Fees:
| Service Description | Charges |
| Accessory Use Approval Permit - In-Office Review | $75.00 |
| Accessory Use Approval Permit Site Visit - Field Review | $150.00 |
Related Links for Homeowners with a Septic System
- Proper Sewage Clean Up Procedures
- Maintaining Your Septic System Brochure can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Septic System.
- Recreational Vehicle, Boat and Mobile Home Owners and Park Operators about Safe Wastewater Disposal