Septic & Land Development

Land Development and Septic System Permits

Land Development

When planning a property development project, developers and/or engineers are required to schedule a pre-development meeting with SWDH prior to beginning the formal application process.

SWDH works in coordination with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) to release sanitary restrictions for platted subdivisions served by city water and city sewers. Restrictions are released only after IDEQ or a Qualified Licensed Professional Engineer (QLPE) has completed the required review of project specifications. Applicants are required to complete the Mylar Signature Checklist for subdivisions utilizing city water and city sewer services.

Subdivisions that utilize individual wells and individual subsurface sewage disposal systems must complete a Subdivision Engineering Report (SER) through SWDH before sanitary restrictions can be released, the SER must be prepared by a Licensed Civil Engineer. Depending on the subdivision’s location, lot size, and housing density, SWDH may also require a Nutrient Pathogen Study.

These applications and supplemental documents are available on our Environmental Health Portal under the Land Development tab.

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

For further information you may contact SWDH office 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 Licensure

To obtain an installer license, the applicant must pass the DEQ installer exam, submit an installer license application via the Environment Health Portal, pay the required application fee, and provide a bond to SWDH. The required bond amount depends on the license type applied for, with a $10,000 bond required for a Basic Installer License and a $30,000 bond required for a Complex Installer License. The bond document must also provide the effective and expiration dates of the bond.

Installer license Renewal

All installer licenses must be renewed annually. To renew an installer license, an updated bond or continuation document is required, along with payment of the renewal fee. In addition, installers are required to complete continuing education every three years to maintain and renew their license. For example, an installer who last completed continuing education in 2023 would be eligible to renew their license through 2026. However, the license could not be renewed in 2027 unless proof of continuing education is submitted to SWDH.

The Department of Environmental Quality also requires installers with a license that has been expired for more than one year to retake and pass the installer examination before the license can be renewed

Service Provider Requirements

To become a Service Provider, an installer must hold a Complex Installer License and maintain the required bond at the complex level. Service Providers are also required to submit an annual confirmation letter to SWDH from the manufacturer of the product they service. The letter must verify that the provider is current and qualified to service the manufacturer’s technology.

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

Purchase of Technical Guidance Manual

$25.00

Video Review of Installer Class

$30.00

See Septic Systems Tab for Permitting Fees

Pumper Trucks

A permit is required for the pumping, transportation, and disposal of sewage. To obtain a new pumper license, applicants must submit a completed application, provide a Sewage Site Disposal Approval form signed by the treatment plant operator or manager, complete an inspection of all pumper vehicles, and pay the associated fees.

Pumper truck licenses must be renewed annually, with renewals completed on or before February 28th of each year. To renew an existing pumper license, applicants must submit an updated Sewage Site Disposal Approval form, complete the required vehicle inspections, and pay the applicable renewal fees.

New applications and annual renewals can be completed through the Environmental Health Portal.

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

Septic systems may be classified into several categories depending on the type of system being installed. A Basic Installer license is required to install standard and basic alternative systems that are not otherwise classified as complex systems. A Complex Installer license is required for the installation of more advanced systems, including evapotranspiration systems, extended treatment systems, lagoon systems, large soil absorption systems, pressure distribution systems, intermittent sand filters, in-trench sand filters, sand mound systems, and any other systems specified by the Director.

Extended Treatment Package (ETP) Systems, also known as Aerobic Treatment Units, provide additional biological treatment to wastewater before it is discharged to the drainfield. These systems are commonly required in areas with limited suitable soil conditions, shallow groundwater, or known groundwater quality concerns. Once treated, the wastewater is discharged into the drainfield where it disperses into the soil. ETP systems are required to undergo annual testing, inspection, and maintenance to ensure proper operation. This work must be completed by a licensed service provider.

SWDH is responsible for permitting septic tanks and drainfields for both residential and commercial properties. Additional permits may also be required through the applicable city or county where construction is taking place. Prior to the issuance of a subsurface sewage disposal permit, SWDH must conduct an on-site evaluation of the property. The applicant is responsible for scheduling a backhoe to excavate a ten-foot test hole at the time of the evaluation.

Both subsurface sewage disposal permits and site evaluations are non-transferable between owners. The cost of a site evaluation can be applied towards the cost of the full permit if the ownership remains unchanged, and the permit application is submitted within one year of the site evaluation being completed.

Subsurface sewage disposal and site evaluation applications can be submitted via our Environmental Health Portal.

Addition of Barns, Shops and Out Buildings (Accessory Use)

SWDH also provides accessory use approvals, which are required by the county prior to issuance of a building permit for additions such as shops, outbuildings, or other structures on a property.

When an accessory use application is submitted, an Environmental Health Specialist will review the proposal to determine whether it may impact the existing subsurface sewage disposal system. Based on this evaluation, the applicant may be required to apply for a new or expanded subsurface sewage disposal permit. If no impact is identified, the approval may be granted as an in-office authorization.

Please note that refunds will not be issued if a proposal is denied. Up to three new structures may be included in a single application; however, if any one of the proposed structures is denied, the entire application will be denied.

Accessory use applications can be submitted via our Environmental Health Portal.

Fees

Service Description

Charges

New permit

$950

Expansion permit

$950

Tank Only & Vault Privy permit

$450

Septic permit renewal

$100

Individual System Permit Replacement/Repair

$950

Permit Transfer Charge

$100

Site Evaluation Charge (Single Family Dwelling – Fee to apply toward an individual system permit if application is made within one year)

$550

Accessory Use Approval Permit – In-Office Review

$75

Accessory Use Approval Permit Site Visit – Field Review

$150

All of our locations are CLOSED TODAY, Tuesday June 2nd, for an all staff meeting.