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
When developing property, it is important for the developer/engineer/homeowner to schedule a meeting with SWDH to discuss the project. SWDH requires this pre-development meeting before the formal application process. Subdivision Application can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Land Development. Contact 208-455-5400.
SWDH works in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ), by releasing sanitary restrictions on platted subdivisions having city water and city sewer only after IDEQ or the Qualified Licensed Professional Engineer (QLPE) has conducted the necessary reviews of the specifications. Please follow the Mylar Signature Checklist can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Land Development. for city water and city sewer subdivisions.
Subdivisions utilizing individual wells and individual subsurface sewage disposal systems must meet the Subdivision Engineering Report (SER) can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Land Development, through SWDH prior to releasing sanitary restrictions. The SER is to be completed by a Licensed Civil Engineer. Additionally, SWDH may require a Nutrient Pathogen Study; depending on the location of the subdivision, size of the lots, and density of dwellings.
SER Sanitary Restriction Language (PDF) can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Land Development.
When developing property, it is important for the developer/engineer to schedule a meeting with SWDH to discuss the project. SWDH requires this pre-development meeting before the formal application process. Subdivision Application can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Land Development. Contact 208-455-5400.
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 |
Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
Southwest District Health (SWDH), Environmental Health Services, regulates subsurface sewage disposal systems along with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ).
It is important for the developer/homeowner to contact SWDH at 208-455-5400 regarding the application/permitting process for a subsurface sewage disposal system, since a subsurface sewage permit is usually a pre-requisite to obtaining a building permit from the county.
Process/ How to Apply
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 Application (PDF) can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Septic Systems.
For new construction, please also provide an 8” x 10” copy of the house floor plans confirming the number of bedrooms.
Accessory Use
Accessory Use approvals may be 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.
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 installers permit application
- 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 $5,000 or Complex $ 15,000.
- Pay the application fee.
- Attend a scheduled installer training class or view the installer video prior to taking the required installer examination
- Pass the installer examination administered by the health district with a minimal score of 70%
Renewal of Installer licensure
- All installer licensure must be renewed annually. To renew the installer must;
- A bond continuation form may be submitted in lieu of a new bond
- If the installer permit is to be upgraded to from basic to complex then the installer shall attend a complex class or video, and trhe
*** Installer refresher video must be attended every three years to renew an installer registration permit.
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 test is taken at an Idaho Health District office by appointment. The study material for the installer’s test is the Technical Guidance Manual for Individual and Subsurface Sewage Disposal System. Click Here to view online.
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 or would like to schedule an appointment, 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 |
| Purchase of Technical Guidance Manual | $25.00 |
| Video Review of Installer Class | $30.00 |
Related Links for Septic Installers:
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.
Click below to print a copy of the pumper truck application:
Pumper Truck Application can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Pumper Trucks.
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 Application (PDF) can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Septic System.
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 |
| Permit Transfer Charge | $100.00 |
| Site Evaluation Charge (Single Family Dwelling - Fee to apply toward an individual system permit if application is made within one year) | $550.00 |
Addition of Barns, Shops of Out Buildings (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.
The Accessory Use Approval Application and Plot Plan (PDF) can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Septic Systems.
Fees:
| Service Description | Charges |
| Accessory Use Approval Permit - In-Office Review | $55.00 |
| Accessory Use Approval Permit Site Visit - Field Review | $150.00 |
Related Links for Homeowners with a Septic System
- Aerobic Treatment Brochure
- Proper Sewage Clean Up Procedures
- Maintaining Your Septic System Brochure can be downloaded from our Document Repository under Septic System.
- A Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems
- A Guide to Community Septic Systems
- Septic Systems and Drain Fields: What you need to know
- Idaho Septic Tank Pumper List
- Idaho Septic System Installer List
- Extended Treatment Service Provider List
- Recreational Vehicle, Boat and Mobile Home Owners and Park Operators about Safe Wastewater Disposal