Complete the inspection request form entering the required information and submit it using Inspection Forms.

Please provide at least a 24-hour advanced notice when scheduling inspections. Calling in inspections must be done by the licensed installer only. For inspection questions, call 713-274-3800.If the septic system does not pass inspection, a list of deficiencies will be provided. A reinspection fee may be required. This fee must be paid before reinspection can occur.

The Authorization to Construct will be issued after the fees are paid. A licensed septic installer shall notify the Permits Office at least 24 hours prior to the date the septic system will be ready for inspection. If the septic system does not pass inspection, reinspection fees may be required.

Contact Us

Water Quality Permitting Group

Email Wastewater

Permits Main Phone

(713) 274-3900

Online Electronic Plan Submittal – E-Permits

First time users will need to register for an account.

Make sure you are selecting the correct application type in order to avoid any unexpected delays!

Here are the steps for applying through E-Permits:

1. Access the E-Permits platform and log in

2. Navigate to the "Projects" section

3. Click on "Apply"

4. Locate your address on the map by either entering it or zooming in and double-clicking on the location

5. A "Red Pin" will appear on the map, and all associated data will be retrieved by E-Permits. If the address is incorrect, you can correct it on the next page

6. Click on the green "Apply" button

7. In the selection labeled "Application," choose "Residential Onsite Sewage Facility (OSSF)/Septic"

8. Provide the required detailed information and click on "Next"

9. Complete the application page and click on "Next"

10. Upload all the necessary documents, and once finished, click on "Next"

11. Finally, review the disclaimer, select "Agree," and then click on "Submit Application"

This may require the approval of other departments, such as Residential Development Review, Commercial Review, and Fire Code Review.

• Septic Application (must have a valid address and HCAD property tax number)
• Affidavit to the Public (filed and recorded with Harris County Clerk’s Office)
• Acknowledgement of Testing Requirement form
• Site Evaluation Report prepared by a Professional Engineer or Registered Site Evaluator
• Property survey if not located in a recorded subdivision
• Septic Design Site Plan
• Technical Report
• System Flow Diagram
• Joinder affidavit if the septic will cross property lines
• Maintenance contract provided by a licensed Maintenance Provider
• Plans must be drawn to scale

When Do You Need Our Approval Letter?

You need our approval letter if you are drilling a private water well within the unincorporated area of Harris County.

Exceptions (When You Do NOT Need Our Approval Letter):
You do not need an approval letter if:

1. The well is drilled on a parcel of land that:
   1. Is 10 acres or more in size; or
   2. Is qualified open-space land as defined by Section 23.51 of the Texas Tax Code.
2. The well is within the boundaries of:
   1. A groundwater conservation district.
   2. A subsidence district other than the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District.
3. The well is associated with the exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, or other minerals.
4. The well is part of a public water system permitted under rules adopted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

If you need an approval letter, please submit the following:

1. Notification of Intent to Drill:Inform the County Engineer of your intent to drill the well.

2. Diagram: Provide a diagram showing the proposed location of the well and its distance from any on-site sewage disposal system located within 100 feet of the well. The diagram must be in a form acceptable to the County Engineer.

Submit these documents to the Harris County Engineer's Office. The County Engineer will review the notice and diagram and respond within 10 business days with approval or disapproval.

Water Well Permits are issued by:

Harris-Galveston Subsidence District
1660 West Bay Area Blvd.
Friendswood, TX 77548
Phone: 281-486-1105
www.subsidence.org

For more details or assistance, please contact the Harris County Engineering Department - Permit Group.