Onsite Wastewater Systems

Soil Profile

A soil profile shall be required by the Franklin County Environmental Health Department and shall consist of an on-site visual examination of the soil in location of the proposed absorption field. The applicant shall be responsible for digging a minimum of two (2) three foot by five foot by five-foot (3'W x 5'L x 5'D) inspection pits prior to completing the analysis of the soil capabilities evaluation. A list of Soil Profilers is available on the Environmental Health Courtesy List which is available in the Environmental Health Department office or you can download the list in a pdf format by clicking here.

Onsite Wastewater (Septic) Permit

The person applying for the wastewater disposal system permit shall first file an Onsite Wastewater Application in writing on a form furnished for that purpose by the Environmental Health Department. This form shall be signed by the owner and/or a representative. The application is available in the Environmental Health Department Office or you can fill out the application in pdf format by clicking here and print it off. The application shall:

  • Identify and describe the activity for which permission is requested (e.g, construction, repair, etc.)
  • Identify the location of the activity for which permission is requested by legal description and street address (site plan drawing).
  • Indicate the type of establishment, which the sanitary wastewater system will serve.
  • Be accompanied by a completed soil profile analysis and site assessment for each site location as specified in, and performed, according to the procedures described in Section 10 of the Sanitation Code.
  • Be accompanied by a system design to be done in conformance with the recommendations of the site assessment. The system design shall include a legal description of the site, the required laterals, septic tank size, number of bedroom in the home and be prepared by an installer licensed by this Code or a registered professional engineer.

Property Resale/Courtesy Inspections of Existing Systems

Whenever any building or use requiring sanitation is connected to or is served by a private wastewater system, and/or water supply, and is offered for sale, including Contract for Deed, leasing or renting, the Seller shall have such system inspected by a licensed inspector approved by the Administering Agency. A list of licensed inspectors is available on the Environmental Health Courtesy List which is available in the Environmental Health Department office or you can download the list in a pdf format by clicking here.

A resale inspection of a wastewater stabilization pond (lagoon) requires a Lagoon Resale Inspection Application to be completed and paid for prior to contacting the County Sanitarian for the inspection. The application is available in the Environmental Health Department Office or you can fill out the application in pdf format by clicking here and print it off.

Any sign of failures, past or present, shall be noted on the inspection form. In the event the system is found to be inadequate, failing or in need or repair, it must be corrected prior to the selling, leasing or renting of said property or arrangements made with the Administering Agency for the required corrections. When the system is approved by the Administering Agency, the Agency will issue an Operational Certificate.

Environmental Health Fee Schedule

The fees for construction, lagoon resale inspection and licensing can be found on the Environmental Health Fee Schedule. You can contact the Environmental Health Department Office to find out the fees or you can download the fee schedule in pdf format by clicking here.

Failing Onsite Wastewater (Septic) Systems -- Complaints

If you are experiencing problems with your septic system you can contact the Environmental Health Department. The County Sanitarian can help you assess the problem and develop a course of action for correcting the problem.

If a neighbor is having a problem with their septic system, you can contact the Environmental Health Department with your complaint. The County Sanitarian will conduct an investigation, and if warranted work with the homeowner on developing a course of action for correcting the problem. Your name will remain confidential.