Environmental Health

Getting a septic system (also called an "on-site sewage system" or "OSS") designed, permitted, and installed can be lengthy. The timeline depends on several factors, such as payment timing, planning requirements, design revisions, and seasonal reviews. In 2025, the average time from submitting a permit application to receiving a design permit (Step 2-4) is about 60 days. We are committed to timeliness and will do our best to keep the process moving as quickly as possible within our limits.

If you are doing any of the following (WAC 246-272A-0200), you will need to take the steps outlined below to get your system installed and approved. A summary is also available here.

• Building a new home or other plumbed structure that will not be connected to sewer.
• Having a repair done that is not a minor repair.
• Replacing your existing septic system.
• Home addition/remodel that requires you to increase the size of your system or alter it.

Depending on your property and what you want to do, there may be more requirements with other regulatory agencies such as Skagit County Planning & Development Services (PDS) in addition to what Skagit County Public Health requires.

Step 1: Hire an OSS Designer

OSS designers will dig soil test holes to analyze your property and design and propose a septic system that meets state and local code. They’ll consider many factors such as the type of soil on your property, the number of bedrooms your structure will have, square footage, and your proximity to a water source. The only people allowed to design septic systems are licensed on-site wastewater designers and professional engineers. We maintain a list of WA State Certified OSS Designers who work in Skagit County.

Step 2: Submit a Permit Application and Pay Fees

Your system designer will submit a permit application, site and soil evaluation, site plan, and their proposed design through Civic Access. Once submitted, the required fees will be calculated and payment requested. Some designers include the permit fee in their services—check with your designer to confirm who is responsible. If the application is incomplete, you and your designer will be notified and corrections can be resubmitted. You may also receive an email indicating that a maintenance agreement is required to be recorded to the parcel.

Step 3: Review by Skagit County Public Health 

Upon receipt of a complete application and payment, Skagit County Public Health will begin reviewing the application and design. A determination will be made within 30 days*. It is possible we may consult with your designer, require corrections, and do a site visit to make sure the proposed design will treat wastewater effectively. 

*If wet season/winter review (typically November-April) is needed, the process may take up to 12 months. 

Step 4: Permit Issued

Once the review is complete and all requirements are met, your design and application will be approved, and you can move forward with hiring an OSS installer. If not approved, you and your designer will receive an email with the required corrections to approve the system. 

*Repair permits expire after 1 year; all others expire in 3 years. 

Step 5: Hire an OSS Installer 

Only installers certified by Skagit County can install your septic system as designed. You can find a list of certified OSS installers here. Gravity-only systems may be eligible to be installed by homeowners. Please review the eligibility criteria and contact us if you are still interested in doing so.  

Keep in mind that not all installers work on every system type. For instance, Level 1 installers cannot install Level 2 systems. For more complex designs or site conditions, a pre-construction meeting may be required to review details and address any concerns before the permit is issued.  

Step 6: Final Inspection

During the installation, Skagit County Public Health will conduct a final inspection to observe the installed system prior to backfill. Your installer must request an inspection 2 full working days advanced notice. If everything meets requirements, the installer can proceed with final cover. If there are issues, we will work with your installer and designer on the required corrections before covering the system is allowed.  

Step 7: As-Built Record 

If the system is installed according to the approved design and all tests are successful, your designer or installer will submit an as-built (record drawing) to Skagit County Public Health. We will review the record drawing to confirm its completeness before final approval is granted.  

Step 8: Final Approval

After we receive and accept the as-built record, you’ll be notified through Civic Access, and you can begin using your septic system. To keep your system functioning properly, plan for inspections every 1–3 years, pumping as needed, and occasional minor repairs.  

Septic systems require routine inspection! (WAC 246-272A-0270).

Your septic system is a valuable investment. Just like your home or car, your septic system needs regular attention and maintenance to function for many years to come. Regular maintenance starts with inspections! Inspections can help identify and repair small problems before they become large issues that can cause illness, pollute water, and compound into larger more expensive repairs or a system failure. Timely inspections and active management of your septic system can keep it operational for much longer than with system abuse or neglect.

How often does my system need to be inspected?
Your septic system is required to be inspected at least every year by a qualified inspector OR at least every three years for simple gravity systems, by Washington State Code (WAC 246-272A-0270), in order to assure that your system is functioning.

Who can inspect a septic system?
Septic systems must be inspected by certified Operations and Maintenance Specialists. Under certain conditions, homeowners may become certified to inspect their own gravity septic system through our Septics Education Program

How will the County know my system has been inspected?
Inspectors complete an inspection form, upload that information to a database, and the information is provided to the Health Department. Basic information from the inspection is available on line through the county's records search webpage: Septic Search

My septic tank was pumped. Is that an inspection?
No. Your septic inspection should always determine if you need to pump. A general recommendation is to pump when your septic tank is 1/3 full of solid materials. Don’t waste money by pumping unnecessarily!

If my system has a special treatment system are there special requirements?
Yes, these systems require ANNUAL inspections. They require a maintenance contract with a certified Operations & Maintenance Specialist. This information must be recorded on your property title so that future property owners become aware of this contract (Sample Title Notice).

What if my septic system fails the inspection?
Your inspection may show that the system needs maintenance, repair, or that the tank is due to be pumped. Sometimes a simple repair can fix a small problem now that might turn into a large (expensive!) problem later. The inspection may also show that your system is failing. In the case of a failure, you need to take action to prevent pollution and comply with code. You will need to contact a septic system designer or installer to repair or replace the failing system which requires a permit.
[Current designer/installer lists]

Is there financial assistance for repairs to failing septic systems?
If you have a septic system failure (drainfield, septic tank, or other components) you may qualify for a low interest loan.  Learn more and apply at www.Craft3.org/CleanWater

I’m selling a/my house, do I need an inspection?
Skagit County requires septic system inspections before property sales and real estate transfers. The seller has the responsibility to have an inspection completed; the buyer has the right to see a completed inspection report before closing.
For more resources see Information for real estate professionals: Facts and FAQs

Marine Recovery Area is defined in law as an area where additional requirements for existing on-site sewage disposal systems may be necessary to reduce potential failing systems or minimize negative impacts on water quality. Environmental Public Health is focusing on all Marine Recovery Areas (MRA) to make sure on-site sewage systems are not contributing to pollution in Puget Sound.

Current Marine Recovery Areas Map.

On September 16, 2008 the Skagit County Board of Commissioners signed Ordinance #020080011 Sensitive Areas as outlined in the Skagit County On-Site Sewage Management Plan. This was further revised in May 2012, adding the Upper NE Samish and Willard Creek MRAs so all on-site sewage systems in the Samish Watershed are included.

The Clean Samish Initiative is a multi-agency effort focused on the Samish Basin dealing with multiple potential sources of pollution, including septic systems. You can learn more about pollution prevention at poopsmart.org

All residents of Skagit County whose homes or businesses are served by a septic system require annual inspections, unless the system is conventional gravity (three-year inspection requirement), per Skagit County Code (SCC) 12.05.160 and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-272A-270.

Rebates for Qualified Residents
Skagit County Public Health is offering up to $500 rebates for septic system inspection, pumping, riser installation, lid replacement, or minor repairs to qualifying residents (one per household).

A minor repair is a repair or replacement of any of the following existing damaged or malfunctioning OSS components except that the repair or replacement of a sewage tank, treatment component, or soil dispersal component is not considered a minor repair:

• Control panels;
• Building sewers;
• Any other portions of tightline in the OSS;
• Risers and riser lids;
• Sewage tank baffles;
• Effluent filters;
• Sewage tank pumps and lids;
• Pump control floats; and
• OSS inspection boxes and ports

The rebates are available to qualified residents for work performed from February 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, or when the grant funding runs out, whichever comes first. To be eligible for septic system rebates, you must meet the following requirements:

• Own a residence in Skagit County (commercial properties are not eligible).
• Complete the free Septics 101 class and quiz available online within the last 6 years.
• Have an inspection, pumping, riser installation, and/or minor repairs done by a Skagit County certified operations and maintenance provider.
• Pay for the services. Keep your receipt or paid invoice.
• Complete an application (online or fillable pdf) and submit the supporting documentation.

Vouchers for Low-Income Residents
Skagit County Public Health is offering assistance for septic system inspection to qualifying low-income residents. A grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows public health to implement a program for residents who need a septic system inspection, pumping, or minor repair AND demonstrate financial need (such as on a fixed income and eligible for property tax exemption) to ease the financial burden of meeting the state inspection requirement and protecting public health. Please contact us at septic@co.skagit.wa.us or (360) 416-1500 for eligibility requirements.

Clean Water Loans and Grants to Finance Septic Repairs
Craft3, a nonprofit lender, offers Clean Water Loans to allow homeowners to borrow the entire cost of eligible design, permitting, and installation. Lower interest rates may be available for qualified lower-income borrowers, and there are no up-front loan fees or pre-payment penalties. As of April 1, 2024, certain owner-occupied households may be eligible for a grant to reduce their loan amount. Craft3 will notify you of your eligibility as part of their application process. Please visit Craft3's website using this link for rates and terms, to check eligibility, and begin your application.

For more information about septic system financial assistance or rebates, please contact an Environmental Health Specialist at septic@co.skagit.wa.us or (360) 416-1500.