SEPTIC APPLICATION HANDOUT
Once a complete application is received it will be forwarded to the Environmental Health Specialist
for review and processing. You will be notified by phone or mail of any additional requirements.
Incomplete applications may not be accepted and could result in a delay in permit issuance.
Note: Applications expire one year from the date of submittal if a permit cannot be issued.
Fees cannot be refunded on expired applications.
Site Preparation:
Do NOT clear the property. It is okay to cut down the brush (except wetland plants or streamside
buffers), but do not disturb the soil or drive equipment over it when it is wet. Disturbing the soil
(scraping off the topsoil, bringing in fill material, making ruts, etc.), changes the structure and/or
the amount of soil. It is the amount, type, and structure of soil that is looked at when determining
potential for sewage treatment. Every inch of soil counts, drain-fields cannot be permitted in
disturbed soil and/or fill material.
Be sure that the development site is located at least 125 feet from any mapped wetland or hydric
soils. If any part of your proposal (including structures or the septic system) is located within 125
feet of wetlands or hydric soils, you may be required to hire a wetland consultant to confirm and/
or map wetlands in order to maintain setbacks. The Permit Center can provide more information
about your property and the potential for wetland or hydric soils.
Drain-fields must be located 100 feet from all wells and surface water (tanks 50 feet). Make sure
the test holes are dug accordingly.
Test hole requirements: (See attached examples)
Test holes must be a minimum of 6 feet deep, 3 feet wide, and graded at an angle no less than 35 degrees.
An inspector will be walking into the holes to determine the soil characteristics. Test holes must allow for
safe entry and egress.
Dig at least three (3) test holes
50 feet apart from each other.
Two (2) in the primary drain-field area
One (1) in the reserve drain-field area.
It is OK to dig more than three test holes. We are looking at the depth of unsaturated, original, undisturbed
soil between the bottom of the proposed disposal component and the highest seasonal water table,
restrictive layer, or a gravelly, sandy soil.
Submit application with fee payment
• Sewage permit application $375 for residential site and $455 for a commercial site*
• Planning Department Review fee of $200 required with each septic application for new
construction if prior reviews have not been completed for the site. This fee will not be required for
septic repair permit applications.
• Design Review fee $225 for residential site (required if sewage system must be designed) and $450
for a commercial site*
• Other fees may apply depending if your site is located in a flood zone, shorelines, etc.
*
Contact PERMIT CENTER at 360-740-1146 for current fees.
Environmen
tal Services Division
2025 NE Kresky Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532 ● Ph
one: (360) 740-1146 ● Fax: (360) 740-1245
Lewis County Public Health & Social Services
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