Harris County, TX septic permits and regulations
Septic systems in Harris County, Texas are permitted by Harris County Office of County Engineer - Water Quality Permitting Group under 30 TAC Chapter 285.
Septic permit program
- Program type: County Program
- Authorized agent: Harris County (Office of County Engineer - Watershed Protection)
- Own septic program: Yes
- Local rules beyond the state: No
- Population: 4,731,145
Permit fee comparison
Average septic permit fee in Harris County: $152. Texas average: $285.
Local rules
Has a 'Local Order' (2010) with additional requirements beyond TAC 285. Feasibility study must demonstrate compliance with both local order and TAC 285. Special ATU policy for bacteria-impaired watersheds. Applications submitted via E-Permits platform at epermits.harriscountytx.gov. Permit valid for 1 year. 30 business day processing time. 24-hour advance notice for inspections required; only licensed installer may call in inspections. Reinspection fees apply if system fails initial inspection. Owners must maintain active maintenance contracts with OSSF Maintenance Provider; non-compliance can result in misdemeanor violations through JP Courts. Commercial food establishment OSSF designs require PE (not Sanitarian). Permit Office at 10555 NW Freeway, Suite 120, Houston TX 77092-8620.
What SepticPro has on file for Harris County
- 18 permit fees with sources
- The agency phone, email and office address
- Setback distances
- Soil and perc test requirements
- Allowed system types
- System design rules
- Inspection requirements
- Maintenance and pumping rules
- Point-of-sale rules
- Installer, designer and pumper licensing
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Draw a permit-ready site plan for Harris County
Enter the address, draw the system on the aerial with the parcel lines and topo, and print it to scale for Harris County Office of County Engineer - Water Quality Permitting Group. See how SepticPro site plans work.
Other Texas counties
- Anderson County
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- Aransas County
- Archer County
- Armstrong County
- Atascosa County
- Austin County
- Bailey County
- Bandera County
- Bastrop County
- Baylor County
- Bee County
- Bell County
- Bexar County
- Blanco County
- Borden County
- Bosque County
- Bowie County
- Brazoria County
- Brazos County
- Brewster County
- Briscoe County
- Brooks County
Data checked 2026-03-16. Always confirm requirements with Harris County Office of County Engineer - Water Quality Permitting Group before applying.