What is septic permit coordination, and why do I need it?

Septic permit coordination involves managing every step of obtaining approval to install, repair, or modify an on-site sewage facility (OSSF). This includes site evaluations, soil testing, system design reviews, paperwork preparation, and communication with regulatory agencies. In Austin, the permitting process is complex due to strict local and county regulations. Environmental Design Group acts as your advocate—streamlining the process, preventing application errors, and ensuring your system is legally compliant and properly planned before installation begins.

How do I know if I need a new septic permit or just a modification?

If you’re building a new home, expanding square footage, adding plumbing fixtures, or replacing a failing septic system, you’ll likely need a new or modified permit. Many property owners assume that minor renovations don’t require updates—but even a garage conversion or detached ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) can trigger a new permit requirement. EDG evaluates your plans and existing system to determine exactly what’s needed to remain in compliance, avoiding costly penalties or denied inspections.

What is involved in the site evaluation process, and does EDG handle that?

Yes. A site evaluation includes analyzing topography, soil type, slope, available space, and proximity to water sources or wells. This determines whether your property is suitable for a conventional septic system or needs an alternative setup. EDG coordinates with licensed site evaluators, soil scientists, and engineers to complete this process accurately and quickly. A flawed or incomplete site evaluation is one of the top reasons permits are delayed or denied—we make sure that doesn’t happen.

What are common mistakes people make when applying for a septic permit?

Top mistakes include inaccurate site plans, missing soil data, outdated property surveys, and incorrect assumptions about the property’s capacity. Some owners hire a septic installer first without checking if the site is even eligible, only to face setbacks later. At EDG, we prevent these issues through up-front due diligence, coordination with surveyors and engineers, and verifying that all components meet state and local requirements before anything is submitted.

Can EDG help with properties that have failed previous septic permit attempts?

Yes. We often assist clients who’ve been denied or stalled due to incomplete applications, incorrect designs, or permitting backlogs. Our team reviews the previous submission, pinpoints what went wrong, and creates a remediation strategy. We’ll rework the documentation, engage appropriate professionals (like engineers or soil evaluators), and re-submit with corrections. Whether your denial was due to technical errors or regulatory pushback, EDG can help get your project back on track.

How does EDG coordinate with designers, engineers, and installers?

We act as the central hub of communication between all involved professionals. Whether you already have a septic designer or need one, we’ll manage the coordination—scheduling evaluations, reviewing plans, ensuring documents meet permitting standards, and confirming that installers follow approved specifications. This seamless coordination prevents miscommunication, saves time, and ensures the permit reflects exactly what will be built on-site.

Is there any risk in starting construction before the septic permit is approved?

Yes—and it’s a big one. Starting construction without an approved septic permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, or a requirement to tear out non-compliant work. Additionally, the placement of buildings and driveways could end up blocking required drain field space. EDG ensures that your septic system is properly designed and permitted before any ground is broken, preventing costly mistakes and keeping your timeline intact.

Do I need a new septic permit if I’m subdividing or changing lot boundaries?

Yes. Changes to property lines can affect drain field locations, system capacity, and setback compliance. Even if the existing system remains unchanged, the new lot configuration may require a reassessment of system suitability. EDG ensures that your subdivision plans align with septic regulations and works with surveyors and planners to make the necessary adjustments before submission—saving you from unexpected denials during plat recording or final approvals.

Are there environmental or watershed restrictions that could affect my permit?

Yes. Many areas in and around Austin fall within environmentally sensitive zones—such as the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone or water quality protection areas. These zones come with heightened scrutiny and more stringent septic design and setback rules. EDG has in-depth knowledge of these regulations and knows how to design and coordinate systems that meet environmental protection standards without compromising your project. Ignoring these restrictions can derail your entire build.

Is septic permit coordination only for large properties or rural lots?

Not at all. Many smaller residential lots, even in suburban areas near Austin, require septic systems due to lack of access to municipal sewer. In fact, smaller lots often face greater challenges in system placement due to space limitations and stricter setbacks. EDG specializes in working with both large and constrained properties, tailoring permit coordination to your specific land use and constraints—regardless of size or location.

Septic Permit Coordination | Austin, Texas | Environmental Design Group

We can do permits for you anywhere.
Need a commercial septic system permit? No problem.
We handle all of the wastewater design, engineering, soil testing, and application process.
We can design a facility plan, a facility use plan, and a total site plan for any project, large or small
This includes a commercial septic permit. This includes a hotel wastewater system, Retreat Center, Restaurant, Brewery, Winery, RV Park, School, office building, convenience store, and more. Any size, anywhere. Have a lake lot?

Survey of property by Registered Land Surveyor, showing lot lines, easements, and topographic info.
Floor Plan of proposed structure, including occupancy & use (for homes, bedroom/baths, for commercial, use of facility, hours of operation, etc.)
Directions to the property for soil profile analysis test holes.
If Advanced Treatment System, copy of Affidavit to the Public (notarized), as well as Maintenance Agreement.
Letter of Authorization to design system, and file for permit (or original application, signed).
Source of potable water.
Proof of property ownership (deed or tax statement).
Site Plan (unless we are designing this for you, as part of OSSF plan).

What is septic permit coordination, and why do I need it?
Septic permit coordination involves managing every step of obtaining approval to install, repair, or modify an on-site sewage facility (OSSF). This includes site evaluations, soil testing, system design reviews, paperwork preparation, and communication with regulatory agencies. In Austin, the permitting process is complex due to strict local and county regulations. Environmental Design Group acts as your advocate—streamlining the process, preventing application errors, and ensuring your system is legally compliant and properly planned before installation begins.
How do I know if I need a new septic permit or just a modification?
If you’re building a new home, expanding square footage, adding plumbing fixtures, or replacing a failing septic system, you’ll likely need a new or modified permit. Many property owners assume that minor renovations don’t require updates—but even a garage conversion or detached ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) can trigger a new permit requirement. EDG evaluates your plans and existing system to determine exactly what’s needed to remain in compliance, avoiding costly penalties or denied inspections.
What is involved in the site evaluation process, and does EDG handle that?
Yes. A site evaluation includes analyzing topography, soil type, slope, available space, and proximity to water sources or wells. This determines whether your property is suitable for a conventional septic system or needs an alternative setup. EDG coordinates with licensed site evaluators, soil scientists, and engineers to complete this process accurately and quickly. A flawed or incomplete site evaluation is one of the top reasons permits are delayed or denied—we make sure that doesn’t happen.

What are common mistakes people make when applying for a septic permit?
Top mistakes include inaccurate site plans, missing soil data, outdated property surveys, and incorrect assumptions about the property’s capacity. Some owners hire a septic installer first without checking if the site is even eligible, only to face setbacks later. At EDG, we prevent these issues through up-front due diligence, coordination with surveyors and engineers, and verifying that all components meet state and local requirements before anything is submitted.
Can EDG help with properties that have failed previous septic permit attempts?
Yes. We often assist clients who’ve been denied or stalled due to incomplete applications, incorrect designs, or permitting backlogs. Our team reviews the previous submission, pinpoints what went wrong, and creates a remediation strategy. We’ll rework the documentation, engage appropriate professionals (like engineers or soil evaluators), and re-submit with corrections. Whether your denial was due to technical errors or regulatory pushback, EDG can help get your project back on track.
How does EDG coordinate with designers, engineers, and installers?
We act as the central hub of communication between all involved professionals. Whether you already have a septic designer or need one, we’ll manage the coordination—scheduling evaluations, reviewing plans, ensuring documents meet permitting standards, and confirming that installers follow approved specifications. This seamless coordination prevents miscommunication, saves time, and ensures the permit reflects exactly what will be built on-site.
Is there any risk in starting construction before the septic permit is approved?
Yes—and it’s a big one. Starting construction without an approved septic permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, or a requirement to tear out non-compliant work. Additionally, the placement of buildings and driveways could end up blocking required drain field space. EDG ensures that your septic system is properly designed and permitted before any ground is broken, preventing costly mistakes and keeping your timeline intact.
Do I need a new septic permit if I’m subdividing or changing lot boundaries?
Yes. Changes to property lines can affect drain field locations, system capacity, and setback compliance. Even if the existing system remains unchanged, the new lot configuration may require a reassessment of system suitability. EDG ensures that your subdivision plans align with septic regulations and works with surveyors and planners to make the necessary adjustments before submission—saving you from unexpected denials during plat recording or final approvals.
Are there environmental or watershed restrictions that could affect my permit?
Yes. Many areas in and around Austin fall within environmentally sensitive zones—such as the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone or water quality protection areas. These zones come with heightened scrutiny and more stringent septic design and setback rules. EDG has in-depth knowledge of these regulations and knows how to design and coordinate systems that meet environmental protection standards without compromising your project. Ignoring these restrictions can derail your entire build.
Is septic permit coordination only for large properties or rural lots?
Not at all. Many smaller residential lots, even in suburban areas near Austin, require septic systems due to lack of access to municipal sewer. In fact, smaller lots often face greater challenges in system placement due to space limitations and stricter setbacks. EDG specializes in working with both large and constrained properties, tailoring permit coordination to your specific land use and constraints—regardless of size or location.

Septic Permit Coordination