Septic

Residential Septic Systems

The Jefferson County Health Department follows the current Jefferson County Ordinance No. 2013-02 (PDF)

The Jefferson County Health Department follows the current Indiana State Department of Health rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 (PDF).

You must use a Jefferson County Health Department Certified Contractor to Design, Layout, Obtain a Permit and Install your septic system. You may contact our office for this list.

Contractor Information

Your contractor will need the following information:

  • A detailed accurate floor plan (all levels including the basement and attached Garages) of the home/ structure to be built/ installed. Modular and Mobile Homes/ Structures must also have model numbers and show all room options if different from the standard floor plan.
  • A detailed soil survey and evaluation by a Certified Soil Scientist. The Contractor should schedule this for you. Your Certified Contractor, Certified Soil Scientist and Environmental Health Specialist will meet on-site during the Soil Evaluation. It is also suggested that the homeowner be on-site during this time if possible.
  • Are there any underground utilities in close proximity to the area where the septic system is to be installed? Such as Wells, Electric Service Lines, Telephone Lines, existing Septic Systems, etc.
  • You will need to be able to identify all property boundaries including any legal easements on your property.
  • Let your contractor know where you would like to put your home on the property, however the exact placement of the home may be altered to accommodate the septic system.

Application Process

Property Owners must complete a septic permit application and affidavit and have it notarized. The Certified Contractor will need to have the notarized application, floor plans, and septic system lay out when arriving at the Health Department for a permit. There will be a $100 fee for all septic permits due upon issuance of permit.

Please contact the Jefferson County Health Department for a current Application and Certified Contractor’s List.

The Jefferson County Health Department will issue a septic system permit in your name to your Certified Contractor after the above requirements have been met and they submit the system design and a plot plan. You will need a copy of the septic permit to obtain a building permit (PDF) from the City of Madison or Jefferson County.

Commercial Septic Systems

The Jefferson County Health Department follows the current Indiana State Department of Health Rule 410 IAC 6-10.1 (PDF).

For commercial septic systems you will first need approval from the Indiana State Department of Health (Application (PDF)) as well as meet the above requirements as outlined for Residential Septic Systems with one exception. The Commercial Septic System Design must be from a Qualified Registered Engineer. Check your review status.