Septic System and Individual Well Forms and Applications

How do I submit an application?

• Online is easiest. Complete and submit forms through our online portal—You need to set up an account and password. If you’ve done that and still haven’t received an email from us, check your spam folder.
• If you can’t submit online: Print forms and submit in person or by mail to Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, 3629 S. D St., MS 1035, Tacoma, WA 98418.

Land Division Applications

Online:

• Plat/land division.

Print and mail:

• Plat/land division checklist and guide.

Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps

1. Design approval—Submit a complete application with system design or drawing and water availability for approval.
2. Installation—Get an installation permit and have the system or component installed, if applicable.
3. Record drawing—Submit a final or updated record drawing showing exactly what is in place.

Design Approval Applications

Online:

• Onsite Sewage Systems (OSS).
• Variance or waiver.

Print and mail:

• OSS application process.
• OSS application and guide.
• Remodel application requirements; residential and commercial.
• Water availability letter.
• Change of designer request.
• Request for second opinion of on-site sewage.
• Variance or waiver application and checklist.
• Agreement to record Future Easement—Use this document when you propose septic components on a separate parcel from your home and you own both parcels. Before you submit, make sure you complete this entire document and it:
  • Contains a notarized signature from the property owner.
  • Contains a signature from Health Department staff.
  • Is recorded to both property titles.
• Substandard Repair Agreement—Use this document when Health Department staff or your designer or professional engineer determines your septic system is substandard. Work with your designer or professional engineer to list all substandard items. Before you submit, make sure you complete this entire document and it:
  • Contains a notarized signature from the property owner.
  • Contains a signature from Health Department staff.
  • Is recorded to the property title.
• Record of Existing Septic System Locate—Use this document to submit site plans from a system locate for existing systems without record drawing or permit.

Installation Applications

Online:

• Stub-out request—request to release installation permit.
• Final inspection request—request final inspection of installed septic system.
• Septic decommissioning. 
• Make Stub-out/Final requests by phone:
  • (253)649-1422

Print and mail:

• Backfill verification and systems specifications.
• Septic/pump tank decommissioning.

Record Drawing Applications

Online:

• Find a record drawing or asbuilt—search for records on any property.
• I can’t find my record drawing—request Health Department search for a record you can’t locate. Expect to hear from us within 5 days. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. 

Print and mail:

• Record drawing application.

Report of System Status

Online:

• RSS Application.

Print and mail:

• RSS Application.
• Record of Existing Septic System Locate—Use this document to submit site plans from a system locate for existing systems without record drawing or permit.

Well Applications

Online:

• Individual well.
• Public well.
• Well Decommissioning.
• Variance or waiver.

Print and mail:

• Individual well.
• Public well.
• Water source inspection for remodel.
• Well decommissioning.
• Variance or waiver request and checklist.
• Individual well restrictive covenant.
• Individual well water quality treatment.

In-Home Child Care Application

• In-home child care information—printable.

Questions?

Contact On-Site at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1925. We accept applications in person until 4 p.m.

Resources

• Information to become a certified professional.
• Report of system status.
• Regulations.
• Asbuilt look-up.
• Previous septic inspections. 
• 2026 Fee Schedule—On-site sewage, well and water resources fee schedule.