On-Site Septic Program

Your septic system is required to be inspected at least every year by a qualified inspector OR at least every three years for simple gravity systems, by Washington State Code (WAC 246-272A-0270), in order to assure that your system is functioning. This requirement is regardless of usage. 

Septic systems must be inspected by certified Operations and Maintenance Specialists. Under certain conditions, homeowners may become certified to inspect their own gravity septic system through our Septics Education Program

Inspectors complete an inspection form, upload that information to a database, and the information is provided to the Health Department. Basic information from the inspection is available on line through the county's records search webpage: Septic Search

No. Your septic inspection should always determine if you need to pump. A general recommendation is to pump when your septic tank is 1/3 full of solid materials. Don’t waste money by pumping unnecessarily!

Yes, these systems require ANNUAL inspections. They require a maintenance contract with a certified Operations & Maintenance Specialist. This information must be recorded on your property title so that future property owners become aware of this contract (Sample Title Notice).

Your inspection may show that the system needs maintenance, repair, or that the tank is due to be pumped. Sometimes a simple repair can fix a small problem now that might turn into a large (expensive!) problem later. The inspection may also show that your system is failing. In the case of a failure, you need to take action to prevent pollution and comply with code. You will need to contact a septic system designer or installer to repair or replace the failing system which requires a permit.
[Current designer/installer lists]

If you have a septic system failure (drainfield, septic tank, or other components) you may qualify for a low interest loan.  Learn more and apply at www.Craft3.org/CleanWater

According to Chapter 12.05.160 Skagit County On-site Sewage Code, before any transfer of property with an on-site sewage system, an Operations and Maintenance (O/M) inspection must be completed by a certified O/M Specialist, except when:

• An O/M inspection has been completed within six months prior to the property transfer.
• A copy of the O/M inspection report shall be provided to the buyer and Health Officer.

If your client is the seller, they have a responsibility to have the septic system inspected within six months of the closing. We recommend that the inspection be done near the time an offer is made. The inspection must be done by a Skagit County Certified O/M Provider. The list of providers is available: Operations and Maintenance Providers List . In addition The Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 17) checklist asks When was it last inspected and by whom?

If your client is the buyer, they have the right to see a completed On-site Sewage inspection report before closing, The inspection should be dated within six months of the closing. Completed inspections will be documented with septic system information on our septic search website

First, your OSS designer will dig soil test holes to determine the type of soil on your property. Then they will design a system that meets all codes based on the soil type, number of bedrooms, size of home, and distance to a water source. Only licensed on-site wastewater designers and professional engineers may design septic systems. Please review our list of WA State Certified OSS Designers who work in Skagit County.

Your system designer will submit a permit application, site and soil evaluation, site plan, and their proposed design through Civic Access. Once submitted, the required fees will be calculated and payment requested. Some designers include the permit fee in their services—check with your designer to confirm who is responsible. If the application is incomplete, you and your designer will be notified and corrections can be resubmitted. You may also receive an email indicating that a maintenance agreement is required to be recorded to the parcel.

Upon receipt of a complete application and payment, Skagit County Public Health will begin reviewing the application and design. A determination will be made within 30 days*. It is possible we may consult with your designer, require corrections, and do a site visit to make sure the proposed design will treat wastewater effectively. 

*If wet season/winter review (typically November-April) is needed, the process may take up to 12 months. 

Once the review is complete and all requirements are met, your design and application will be approved, and you can move forward with hiring an OSS installer. If not approved, you and your designer will receive an email with the required corrections to approve the system. 

*Repair permits expire after 1 year; all others expire in 3 years. 

Only installers certified by Skagit County can install your septic system as designed. You can find a list of certified OSS installers here. Gravity-only systems may be eligible to be installed by homeowners. Please review the eligibility criteria and contact us if you are still interested in doing so.  

Keep in mind that not all installers work on every system type. For instance, Level 1 installers cannot install Level 2 systems. For more complex designs or site conditions, a pre-construction meeting may be required to review details and address any concerns before the permit is issued.  

During the installation, Skagit County Public Health will conduct a final inspection to observe the installed system prior to backfill. Your installer must request an inspection 2 full working days advanced notice. If everything meets requirements, the installer can proceed with final cover. If there are issues, we will work with your installer and designer on the required corrections before covering the system is allowed.  

If the system is installed according to the approved design and all tests are successful, your designer or installer will submit an as-built (record drawing) to Skagit County Public Health. We will review the record drawing to confirm its completeness before final approval is granted.  

After we receive and accept the as-built record, you’ll be notified through Civic Access, and you can begin using your septic system. To keep your system functioning properly, plan for inspections every 1–3 years, pumping as needed, and occasional minor repairs.