Every septic system in NY requires a county health department permit under NYSDOH Appendix 75-A. Here is the full process — from perc test to final inspection.
If you're installing, replacing, or significantly repairing a septic system in New York State, you need a permit. The rules are written in NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Appendix 75-A, the state regulation that governs onsite wastewater treatment systems. This guide explains the permit process, what Appendix 75-A requires, and how it applies to your CNY property.
For specific guidance on your project, call (315) 400-2654 for a free site evaluation.
Septic permits are issued by the county health department (or in some counties, the local Public Health Service) where the property is located. NYSDOH writes the rules; counties enforce them locally.
For Backwell's service area:
Each county may have additional local rules layered on top of NYSDOH Appendix 75-A.
You need a permit for:
✅ New septic system installation (always)
✅ Septic system replacement (replacement of existing system)
✅ Cesspool conversion to septic (always)
✅ Leach field replacement (always)
✅ Septic tank replacement (always)
✅ Major system repairs (D-Box replacement, line replacement on the field side, pump tank installation)
You typically do NOT need a permit for:
❌ Routine pumping of an existing tank
❌ Sewer line repair from house to tank (most counties)
❌ Pump replacement in an existing pump tank (most counties)
❌ Riser installation on existing tank (most counties)
❌ Routine cleaning and maintenance
When in doubt, ask your installer or call the county health department.
Appendix 75-A is the section of the NYS Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR Subpart 75-A) that governs:
It applies to systems with design flow under 1,000 gallons per day (residential and small commercial). Systems above 1,000 gpd are regulated under SPDES industrial wastewater permits — different process, much more complex.
Before any new system can be designed, the site must be tested:
Witnessed by health department inspector in most counties. The inspector verifies the procedure and records results.
Minimum tank size by bedroom count:
Two-compartment tanks provide better treatment than single-compartment and add 250 gallons to minimum size.
For commercial flows, tanks are sized based on calculated daily flow (gpd) per Appendix 75-A Table 1.
Residential design flow:
Commercial flows are calculated by use type per Appendix 75-A Table 1 (varies: restaurants, offices, motels, schools, manufacturing, etc.).
Application rate (gallons per square foot per day) is determined by the soil percolation rate:
Required field area = Daily design flow ÷ Application rate.
Example: 3-bedroom home (330 gpd) on 30 MPI soil (0.6 gal/sf/day) needs 550 sf of field.
Appendix 75-A specifies minimum distances between system components and other features. Common residential setbacks:
Larger setbacks may apply for protected watersheds (Skaneateles, Owasco, Hemlock, NYC reservoirs).
NYSDOH requires a reserve area equal to the primary leach field, sized for future replacement. The reserve area must:
Many older systems were installed without reserve area planning. Backwell plans both primary and reserve at design — protecting future replacement options.
Appendix 75-A specifies which system types are appropriate for which site conditions:
A licensed PE is required for pressure distribution, mound, and engineered designs.
Property owner (or installer) requests soil testing schedule with the county health department. Inspector witnesses perc test and deep hole observation.
Based on test results, the installer (for conventional systems) or PE (for engineered) designs the system. Plans include:
Installer submits application package to county health department:
Review timing varies by county and complexity:
If the reviewer has questions or required revisions, they're addressed and resubmitted. Complete first submissions move through faster than incomplete ones.
Permit document is issued. Construction can begin. Most counties allow 1–2 years to complete construction before the permit expires.
Excavation, tank set, D-Box, leach field, backfill, restoration. The installer must:
County health department inspector confirms construction matches approved plans. If approved, certificate of compliance / approval is issued. The system can be put into service.
Installer provides homeowner with as-built drawing showing actual locations of tank, D-Box, leach field, and reserve area, with measurements from permanent reference points (property corners, building corners). This is essential for future maintenance and any work that might disturb the system.
Properties in protected watersheds — Skaneateles Lake (City of Syracuse drinking water), Owasco Lake (City of Auburn drinking water), Hemlock Lake (City of Rochester) — have additional setback requirements (often 200+ ft from water), enhanced design standards, and dual review by the city's watershed management office.
Lakefront properties have larger setbacks (typically 100+ ft from water) and frequent NYSDEC review for properties within freshwater wetland buffers.
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM) coordination required when active ag land is disturbed. Topsoil segregation and drain tile repair are standard scope.
NFIP / FEMA flood zone properties have specific elevation and design requirements. Some flood zones don't allow septic systems at all.
Sometimes a property can't meet a specific Appendix 75-A requirement (e.g., lot too small for full setbacks). The installer can request a variance or waiver — additional review process, longer timeline, no guarantee of approval.
Missing soil test results, incomplete site plans, no PE stamp on engineered designs — all kick back the application for re-review and add weeks. Backwell submits complete applications on the first pass.
County reviewers verify every required setback. Missing the dimension on a site plan is a common revision request.
Setbacks apply to neighboring wells too. Homeowner / installer is responsible for identifying neighbor wells within setback distance.
NYS requires reserve area. Plans without one get kicked back.
Excavating before the permit is issued is a code violation. Some counties require all work to be undone if it's started without permit. Wait for the permit.
Conventional residential: 2–4 weeks. Engineered systems: 4–10 weeks. Faster on complete first-pass submissions.
No. The review process takes weeks. Plan ahead.
No. Even emergency replacements need permits. Counties typically expedite emergency situations but still require the permit. Backwell handles permit submission as part of every installation.
Property owner pays through the installer. Backwell includes permit fees in our written estimates.
The permit and approval transfer with the property. The system itself becomes the new owner's responsibility.
Older systems are "grandfathered" under the rules in effect at installation. They don't have to be retrofitted. However, when they're replaced, the replacement must meet current code.
For minor repairs (tank lid, baffle, riser, line repair) — typically no. For major repairs (D-Box replacement, leach field repair, tank replacement) — yes. Backwell determines this and submits permit applications when needed.
Yes — if the site can't be designed to meet Appendix 75-A. Some properties simply can't support a code-compliant septic system, and alternatives (mound, engineered) must be considered. In rare cases, no compliant design exists, and the property can't be developed.
County health departments have varying staffing levels. Engineered systems require more review than conventional. Volume of submissions, reviewer availability, and complexity all factor.
Yes. Each county has an appeal process. Most appeals involve revised designs or variance requests. Discuss with your installer.
Need a septic permit and installation? Call (315) 400-2654.
Last updated: April 2026
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