Texas Porch

Septic Systems / OSSF

You Need a Permit Before Installing a Septic System

Most rural properties in Cherokee County rely on on-site sewage systems, and a permit is required before you build, alter, or repair one.

If your home or business is outside city limits in Cherokee County, you likely handle sewage with a septic system. The official term is on-site sewage facility, or OSSF. You must get a permit before you install, change, repair, or extend one. This applies to new builds and changes to an existing system.

Texas law 30 TAC Chapter 285 covers all OSSFs. Most counties have a local agent who issues the permits. Check with Cherokee County or TCEQ to find who handles permits in your area. The TCEQ website lets you search by county.

Do not skip the permit. You can face fines and be forced to remove the system if you do.

Source to confirm: TCEQ – On-Site Sewage Facilities: Information for Homeowners

More Cherokee County notes