Septic and OSSF Rules
You Need a Permit Before Installing a Septic System
If your Jefferson County property cannot connect to city sewer, you need a permitted septic system. State rules require an approved plan and permit before any work starts.
When a home cannot connect to city sewer, it uses an on-site sewage facility (OSSF). That is the official name for a septic system or similar setup.
In Jefferson County, TCEQ — the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — sets the statewide rules. The actual permit is issued by a local authorized agent, usually the county or a city.
You must have an approved plan and a permit before you build, change, or repair an OSSF. Doing work without a permit is a violation.
The coast and marsh areas of Jefferson County have wetland soils. Some of those soils will not support a standard septic system. That can make the permitting process more involved.
Check with Jefferson County directly, or visit tceq.texas.gov/permitting/ossf to find your local permitting authority and get current requirements.
Source to confirm: TCEQ — On-Site Sewage Facilities (Septic Systems)