Two states, two completely different processes, and a lot of out-of-date information online. Here's how it actually works, and what we handle for you.
South Carolina permits septic systems at state level through SCDES: a $150 site evaluation, a permit valid five years, and Tier 3 installers may self-inspect their own work. Georgia permits at county level through the County Board of Health: a 20-day decision window, a permit valid 12 months, and a mandatory county inspection before backfill, every time.
Septic permitting is the single biggest source of delay and surprise cost on a new build, and it's the part most homeowners and even some builders don't plan for. It's also an area where a lot of the information online is simply wrong, because South Carolina reorganised its agencies in 2024 and much of the published guidance hasn't caught up.
We handle permits as part of the job. You don't have to read any of this. But if you want to understand what's happening and why it takes the time it does, this is the honest version.
| South Carolina | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues the permit | SCDES, at state level | County Board of Health |
| Governing rule | Regulation 61-56 | Rule 511-3-1 |
| Site evaluation fee | $150, set by regulation | Varies by county, confirm locally |
| Decision timeframe | Driven by evaluation scheduling | 20 days from complete application |
| Permit validity | 5 years | 12 months |
| Final inspection | Tier 3 may self-inspect | County, mandatory, before backfill |
| Min tank, up to 4 bedrooms | 1,000 gallons | 1,000 gallons |
| Each extra bedroom | +250 gallons | +250 gallons |
| Garbage grinder | No specific provision | +50% capacity |
| Two-compartment tank | Not specified | Required |
Read that permit validity row again if you're a builder. Five years versus twelve months completely changes how you phase lots across the two states.
Building on both sides, or comparing? Read the full comparison →
The forms, the plat or deed with lot dimensions, the property owner permission letter, the site sketch showing boundaries, building corners, well locations and the proposed drain field area.
Through the SCDES ePermitting portal in South Carolina, or to the county health department in Georgia. Then we chase it, so you don't have to.
Clearing vegetation for evaluator access, staking the building footprint, placing site cards at the property entrance and preferred system location. Small things, but a wasted evaluator visit costs you a week.
Where the job needs a licensed Professional Soil Classifier or a registered professional engineer, we coordinate them rather than handing you a list of phone numbers.
In South Carolina we notify the local SCDES office ahead of final inspection, and as a Tier 3 installer we may self-inspect our own installations. In Georgia we schedule the county inspection and do not backfill until written approval is issued.
Tell us about the property and what it's doing. We'll come look, tell you straight what it needs, and give you a number you can plan around.