Applications steadily increase.

More people are buying, selling and building homes! Which also means we’ve seen an increase in the number of Onsite Sewage applications. In 2021 we received 7,696 applications—the most since 2004.

More staff and efficient processes mean shorter review times for your applications.

We’ve reduced application review times. In 2021 we hired several new staff in both On-Site and Division Support. We will add even more staff this year. Our goal is to reduce review times and maintain comprehensive application reviews.

You can now submit 1 no-charge resubmittal to address inspector comments with every onsite application. We will continue to charge a resubmittal or reinspection fee for:

• Approved critical area reviews at submittal.
• Other application deficiencies such as test pit reinspections.
• Resubmittals that don’t address all the reviewer’s comments.

COVID-19 extensions

Need an extension? We will extend applications and permits that expired after March 16, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2023. Email your request to EHsepticsystems@tpchd.org

Be ready for your final inspection before installation.

All installed septic systems must remain open for 3 business days after you called it into us. You can request a final inspection online at tpchd.org/healthy-homes/septic-systems/applications-and-forms/final-inspection-request or call the final inspection line at (253) 649-1422.

For same day inspections, you must call or submit your request before 8 a.m. If you submit the final inspection after 8 a.m., we will process it the following business day.

You must ensure the septic system:

• Is completely installed at the time of final inspection.
• Remains open and uncovered regardless of the type of septic system installed.
• Is ready for operation, except for backfill, with the following exceptions:
  • Timer panels should be present, but you don’t have wire before the final inspection.
  • The disposal component should be mostly uncovered.
  • Don’t intentionally backfill subsurface drip systems.
  • Leave off the Oscar mound top cover to view the drip tubing and connections.

Only backfill tanks so that all pipe connections are accessible. Certain tanks have a maximum requirement of water table. Installers must install a tank to meet manufacturer specifications and WA State Department of Health tank guidelines. If a water table is critical to tank placement, leave the tank hole open to confirm predicted seasonal water table at the tank. 

You must have a permit present on-site.

• Post it in a watertight container, in an accessible location near the tanks.
• The installer and designer must both sign the permit.
• Note any outstanding items for installation on the permit and include with the final inspection request to the Health Department.

Septic systems backfilled before the 3-day inspection window may be subject to code enforcement. Any exceptions, including critical circumstances, need prior approval from the area Environmental Health Specialist or the Health Department Counter Technician of the day. Contact us at (253) 649-1500.

Examples of critical circumstances include:

• Repairs.
• Inclement weather events.
• Conditions at the installation site that may pose a safety risk, etc.

Find the final inspection call-in date when you search the property address parcel number or the SR-Number at https://eco.tpchd.org. The date listed is the date we received the final inspection request. You can begin backfill 3 days from the final inspection received date. When we complete a final inspection before the 3-day waiting period, we will text or email the designer or installer.

New year, new fees.

View the 2022 On-Site Sewage, Individual Well and Water Resources fee schedule.

Pierce County Planning and Public Works (PPW) also updated several impact fees effective Feb. 1. We expect a large influx of applications to both PPW and the Health Department. Please be patient as we work to prioritize applications that require more timely reviews.

Guidance for projects in Pierce County Shoreline Jurisdiction

If you submit a septic system repair application and live along a shoreline, you also need to submit a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit Exemption to Pierce County Planning and Public Works. Pierce County can expedite applications for surface failures. Make sure you document the severity of the failure.

If you submit for new construction or a remodel where you will add, alter, or replace the existing septic system, your customer must file an exemption. This may also require a Shoreline Variance after Pierce County’s review. 

Learn more about Pierce County Code Chapter 18.S – Shorelines.

Questions about properties in the shoreline jurisdiction? Contact Dave Risvold at dave.risvold@piercecountywa.gov

You can’t use variances and waivers to develop existing undersized lots.

Griffin vs. Thurston County is a Washington State Supreme Court decision that allows you to develop existing lots of record that don’t meet current minimum lot size requirements. You can develop these lots if they meet all state and local on-site code requirements. You can’t use variances and waivers to develop these undersized lots. The current minimum lot sizes are:

• Public water–12,500 square feet.
• Individual well–1 acre for soil types 1-4, 2 acres for soil types 5 and 6.

You can reduce setback under WAC 246-272A or Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Environmental Health Code: Chapter 2.

WAC code revision

Washington State Department of Health is currently revising WAC 246-272A. We will start the process to revise Environmental Health Code: Chapter 2 code and Local Management Plan this year. Interested in joining an advisory group to share your feedback? Contact Leigh McIntire at lmcintire@tpchd.org.

Certified professionals

Submit your 2022 Certification packets and application documents and fees by Feb. 15, 2022 to avoid late fees or certification delays. Email us at oscp@tpchd.org if you have certification questions.

We mailed your 2022 Certification packets the second week of December 2021. Review your employee list from the packet for certification title and training accuracy. Didn’t receive your packet? You can access and print all certification documents from our website–Information for Professionals.

Septic Pumpers and non-septage haulers: Contact us to schedule your annual truck inspection.

• Health Department, Renée Avelino (253) 649-1826, ravelino@tpchd.org.
• WOSSA, Andrea Dodson (253) 770-6594, andrea@wossa.org. Contact WOSSA to coordinate Key Peninsula and no cost off-site truck inspections.
• We accept King County truck inspection reports performed within 90 days of certification.

New permitting database coming later this year

You will experience more customer service improvements when we update our permitting, inspection and enforcement management system. We chose Accela, Inc.’s Environmental Health Civic Platform to improve:

• Your experience—Integration with GIS will populate parcel and address data in applications.
• Transparency—Integration with PALS+ will reduce double data entry and increase updated information in both systems.
• Communication—Automated notification on application status throughout the review process.
• Application processing and management—Reducing review times.

We hope to complete the transition to the new software by the end of 2022.

Questions on a topic you didn’t see here? Visit our website at tpchd.org/septic or contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1925.