New requirements for Pierce County environmental review

Pierce County Planning and Public Works Development Services now requires projects that include critical areas to complete a pre-application screening. This includes projects like:

• Floodplains.
• Unstable slopes.
• Wetlands.
• Protected wildlife habitat.
• Other special restrictions—traffic impacts and cultural resources.

This screening will help better understand the environmental constraints on the property.

Applicants will receive a report from a team of Pierce County reviewers. The report identifies:

• All potential critical areas.
• Special restrictions.
• Studies.
• Field surveys required before a project can proceed with permitting.

Pierce County does not require a pre-application screening application for:

• Construction in plats recorded after 2005.
• Repairs.
• Remodels.
• Tenant improvements on public sewer.

Frequently asked pre-screening questions

Which septic applications will require Pierce County’s critical area pre-application screening?

All new individual wells or septic design proposals will require a pre-screening application. Remodels or repairs don’t require a pre-application screening.

As part of a shoreline repair, the applicant must submit a shoreline exemption and JARPA. A flood review will be initiated by the shoreline exemption application. Include “emergency repair” and the nature of the failure on the septic application.

If I already have stamped critical area documents, do I have to apply and pay for a pre-application screening?

The Health Department will accept stamped critical area documents without a pre-screening if the proposal hasn’t changed since Pierce County issued the critical area sign-offs.

How do I submit a pre-application screening?

1. Complete and save the pre-application screening.
2. Create an online application at Pierce County and attach the pre-application screening. A septic design site plan is also required. This screening has a $250 fee.

Visit Pierce County’s Environment Review webpage for details.

How long will the pre-application screening take?

Pierce County’s goal for pre-application screening review is 15 days.

Is a pre-application screening (critical area reviews) response required with a septic application?

A complete septic application is preferred. A pre-application screening is not currently required to submit a septic application. The pre-application screening is required for new individual well or septic design proposals.

Septic approval required to submit a Pierce County building permit

You must now get your septic approved before you can submit applications to Pierce County for a building permit.

Septic approval includes:

1. Approved septic design with approved existing individual well or public water source.
2. Approvable septic design with new individual well site approval. Well does not need to be drilled for septic design to be approvable.
3. Approved septic design with approved new public water system (Group A or Group B).

High winter water table review 2024-2025 season

High winter water table season is just around the corner. Please prepare your sites and submit Onsite Sewage applications by Dec. 1. We require inspection ports for an accurate review. Learn more about high winter water table review requirements in our High Winter Water Table Review Procedure.

Check out 2 new pages on our website.

• Saltwater Intrusion—Describes saltwater intrusion, how it affects wells and drinking water, and how to protect against it.
• Septic System Failure/Repair—Learn what you should do when your septic system fails or needs repairs.

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions online.

• Submit or check the status of your application at eco.tpchd.org. We process applications and resubmittals in the order we receive them.
• Find all forms, worksheets, and helpful guides on our website at Septic System and Individual Well Forms and Applications.
• Enjoy tips for a smoother application process.

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) requirements

Water-tightness tests

Operation and Maintenance companies must do a water-tightness test after all tank repairs. See our Tank Replacement and Repair Requirements for more info. Please include the length of the water tightness test (8- or 24-hours) in your OnlineRME report.

Technician-only guidance

Technician-only firms must follow guidance when they inspect onsite sewage systems. Read more about the roles and responsibilities of certified O&M technicians.  

Program realignment

Environmental Health is realigning programs to:

• Improve customer coordination.
• Increase ability to cross train.
• Build depth of coverage during high application volumes.
• Streamline our revenue sources.
• Group similar work.

Starting Dec. 9, we will nestle the work of Water Quality and Protection into existing EH programs. Septic related work—home sale inspections, certified professionals, septic operation and maintenance, and septic compliance work will move to the Onsite Sewage and Drinking Water Resources program under the management of Laurel Jellison.

Give us your input on our proposed 2025 fees.

The Health Department updates fees each year to ensure we:

• Cover our costs.
• Meet the needs of our community, customers, and industry partners.
• Are fiscally responsible with public funds.

View the proposed fee changes for Onsite Septic and Drinking Water Resources permits. We will present the fees to the Board of Health for approval on Dec. 4, 2024.

• Onsite Sewage Fees.
• Drinking Water Fees.

Questions or feedback? Contact Laurel Jellison at ljellison@tpchd.org.

Questions?

Visit tpchd.org/septic or contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1925.