Step-by-step guide for Mobile County property owners
Alabama state law requires a permit from the local health department before installing a new septic system or making major repairs to an existing one. In Mobile County, this process runs through the Mobile County Health Department Environmental Health Division. Here's exactly how it works.
Before applying, hire a licensed professional (PE, land surveyor, soil classifier, or geologist) to evaluate your lot and conduct a percolation test. Not all lots are suitable for conventional systems. This evaluation determines what system type can be permitted.
Based on soil test results, a licensed engineer or AOWB-certified designer creates a system design plan specifying tank size, drain field dimensions, and setback distances required under Chapter 420-3-1.
Forms are available at the ADPH website or the Mobile County Health Department office.
Submit your completed application with:
A Public Health Environmentalist from Mobile County Health Department reviews the application and may conduct a site visit to verify soil conditions and proposed system layout.
If approved, your permit is issued. Work must begin within the permit's validity period. Your AOWB-licensed contractor handles the installation.
After installation, Mobile County Health Department performs a final inspection before the system is covered and put into service.
Minor maintenance like pumping, filter cleaning, and lid replacement typically do not require a permit.
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Call (251) 351-8091The Mobile County Health Department Environmental Health Division issues septic permits, following statewide rules set by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) under Chapter 420-3-1. Contractors who install or repair systems are licensed separately by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB).
A licensed professional (PE, land surveyor, soil classifier, or geologist) must evaluate the lot and run a percolation test before you apply. Not every lot qualifies for a conventional system, and this test determines which system types can be permitted.
Most residential projects use form CEP-2, for small-flow systems under 1,800 gallons per day or 12 bedrooms or fewer. Larger commercial or multi-family developments use CEP-3.
Not always. Drain field replacement or expansion, tank replacement, major pipe or distribution box work, and system upgrades require a permit. Minor maintenance like pumping, filter cleaning, and lid replacement typically does not.
Mobile County Health Department performs a final inspection before the system can be covered and put into service. Work must also begin within the permit's validity period once issued.