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Septic Permit Process in Alabama

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.

Who Manages Septic Permits in Mobile County?

• Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) — statewide rules (Chapter 420-3-1)
• Mobile County Health Department — local permit issuance and inspections; call (251) 690-8889
• Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB) — licenses all contractors who install or repair systems

Step-by-Step Permit Process

Step 1: Soil Evaluation

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.

Step 2: System Design

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.

Step 3: Choose the Right Application Form

• CEP-2: Small-flow systems under 1,800 gallons per day (GPD) or 12 bedrooms or fewer — most residential projects
• CEP-3: Large-flow developments — commercial properties, multi-family housing

Forms are available at the ADPH website or the Mobile County Health Department office.

Step 4: Submit Application to Mobile County Health Department

Submit your completed application with:

• Soil evaluation and perc test report
• System design plans
• Property survey or plat
• Permit fee (contact Mobile County Health Department for current fee schedule)

Step 5: Site Inspection

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.

Step 6: Permit Issued

If approved, your permit is issued. Work must begin within the permit's validity period. Your AOWB-licensed contractor handles the installation.

Step 7: Final Inspection

After installation, Mobile County Health Department performs a final inspection before the system is covered and put into service.

Repairs That Require a Permit

• Drain field replacement or expansion
• Tank replacement
• Major pipe or distribution box work
• System upgrades (ATS, engineered modifications)

Minor maintenance like pumping, filter cleaning, and lid replacement typically do not require a permit.