Well & Septic Permits

Steps for Obtaining Residential Repair Permit

1. Contact Porter County Health Department's Environmental Division and request an onsite visit from an environmental health inspector.
2. An environmental health inspector will visit and review the site.
3. A soil test may be requested, at which time a private, certified Soil Scientist must be hired. A "Repair Permit Field Investigation Report" will be issued within approximately 2 to 4 days. This report will detail septic system specifications and any additional site considerations. Most septic contractors request this report when preparing a bid.
4. To obtain a residential repair permit, the customer is required to visit the Porter County Health Department, Environmental Division.

Residential repair permits are valid for two years.

Steps for Obtaining Residential New Construction Well & Septic Permit

1. A soil test is required and may be obtained by hiring a private, certified Soil Scientist. Most lots located within a Subdivision may have a soil test on file at the Porter County Health Department. Please contact our office with the subdivision name and lot number for additional information. A list of Soil Scientists is available in the local telephone book and from the Porter County Health Department
2. Submit soil test to Porter County Health Department's Environmental Division and request a septic / well field investigation report
3. A septic / well field investigation report will be issued within approximately two to four days. This report will contain detailed septic system specifications; requirements for permit issuance and any additional site considerations
4. To obtain the Well and Septic Permit, the customer is required to visit the Porter County Health Department's Environmental Division and make a Well and Septic Permit Application. The customer should bring with them all the check-marked items listed under "Requirements for Permit Issuance" located on their Field Investigation Report. Porter County Health Department staff will review the site plan within three to five days
5. If documents are not approved, then revisions will be requested. The customer should make needed changes and resubmit to Porter County Health Department's Environmental Division
6. If the documents are approved, then a well and septic permit will be issued

Septic permits expire two years from the date of issuance. Well permits have no expiration date.

Steps for Obtaining Residential Well Permit

1. To obtain a well permit, the customer is required to visit the Porter County Health Department's Environmental Division
2. Provide the Porter County Health Department's Environmental Division with a site plan drawn to scale and detailing the location of the house, proposed well, and existing septic system (tank and laterals), or sewer line. A permanent address must also be provided. Wells must be located at least 50 feet from septic tanks, laterals, and sewer lines
3. A permit will be issued for a fee of $25 and have no expiration date

Steps for Obtaining Commercial Well & Septic Permit

1. A soil test is required and may be obtained by hiring a private, certified soil scientist
2. Contact Indiana State Department of Health, Commercial Septic System Division at 317-233-1325 and follow their instructions

Permit Fees

FAQs

• Can the Porter County Health Department recommend a septic system installer?
• Can the Porter County Health Department recommend a septic tank pumper, soil scientist, surveyor, septic inspector or well driller?
• How are well drillers distinguished from one another?