Madison County, Alabama septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Madison County Health Department — Community and Environmental Protection / Onsite Sewage Disposal

Madison County Health Department Environmental Services: 256-533-8726; 301 Max Luther Drive NW, Huntsville, AL 35811.

Alabama permit framework

Alabama requires a permit from the local health department before installing a new onsite sewage disposal system or repairing an existing system. State guidance calls for site and soil evaluation, permit review, licensed installation, and health-department approval before use.

Existing septic records

ADPH says property owners or their agents may request existing septic-system information from the local health department. A completed Approval for Use may include a diagram of the installed system.

Local permit and occupancy sequence

Madison County states that homes and businesses not connected to public sanitary sewer must obtain a local health department permit before installing a new onsite system or repairing an existing system. The county also directs installers to schedule an inspection before installation and states that an Approval for Use is issued before the building can be occupied.

Local licensing reminder

Madison County specifically states that septic tank installers and pumpers must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.

Official sources

SepticScope summarizes public-agency information for planning purposes. The permitting agency's current instructions control if they differ from this guide.