Forsyth County, Georgia septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Forsyth County Environmental Health — Land Use Section

Forsyth County Environmental Health: 770-781-6909; 2435 Freedom Pkwy, Suite 2400, Cumming, GA 30041.

Georgia onsite-sewage framework

Georgia Department of Public Health regulates onsite sewage statewide while locally related permits, inspections, records and property-specific questions are handled through local County Environmental Health offices.

Environmental Health issues permits and performs final inspections

Forsyth County Environmental Health states that its Land Use Section issues onsite sewage management system permits and performs final inspections. Septic approval is required before a building permit for a septic-served property when building or remodeling a home or adding a building or pool.

New systems, repairs, additions and existing-system reviews use separate processes

The county publishes separate application and requirement materials for new septic systems, repairs, additions or modifications, commercial systems, pool-related performance evaluations and other existing-system evaluations. Applicants should use the form that matches the proposed work rather than assuming a new-system application covers a repair or modification.

Allow time for review

Forsyth County Environmental Health warns that an application or review may take twenty business days or more. Completed forms and required documents can be submitted to Environmental Health using the county instructions.

Published 2024 residential septic fees

The county fee schedule lists a new residential septic permit at $350 for seven rooms or fewer and $550 for eight rooms or more; residential repair is $150, and a residential addition or modification is $350. Because fee schedules can change, confirm the current amount before payment.

Use state-certified professionals where required

Forsyth links directly to Georgia DPH lists of approved soil classifiers, certified septic installers and certified pumpers. Verify current certification before hiring a contractor or soil professional.

Official sources

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