Henry County, Georgia septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Henry County Environmental Health Office, District 4 Public Health

Henry County Environmental Health Office, District 4 Public Health — 470-661-0044; 137 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253. The county office lists wastewater management and residential septic permit/repair applications among its Environmental Health services.

County Environmental Health handles the local process

Georgia Department of Public Health directs locally related onsite-sewage questions, records, services and inspections to the County Environmental Health Office. District 4 identifies the county office above as the Environmental Health contact for wastewater management and residential septic permitting.

Apply before constructing the septic system

District 4’s residential septic application is an application for a construction permit to install or construct an on-site wastewater management system under Georgia DPH Chapter 511-3-1. Do not treat the application itself as permission to begin work; follow the county office’s review and permit instructions.

The site sketch must be detailed

District 4’s application requires a lot sketch showing lot dimensions, the proposed building location and dimensions, building and side-line distances, road name, well locations where applicable, driveway or paved areas, underground utilities, plumbing stub-out, proposed drainfield location, easements and floodplain information, plus detached structures.

Final inspection is required before cover

The District 4 application states that final inspection is required and that the County Environmental Health Department must be notified after construction is completed and before final cover is placed over the system.

Permit duration

District 4’s current residential application states that the construction permit expires 12 months from its issue date. Confirm any extension or reapplication procedure directly with the county office before relying on an expired permit.

Use certified septic professionals

Georgia DPH maintains statewide certified installer and pumper lists through its Onsite Sewage program. Verify that the contractor you plan to use is appropriately certified for the work being performed.

Official sources

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