Official sources checked August 30, 2026

Story County, Iowa septic permits and requirements

Iowa state and county framework

Iowa DNR states that local boards of health have primary responsibility for regulating private sewage disposal systems serving four homes or fewer or fewer than 15 people, while counties must meet the state minimum standards. Larger public systems are primarily regulated by Iowa DNR. County procedures and locally adopted requirements therefore matter for ordinary residential septic projects.

County Environmental Health issues construction and alteration permits

Story County lists septic construction and alteration permits, site evaluations, troubleshooting, and time-of-transfer inspection report review among Environmental Health responsibilities. The department operates under the Story County Board of Health.

Story County adds local requirements beyond the Iowa minimums

Story County’s Ordinance 287 supplements Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 69. The county summary identifies stricter local setbacks for certain features, limits on shared systems, additional holding-tank requirements, contractor certification, site-evaluation requirements, and a two-year permit expiration period.

A site evaluation is required for new or replacement systems

Story County states that every property needing a new or replacement private wastewater treatment system must receive a septic site evaluation. The evaluation documents property and use information, soil profile conditions, health setbacks, and the area intended for septic use before installation criteria are finalized.

County ordinance requires periodic septic-tank and pump-chamber pumping

Story County’s ordinance summary states that septic tanks and pump chambers for existing and new systems must be pumped at least every five years. This is a local requirement, not merely a general maintenance suggestion.

Certain advanced systems require a continuing maintenance contract

Story County explains that systems containing a peat moss bio-filter, recirculating textile filter, or aerobic treatment unit require a maintenance contract for the life of the system under applicable Iowa rules, with a copy filed with Environmental Health and servicing performed by the appropriate manufacturer’s technician.

Official sources

• Iowa DNR — Private Sewage Disposal and Septage
• Story County — Environmental Health
• Story County — Updated Septic Ordinance / Ordinance 287 Summary
• Story County — Site Evaluations
• Story County — Septic Contractors and Maintenance Contracts

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