Daviess County, Kentucky septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Green River District Health Department, administering Kentucky’s local onsite sewage program

Green River District Health Department serves Daviess County. County health center: 270-686-7744; 1600 Breckenridge Street, Owensboro, KY 42303. GRDHD directs applicants to apply for the site evaluation through their county health center.

Start with a site evaluation

Green River District Health Department states that a site evaluation is required before construction or septic installation when a property is not served by municipal sewer. An Environmental Health professional evaluates soil texture and structure, restrictive layers, and site conditions that can affect onsite wastewater disposal.

What to bring for the evaluation

GRDHD instructs applicants to apply through the county health center and bring a location map plus a site drawing showing property lines and lot dimensions, structures, wells, ponds, streams, gullies, swamps or similar features, and easements, roads, driveways, or rights-of-way. A plat or survey and floor plans or blueprints may also be required depending on the county and project.

Published district site-evaluation fee

GRDHD currently publishes a $200 site-evaluation fee and directs applicants to confirm current procedures with their county health center. Fees and forms can change, so verify the amount before submitting an application.

Permit before construction, installation, or alteration

Kentucky regulation 902 KAR 10:110 provides that a person may not construct, install, or alter a regulated onsite sewage disposal system without first obtaining an onsite sewage disposal permit from the local health department. The regulation requires the construction application and applicable state and local-board fees.

Who may receive the construction permit

Kentucky generally issues permits to certified onsite sewage installers. A qualifying homeowner may receive a homeowner permit if the regulatory conditions are met, including personally performing the work except for specifically allowed excavation, backfilling, or licensed electrical work.

District review and inspection

GRDHD states that after a site is approved, the health department can issue the septic construction permit to a certified contractor and inspect the installation. Kentucky’s statewide program likewise states that local health department septic inspectors perform site evaluations and inspections.

Permit duration and site-specific limitations

Kentucky regulation 902 KAR 10:085 states that the construction permit is issued by a certified inspector and expires one year from issuance unless an extension is granted. The approved system depends on the site evaluation, including soil, slope, groundwater, restrictive horizons, available area, setbacks, and other parcel-specific conditions.

Official sources

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