Hennepin County, Minnesota septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Hennepin County Environmental Health — SSTS Program, except cities that administer their own septic programs

Hennepin County Environmental Health administers most septic systems in the county. The county lists Dayton, Hopkins, Independence, Loretto, Medina, New Hope, Orono, Richfield, St. Louis Park, and Woodland as cities with their own septic programs; properties there should contact the city directly.

Minnesota state and local framework

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency states that counties must adopt SSTS ordinances and administer programs meeting state rules. Cities and townships may also regulate septic systems, and when they do their ordinances must be at least as stringent as the county ordinance. Local programs review plans, approve permits, inspect systems, and may impose requirements stricter than statewide minimums.

Hennepin County regulates most, but not all, septic systems in the county

Hennepin County states that it regulates most septic systems, including inspections and enforcement, but identifies a specific set of cities that operate their own septic programs. SepticScope therefore does not treat the county as the permit authority for every parcel.

A county permit is required before most system construction or alteration in county jurisdiction

The county ordinance requires a permit before an SSTS within Hennepin County jurisdiction is installed, replaced, abandoned, altered, repaired, rejuvenated, or extended. The ordinance also lists narrow maintenance exceptions such as certain pump, baffle, inspection-pipe, cover, and line repairs.

County septic permits expire after 12 months

Hennepin County Ordinance Section 6.1 states that septic permits are not transferable as to person or place and expire 12 months after issuance.

Certain systems require an annual operating permit

Hennepin County requires operating permits for holding tanks, Type IV and Type V systems, and midsized SSTS covered by Minnesota Rule Chapter 7081. The ordinance states that sewage cannot be discharged to a system requiring an operating permit until installation is certified, final record drawings are received, and a valid operating permit is issued. Operating permits are valid for 12 months.

Standalone septic abandonment requires county documentation in county jurisdiction

Hennepin County provides an abandonment permit process for systems under county jurisdiction when no new construction is involved. The county directs owners to obtain the permit, have the tank pumped by a licensed pumper/maintainer, document the tank being crushed, filled, or removed, and submit the abandonment reporting form.

Official sources

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