Official sources checked August 29, 2026

Licking County, Ohio septic permits and requirements

Ohio permit framework

Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-29 governs sewage treatment systems statewide. Rule 3701-29-06 provides that a sewage treatment system may not be installed, altered, or operated without an approved permit from the board of health, and owners must comply with permit conditions and maintain the system in proper working condition.

Local rules can be more stringent

Ohio law allows a board of health to adopt more stringent sewage-treatment standards when local conditions support them and the required state approval is obtained. County or health-district instructions therefore matter in addition to the statewide minimum rules.

County program and site evaluation

Licking County Health Department states that its Sewage Treatment Program regulates household and small-flow sewage treatment systems through inspections, sewage-rule enforcement, and homeowner education. The county recommends evaluating a site early because system design is based on site-specific soil characteristics.

Lot splits and subdivisions

For new lots in areas not served by public water and sewer, Licking County performs a preliminary evaluation to determine whether a household sewage treatment system can be placed on the lot. The county states that a separate, more detailed evaluation is then required so the HSTS can be designed for the specific home, and it also reviews subdivisions in areas without public water and sewer.

Operation and maintenance program

Licking County states that sewage treatment systems are required to be entered into an operation and maintenance program under the Ohio sewage rules effective January 1, 2015, with inspection used to confirm proper operation.

Local access to environmental-health permits

The county provides Environmental Health Services and Permits at its Pataskala branch as well as its Newark office, giving western Licking County applicants a second official location for permit services.

Official sources

• Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-29 — Sewage Treatment Systems
• Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3701-29-06 — General Provisions and Permits
• Licking County Health Department — Sewage Treatment Program
• Licking County Health Department — Contact Us
• Licking County Health Department — Pataskala Branch Office

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