Official sources checked August 30, 2026

Knox County, Tennessee septic permits and requirements

Tennessee contract-county framework

TDEC’s current septic-services page identifies Davidson, Knox, and Sevier among the jurisdictions that provide their own groundwater-protection services. SepticScope therefore follows the local metropolitan or county process below instead of substituting the standard TDEC field-office workflow used in most Tennessee counties.

County Health regulates every local SSDS not on public sewer

Knox County states that its Groundwater Protection Division enforces the laws governing onsite wastewater systems and regulates installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems. Residential and commercial facilities that are not connected to public sanitary sewer must have an SSDS to receive and treat the wastewater they generate.

County specialists evaluate, design, and inspect systems

The Groundwater Protection Division states that its environmental specialists assist property owners with evaluation, design, and inspection of SSDS installed in Knox County. TDEC rules and statutes remain the governing statewide framework, but Knox is the local contract-county program for permit services.

Permits cover new builds, remodels, and repairs

Knox County specifically states that its Groundwater Division issues septic permits for new builds, remodels, and repairs to existing systems when required. Depending on the project, the county may require a soil map and/or site plan before preparing the SSDS permit, drainfield layout, certification, or verification.

Existing records can reveal prior soils and repair history

Knox County provides SSDS file searches for existing properties. The county notes that a file search can help a buyer determine whether an existing system is documented and can reveal prior soil mapping or repair records associated with the parcel.

Installers and pumpers need an annual Knox County permit

Knox County states that septic-tank installers and pumpers working in the county must obtain an annual county permit. This is a local credential requirement in addition to the statewide installer/pumper framework, so contractors should verify both current state and Knox County status.

Official sources

• TDEC — local/contract county septic-services routing
• TDEC — Septic System Construction Permit
• TDEC — licensed septic installers and pumpers
• Knox County Health Department — Groundwater Protection

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