Official sources checked August 29, 2026

Comal County, Texas septic permits and requirements

Texas permitting framework

Texas requires a permit and approved plan to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF unless a specific exemption applies. TCEQ directs owners to the local permitting authority where an authorized local program exists and warns that local programs can be more stringent than statewide minimums.

Licensed OSSF professionals

TCEQ licenses or registers site evaluators, installers, maintenance providers, maintenance technicians, and designated representatives. County procedures can require particular licensed professionals based on system type, site conditions, and local rules.

County Environmental Health reviews designs and issues OSSF permits

Comal County states that Environmental Health reviews OSSF designs prepared by registered sanitarians and professional engineers, issues permits, and enforces county and state environmental-health requirements.

Site and soil evaluation comes first

Before system selection and design, a qualified site evaluator must conduct the site and soil evaluation. The county’s published nine-step process uses the evaluation to determine site suitability and the type of treatment/disposal system appropriate for the property.

Authorization to Construct is required before installation

After the application, planning materials, system type, and supporting documents are reviewed, Comal County issues an Authorization to Construct. Construction should not begin before that authorization. The county’s process also applies to systems needing alteration or repair.

Inspection before License to Operate

The county requires inspection of the installed system against the approved application and plans. Comal County asks for at least 24 hours notice before an inspection and currently publishes a $150 reinspection fee when a system fails inspection or is not ready. A License to Operate is issued only after required inspections are passed.

Local rules include additional separation and design provisions

Comal County has an approved local OSSF order in addition to Chapter 285. Its published rules include local provisions such as a minimum 20-foot separation between a property line and the edge of a surface-application area; applicants should use the current county order and approved design rather than relying only on statewide setback summaries.

Published permit fees

The county application currently linked by Environmental Health lists $300 for a sewerage-facility permit under 500 gallons per day and $500 above 500 gallons per day, plus separate remodel, renewal, holding-tank, and reinspection charges. Because fee schedules can change, confirm the amount on the current county application when filing.

Official sources

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — Getting a Permit for an OSSF
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — OSSF Licensing
• Comal County — Environmental Health
• Comal County — Steps to Obtain an OSSF Permit
• Comal County — Required Permits
• Comal County — OSSF Rules
• Comal County — OSSF Permit Application / Fee Schedule

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