Official sources checked August 31, 2026

Clallam County, Washington septic permits and requirements

Washington state/local framework

Washington Department of Health states that the local health officer has regulatory jurisdiction over onsite sewage systems with design flows from 0 through 3,499 gallons per day. Local health jurisdictions permit and manage those systems and may administer local codes that are more protective than the statewide minimums.

Local permitting authority

Clallam County Environmental Health Services states that it processes onsite septic permits throughout Clallam County. A permit is required to install a new system and to repair, replace, or expand an existing system, including work on the septic tank, drainfield, or related components.

Site registration and soils evaluation come first

Clallam County identifies Site Registration as the first step in the septic-permit process. A licensed septic designer coordinates the soils and site evaluation with Environmental Health, then submits the design, permit application, and applicable fees for county review.

Permit validity varies by permit type

Clallam County publishes different validity periods by permit type: a new septic-system construction permit is valid for three years, a tank-placement permit for one year, and a repair permit for six months unless the county formally extends it. The county states that expired septic permits must be resubmitted rather than renewed.

Decommissioning requires county approval

Clallam County requires an approved septic decommissioning permit when a tank or other sewage container is permanently abandoned. The county describes a pump, crush-and-fill process and requires documentation of the professional work so the county inventory can be updated.

Ongoing inspection and maintenance

Clallam County explains that gravity-fed systems are generally inspected every three years and systems with pumps annually under Washington operation-and-maintenance rules. Owners are also directed to protect the reserve area for future replacement.

Official sources

• Washington State Department of Health — Regulatory Jurisdiction
• Washington State Department of Health — OSS Management Roles
• Clallam County — Septic System Permits
• Clallam County — On-site Septic Program
• Clallam County — Maintaining Your Septic System
• Clallam County — Professional Resources

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