Official sources checked August 30, 2026

Skagit County, Washington septic permits and requirements

Washington state/local framework

Washington Department of Health assigns approval authority for onsite sewage systems with design flows through 3,499 gallons per day to the local health officer. Local health jurisdictions therefore administer the property-level permit, inspection, and management process, while larger systems can fall under state jurisdiction.

Local health department jurisdiction

Skagit County Public Health states that it reviews site evaluations and permit applications for individual onsite sewage systems and community onsite systems with flows under 3,500 gallons per day for compliance with Skagit County Code Chapter 12.05.

Updated local code

Skagit County states that an updated Chapter 12.05 onsite sewage code took effect October 1, 2025. The local program governs proper location, design, installation, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of onsite septic systems.

Permit sequence can take substantial time

Skagit County advises that septic design, permitting, and installation can be lengthy because timing depends on payment, planning requirements, design revisions, and seasonal reviews. The county reported that in 2025 the average time from permit application to design permit for its listed review steps was about 60 days.

Site evaluations and permit applications are reviewed by Public Health

The county’s sewage program specifically identifies site evaluations and permit applications as Health Department review functions. Applicants should complete the current county application and site-review process before installing or altering an onsite system.

Ongoing inspection and maintenance records

Skagit County operates an ongoing septic inspection and maintenance program and provides financial-assistance programs tied to work performed by county-certified operations-and-maintenance providers. Current county provider applications also require timely submission of pumping and system-status reports.

Current fee schedule is published by the Board of Health

Skagit County Public Health publishes a Board of Health Schedule of Charges and states that the current preapproved schedule took effect February 1, 2026. Applicants should use that current schedule for permit and review costs because fees vary by service.

Official sources

• Washington State Department of Health — Regulatory Jurisdiction
• Washington State Department of Health — On-Site Sewage Systems
• Skagit County Public Health — On Site Sewage Program Information
• Skagit County Public Health — Sewage Program
• Skagit County Public Health — Environmental Health

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