Whatcom County, Washington septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Whatcom County Health and Community Services — Onsite Sewage Program

Health and Community Services: 360-778-6000; 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Washington local-health-jurisdiction framework

Washington State Department of Health assigns property-level onsite sewage permitting and management to local health jurisdictions. County or district rules and procedures can be more specific than the statewide minimums.

Permit required for most septic construction or changes

Whatcom County states that an OSS permit is required when constructing, repairing, replacing, modifying, connecting to, or expanding a septic system. Limited component maintenance, such as replacing certain lids, risers, floats, or a septic pump, is listed separately as work that does not require an OSS permit.

Licensed designer or engineer

County rules require the OSS to be designed by a licensed onsite sewage designer or registered professional engineer. The designer or engineer submits the design and permit application for county review and site inspection.

Three-year construction permit

Whatcom County’s published permit process states that an approved construction permit is valid for three years from the date of issuance.

County-licensed installer, with a narrow homeowner exemption

Whatcom County requires OSS installation by a county-licensed installer. An owner who will live in the home served by the system may request an exemption from installer-certification requirements; the exemption is reviewed by the county and is not automatic.

Official sources

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