Subsurface Wastewater System Permitting
⚠ Subsurface Wastewater System Permitting — Permit Required
All subsurface wastewater disposal systems and components require a permit prior to installation. A permit is valid for work commenced within 24 months after issuance. (See: 30-A M.R.S. § 4215.)
Do not begin any construction or installation until a valid permit has been issued.
Do not begin any construction or installation until a valid permit has been issued.
Permitting Process — At a Glance
- All systems must meet site suitability, permitting, and inspection criteria consistent with onsite sewage disposal rules.
- A permit is required to install a subsurface wastewater disposal system or any component thereof (excluding normal maintenance/repairs).
- Permits require a site evaluation and, for engineered systems, preparation by a professional engineer or licensed site evaluator.
- Three copies of an issued permit are produced: owner, Town, and State copies.
- Notify the Licensed Plumbing Inspector (LPI) at least 24 hours before the system is ready for inspection.
Site Requirements
- The site must have passing soils and meet applicable setbacks.
- The owner or agent must obtain a valid permit prior to beginning construction of the system.
- The system must pass two inspections: one site-prep inspection before installation and one inspection prior to final backfilling.
Applying — Required Documentation & Process
- An application for a disposal system permit must be made on Department-approved forms and requires a site evaluation.
- Permit applications must be prepared by a licensed site evaluator (non-engineered systems) or by a professional engineer or licensed site evaluator (engineered systems).
- Exceptions: replacement septic tanks and alternative toilets (other than pit privies) — these require an adequate description of the proposed work.
- Designs dated prior to the version of the Rules in effect at permit issuance must be reviewed and updated by the Site Evaluator before a permit will be issued.
- If an application is incomplete or does not conform to applicable rules, it must be rejected in writing within 14 days of a completed filing with reasons stated.
- If the LPI finds the application conforms to rules and laws, a permit must be issued as soon as practicable.
Work & Amendments
Work must not be started until the LPI issues a disposal system permit for the work. Amendments to permits or applications may be filed at any time before work is complete and become part of the original application.
Subsurface Wastewater Disposal System Permit Fee Schedule
| Permit | Scheduled Fee | 25% | Water Quality Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Non-Engineered System | $250.00 | $62.50 | $15.00 |
| Primitive / Limited System (graywater, alt toilet) | $100.00 | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Alternative Toilet | $50.00 | $12.50 | — |
| Non-Engineered Treatment Tank (incl. ATU tanks) | $150.00 | $37.50 | — |
| Holding Tank | $100.00 | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Non-Engineered Disposal Field | $150.00 | $37.50 | — |
| Separated Laundry System | $35.00 | $8.75 | $15.00 |
| Complete Engineered System | $200.00 | $50.00 | — |
| Engineered Treatment Tank (only) | $80.00 | $20.00 | — |
| Engineered Disposal Field (only) | $150.00 | $37.50 | — |
| Miscellaneous Components | $30.00 | $7.50 | — |
| First-time Variances | $20.00 | $5.00 | — |
| Replacement System Variances | No state scheduled fees | — | — |
| Seasonal Conversion Permit | $50.00 | $12.50 | — |
Internal Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule (plus 25%)
| Work | Fee | 25% |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Fee (includes up to 4 fixtures/hook-ups) | $40.00 | $10.00 |
| Individual fixtures (over 4 total) | $10.00 / each | $2.50 |
| Mobile or modular home – factory components only | $40.00 | $10.00 |
| Hook up to public sewer | $10.00 | $2.50 |
| Hook up to existing subsurface system | $10.00 | $2.50 |
| Piping relocation with no new fixtures | $10.00 | $2.50 |
| Permit transfer | $10.00 | $2.50 |
Forms Available for Download
Below is the official forms list (click to download). Replace or update links as needed.
- Affidavit of Site Preparation - HHE-238B (Word)
- Certificate of Approvals - HHE-239 (PDF)
- Engineered System Application - HHE-220 (PDF)
- Holding Tank Application - HHE-233 (Word)
- Holding Tank Deed Covenant - HHE-300 (PDF)
- Inspection Checklist for LPIs (PDF)
- Internal Plumbing Permit Application - HHE-211 (PDF)
- Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI) Appointment - HHE-FL5 (PDF)
- Minimum Lot Size Law Waiver Application - HHE-236 (Word)
- New Vendor & Vendor Update (PDF)
- Notice of Intent to Install a SSWW Disposal System...Expanded Structure - HHE-234 (Word)
- Notice of Permit (Word)
- Pre-Treatment Maintenance Agreement - HHE-300A (PDF)
- Product Registration - HHE-221 (PDF)
- Single Replacement Tank Only - HHE-200A (PDF)
- SSWW Disposal System Application - HHE-200 (PDF)
- Statement of Compliance for Engineered Systems - HHE-220A (PDF)
- Statement of Rule Compliance - HHE-238A (Word)
- Variance Request Form - HHE-204 (PDF)
- Voluntary Septic System Inspection Form (PDF)
- Water Use Records Percentile Calculator Spreadsheet (MS Excel)
Final Reminder
Ensure all designs, evaluations, and required documentation are complete and up-to-date before submitting an application. Incomplete or nonconforming applications may be rejected in writing within 14 days of a completed filing. Once you have the required documentation complete, you can submit your application here.