When approval is commonly required

Contact the authority before excavation when the project involves a new septic system, a full replacement, a relocated tank or field, a major repair, a larger design flow, or a change to the building that increases wastewater demand. Adding bedrooms, converting a seasonal property to full-time use, or replacing a failed disposal field often changes the approval requirements.

New constructionA new house, cabin, shop with plumbing, or commercial building usually needs an approved wastewater plan before occupancy.
Replacement or relocationMoving the tank, field, mound, holding tank or discharge point usually triggers a new review.
Major repairReplacing a failed field, changing treatment equipment, or altering system capacity often needs authorization.
Building changesBedroom additions, suites, rental units and use changes may increase the design flow and require a new assessment.

What the authority may ask for

Common application items include a site plan, legal land description, building floor plan, estimated wastewater flow, tank and treatment details, soil or percolation information, groundwater depth, distances to wells and surface water, installer information and a final inspection or completion filing.

Do not rely on the old system location

An old system may sit too close to a well, building, property line, slope or waterbody under current rules. A replacement also needs enough suitable soil and reserve area. Confirm the approved location before removing the old system or ordering excavation.

Who starts the application

The owner, designer, authorized person, certified contractor or licensed installer starts the process, depending on the province. Ask the contractor who is responsible for the application, fees, inspection booking and completion documents. Put those responsibilities in writing.

Records to keep

  • Permit, filing or approval number
  • Approved site plan and design
  • Soil evaluation or percolation results
  • Inspection reports and photographs before backfill
  • Installer invoice, equipment model numbers and warranty
  • Operating and maintenance instructions
Before work starts: confirm the current process with the province, health authority, municipality, regional district, conservation authority or inspection agency responsible for the property.

Provincial permit guides

British Columbia septic regulationsAlberta septic regulationsSaskatchewan septic regulationsManitoba septic regulationsOntario septic regulationsQuébec septic regulationsNew Brunswick septic regulationsNova Scotia septic regulationsPrince Edward Island septic regulationsNewfoundland and Labrador septic regulations

Find a local septic service area

Use the AcreageSeptic directory to find the listed operator for your community, then confirm service type, travel area, timing and current price directly.

Find your provinceCanada laws and permits