Septic permit rules and requirements in Alabama
In Alabama, the state sets the rule. The septic permit comes from your county health department. For some systems the state issues it itself. The code is Chapter 420-3-1. Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.06 (Permits Required For An OSS/EDS) · checked 2026-09-12
Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch
Writes the rules
checked 2026-09-23
Your county health department
Issues the permit
checked 2026-09-12
Chapter 420-3-1
Code section
checked 2026-09-23
Who decides a septic permit in Alabama
Your county health department issues an ordinary residential permit. For some systems the state issues it itself. The state sets the floor through the Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch, Division of Community Environmental Protection, Bureau of Environmental Services, Alabama Department of Public Health.
The rule requires a permit before anyone installs or repairs a system. The local health department issues it, and the state health department issues some permits too.
Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.06 (Permits Required For An OSS/EDS) · checked 2026-09-12
The office's phone number is 334-206-5373.
This is the phone number for the Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch on its contact page. The page also lists a toll-free line for general help.
Alabama Department of Public Health — Soil and Onsite Sewage Contact Us · checked 2026-09-23
The office publishes its own page on this: Alabama Department of Public Health — Soil and Onsite Sewage.
This is the home page for the Soil and Onsite Sewage Branch on the department's site.
Alabama Department of Public Health — Soil and Onsite Sewage · checked 2026-09-23
The floor state law sets
The rules that govern every septic system in Alabama are Chapter 420-3-1 — Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal. Every local permit is issued under them.
Rule 420-3-1-.01 sets the chapter's purpose. It writes the rules for building, permitting and using septic systems statewide.
Alabama Administrative Code, Title 420, Chapter 420-3-1 · checked 2026-09-23
What state law requires
Does Alabama require a septic permit?
The rule requires a permit to install or repair a septic system, or a part of it. The local health department issues the permit.
Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.06 (Permits Required For An OSS/EDS) · checked 2026-09-23
Does Alabama require a percolation test?
Alabama requires a site evaluation before a permit. An evaluator may use a percolation test, soil mapping, soil morphology, or the unified system.
Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.37 (Site Limitation Determination) · checked 2026-09-23
Does Alabama require an inspection when a home is sold?
Alabama does not require an inspection when a property is sold. The local health department may evaluate an existing system if the buyer, the seller, or a lender asks for one.
Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.33 (Evaluation Of An Existing OSS/EDS) · checked 2026-09-23
Must the installer be licensed in Alabama?
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board issues the permit to install, repair, or maintain a septic system. The law exempts a few workers from this rule.
Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.05 (General Requirements For An OSS/EDS) · checked 2026-09-23
What does a pump-out cost in Alabama?
These are prices, not permit fees. Each one comes from a government source.
$150 for a pump-out.
Applies to the low end of the guide's $150 to $250 range for a routine pump-out.
The state health department publishes this guide for every septic owner in Alabama. The guide names no county, so it applies to the whole state.
Alabama Department of Public Health — Septic Tank System Homeowner's Guide & Records Folder · checked 2026-09-23
Counties with rules of their own
The state writes the code. Each county below adds rules of its own. Open the county to read them with their sources.
| County | Sets itself |
|---|---|
| Baldwin County | highway setback · coastal construction line |
| Jefferson County | well setback · certificate of competency |
Sources
State records only. Each figure above has a government source and a checked-on date. County figures live on the county pages.
- Alabama Department of Public Health — Soil and Onsite Sewage
- Alabama Department of Public Health — Soil and Onsite Sewage Contact Us
- Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.06 (Permits Required For An OSS/EDS)
- Alabama Administrative Code, Title 420, Chapter 420-3-1
- Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.04 (Definitions)
- Alabama Department of Public Health — Septic Tank System Homeowner's Guide & Records Folder
- Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.37 (Site Limitation Determination)
- Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.33 (Evaluation Of An Existing OSS/EDS)
- Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-1, Rule 420-3-1-.05 (General Requirements For An OSS/EDS)
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here with your county health department before you spend money on it.