Septic permit rules and requirements in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the state sets the rule. The septic permit comes from your local approving authority. For some systems the state issues it itself. Code of Massachusetts Regulations, 310 CMR 15.002 and 15.020 · checked 2026-09-12
Your local approving authority
Issues the permit
checked 2026-09-12
Who permits a septic system in Massachusetts
Your local approving authority issues an ordinary residential permit. For some systems the state issues it itself. The state sets the floor.
The rule names the local board of health as the issuer for most systems. The department issues the permit itself for big or unusual systems.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations, 310 CMR 15.002 and 15.020 · checked 2026-09-12
Why Massachusetts has no county page
No Massachusetts county issues the septic permit. Each city or town's board of health issues it. The department issues it for large or alternative systems.
Massachusetts counties play no part in this permit. The state rule calls the local issuer the approving authority, defined as the board of health or its agent.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations, 310 CMR 15.002 · checked 2026-09-12
Sources
State records only. Each figure above has a government source and a checked-on date. County figures live on the county pages.
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here with your local approving authority before you spend money on it.