Septic permits and fees in Brunswick County, North Carolina
A septic system permit in Brunswick County costs $515. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. Brunswick County Environmental Health issues the permit. State rules fix the tank floor at 1,000 gallons. A private well needs 50 feet from the whole system, a property line 10 feet. Brunswick County Environmental Health Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026-2027 · checked 2026-09-24
$515
Septic system permit
checked 2026-09-24
1,000 gallons
Tank floor, state rule
checked 2026-09-23
50 feet
System to a well
checked 2026-09-23
Which septic permit applies in Brunswick County?
The septic system permit, and it starts with the site evaluation. The permit follows a passing evaluation. The building permit follows the septic permit.
15A NCAC 18E .0501 evaluates soil morphology at the site. The rule does not require a percolation test.
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services — On-Site Water Protection · checked 2026-09-23
What are the current septic fees in Brunswick County?
$515 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to an improvement permit for a system of 500 gallons a day or less.
In effect from July 1, 2026.
| 500 gallons per day or less | $515 | a system of up to 500 gallons a day the source lists as Improvement Permit Application |
|---|---|---|
| 501-1000 gallons per day | $615 | a system of 501 to 1,000 gallons a day the source lists as Improvement Permit Application |
| For each additional 500 gpd greater than initial fee | $100 | a system, per each additional 500 gallons per day above the initial tier the source lists as Improvement Permit Application |
| LSS Improvement Permit pursuant §130A-335(a2) | $350 | a licensed soil scientist improvement permit system the source lists as Improvement Permit Application |
| 500 gallons per day or less | $300 | a system of up to 500 gallons a day the source lists as Construction Authorization Permit Application |
| 501-1000 gallons per day | $400 | a system of 501 to 1,000 gallons a day the source lists as Construction Authorization Permit Application |
| For each additional 500 gallons per day greater than initial fee | $100 | a system, per each additional 500 gallons per day above the initial tier the source lists as Construction Authorization Permit Application |
| Plan review for systems with a design flow <1000 gpd | $50 | a system of up to 1,000 gallons a day |
| Plan review for systems with a design flow >1000 gpd | $125 | a system of more than 999 gallons a day |
| Administrative Fee for NOI and ATO submittal pursuant §130A-336.1 and §130A-336.2 | $35 | a system the source lists as Notice of Intent and Authorization to Operate submittal |
| Revisions *(Plus the Construction Authorization fee listed) | $175 | a system the source lists as plus the Construction Authorization fee listed |
| Relocation/existing system check (no upgrade) | $300 | a existing system, no upgrade system |
| IP/CA/OP for 1-bedroom single family residence utilizing an existing system | $300 | a existing system for 1 to 1 bedrooms |
| Septic Repair | $300 | a repair of an existing system |
| Mobile Home Park Authorization/Connection | $50 | any system |
| Septic System Tap Connection | $75 | any system |
| Mobile Home Parks/Campgrounds Annual Inspection | $150 | any system |
| Management Entity Inspection (Gravity distribution sand line trenches are fee exempt) | $100 | a system the source lists as assessed to a new wastewater system, or an existing wastewater system with a change in ownership, effective July 1, 2009; gravity distribution sand line trenches are exempt |
| Revisit Fee: Site not ready/pool permit denial or any other revisit | $75 | any system |
The county sets this fee.
Brunswick County Environmental Health Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026-2027 · checked 2026-09-24
What state law fixes for every North Carolina system
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1,000 gallons minimum septic tank capacity
Applies to a dwelling with four bedrooms or fewer. A five-bedroom home needs 1,250 gallons.
The state sets this floor for every septic tank in North Carolina.
NC Division of Public Health, On-Site Water Protection Branch · checked 2026-09-23
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50 feet from a private drinking-water well to any part of the system
Applies to a private well, or an upslope spring, that serves one home.
Table IX of .0601, measured on the ground from the nearest part of the system. A community or shared well carries a larger setback in the same table. A state value for every North Carolina county.
15A NCAC 18E .0601, Location of Wastewater Systems, Table IX · checked 2026-09-23
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10 feet from any property line
Applies to any property line.
NC Division of Public Health, On-Site Water Protection Branch · checked 2026-09-23
What Brunswick County requires that the state does not
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A well permit application must be submitted at the same time as the septic permit application
Applies to a septic permit applied for on or after July 1, 2008.
Brunswick County — Check List for Septic/Well Permit · checked 2026-09-24
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75
Applies to a site that is not ready, or any other return visit.
Brunswick County Environmental Health Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026-2027 · checked 2026-09-24
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50
Applies to a system with a design flow of 1,000 gallons a day or less.
Brunswick County Environmental Health Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026-2027 · checked 2026-09-24
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350
Applies to a Licensed Soil Scientist Improvement Permit under state law section 130A-335(a2).
Brunswick County Environmental Health Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026-2027 · checked 2026-09-24
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300
Applies to a repair to a septic system you already have.
Brunswick County Environmental Health Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026-2027 · checked 2026-09-24
Where do you file the application with Brunswick County Environmental Health?
Brunswick County Environmental Health, 25 Courthouse Drive, Building A, Bolivia, NC 28422, 910-253-2150.
Brunswick County Environmental Health · checked 2026-09-24
The steps, in the county's order
- Submit a Brunswick County Improvement Permit Application to Brunswick County Environmental Health Services
- Submit a well permit application at the same time as the septic permit application
- An Environmental Health Specialist evaluates the site to decide whether it can support a septic system
- Prepare the lot for evaluation within one week of the date the application is received
Brunswick County — On-Site Wastewater Permitting Options · checked 2026-09-24
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Brunswick County?
Ask Brunswick County Environmental Health for the permit record for the property. Call 910-253-2150 or start at its website.
Brunswick County Environmental Health · checked 2026-09-24
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Brunswick County Environmental Health
- Brunswick County — Check List for Septic/Well Permit
- Brunswick County Environmental Health Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026-2027
- N.C. Department of Health and Human Services — On-Site Water Protection
- Brunswick County — On-Site Wastewater Permitting Options
- Guilford County — On-site Wastewater
- USDA NRCS Soil Data Access (SSURGO)
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here before you spend money on it. Call the Brunswick County Environmental Health, on 910-253-2150.