Septic permits and fees in Forsyth County, North Carolina
A septic system permit in Forsyth County costs $204. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Division of 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. Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Fee Schedule 2020-2021 · checked 2026-10-06
$204
Septic system permit
checked 2026-10-06
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 Forsyth County?
The septic system permit, and it starts with the site evaluation. A soil and site evaluation is the first step. It shows whether a lot can support a septic system. The permit follows a passing evaluation. The building permit follows the septic permit.
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, New Construction · checked 2026-10-06
What are the current septic fees in Forsyth County?
$204 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to a home of three to six bedrooms. The fee is for each lot.
In effect from September 1, 2020.
| Soil Site Application: any 3,4,5 or 6 BR house | $204 | a home with a system for 3 to 6 bedrooms, per lot |
|---|---|---|
| 480-1500 gpd (business or church) | $432 | a system of 480 to 1,500 gallons a day |
| 1500-3000 gpd | $654 | a system of 1,500 to 3,000 gallons a day |
| >3000 gpd | $2,306 | a system of more than 2,999 gallons a day the source lists as more than 3000 gpd |
| Site Revisit | $56 | a system the source lists as site revisit |
| Redraw IP/CA | $38 | a system the source lists as redraw of improvement permit or construction authorization |
| LPP (low pressure pipe) System | $320 | a low pressure pipe system |
| T & J Panel New | $308 | a system the source lists as T & J panel, new |
| Construction Authorization | $234 | a system the source lists as construction authorization |
| Repair evaluation/permit | $204 | a system the source lists as repair evaluation and permit |
| Pump installation (new only) | $62 | a system the source lists as pump installation, new only |
| Mobile Home Conn. In Existing Park | $117 | any system |
This is the soil and site application fee. It is the first step for a new septic system.
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Fee Schedule 2020-2021 · checked 2026-10-06
What state law fixes for every North Carolina system
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1,000 gallons minimum septic tank capacity
Applies to a home of 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 Forsyth County requires that the state does not
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56
Applies to a site that is not marked when the specialist arrives.
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Soil/Site Application · checked 2026-10-06
-
204
Applies to a repair of a failing system.
The state sets no fee for this step.
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Fee Schedule 2020-2021 · checked 2026-10-06
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38
Applies to a redraw of an improvement permit or a construction authorization.
The state sets no fee for this step.
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Fee Schedule 2020-2021 · checked 2026-10-06
Where do you file the application with Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health?
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, 799 North Highland Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 336-703-3225.
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Septic General Information · checked 2026-10-06
The steps, in the county's order
- Complete the soil and site application. The owner or an authorized agent signs it.
- The county checks the site. It gathers the facts for an improvement permit and a construction authorization.
- The Environmental Health Specialist calls the owner or agent when the permit is ready.
- The owner or agent signs the permit at the office and pays any required fees.
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, New Construction · checked 2026-10-06
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Forsyth County?
Ask Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health for the permit record for the property. Call 336-703-3225 or start at its website.
Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Fee Schedule 2020-2021 · checked 2026-10-06
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Fee Schedule 2020-2021
- Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Septic General Information
- Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Soil/Site Application
- Forsyth County Department of Public Health, New Construction
- Guilford County — On-site Wastewater
- Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Septic System Owner's Guide
- NC Division of Public Health, On-Site Water Protection Branch
- 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 Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, on 336-703-3225.