Septic permits and fees in Guilford County, North Carolina
A septic system permit in Guilford County costs $100. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. 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. Guilford County Environmental Health Fee Schedule · checked 2026-09-23
$100
Septic system permit
checked 2026-09-23
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 Guilford County?
The septic system permit, and it starts with the site evaluation. The county evaluates the soil and the site to decide whether a lot can support a septic system. North Carolina does not use a percolation test. The permit follows a passing evaluation. The building permit follows the septic permit.
The county reviews the system design when a design is needed, after the soil evaluation.
Guilford County — On-site Wastewater · checked 2026-09-23
What are the current septic fees in Guilford County?
$100 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to a Residential Soil Evaluation, priced per bedroom — the site and soil evaluation for the Improvement Permit.
The county then charges a separate fee to review the design and issue the Construction Authorization. A conventional system costs the least. An alternative system with more than one pump costs the most. An alternative design review and an off-site system approval each carry their own fee. The county sets these fees, not the state.
Guilford County Environmental Health Fee Schedule · checked 2026-09-23
What state law fixes for every North Carolina system
-
1,000 gallons minimum septic tank capacity
Applies to a dwelling of four bedrooms or fewer.
The floor under .0801(a)(1), which applies in every North Carolina county. The floor holds through four bedrooms, with a larger tank at five. The capacity doubles when a grinder or lift pump sits ahead of the tank.
15A NCAC 18E .0801, Septic Tank Capacity Requirements · checked 2026-09-23
-
50 feet from a private drinking-water well to any part of the system
Applies to a private drinking water well or an upslope spring serving one home.
Table IX of .0601, measured on the ground from the nearest part of the system. Community and shared wells carry 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
-
10 feet from any property line
Table IX of .0601: any property line, measured on the ground from the nearest part of the system. A state value for every North Carolina county.
15A NCAC 18E .0601, Location of Wastewater Systems, Table IX · checked 2026-09-23
Where do you file the application with the county environmental health office?
The county environmental health office, 400 W. Market St. Suite 300, Greensboro, NC 27405, 336-641-7613.
Staffed from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for questions about where a system is located or its type.
Guilford County — On-site Wastewater · checked 2026-09-23
The steps, in the county's order
- The county evaluates the soil on the lot to decide whether it can support a septic system.
- If the soil is suitable, the county issues an Improvement Permit. It reviews the system design if a design is needed.
- The county issues a Construction Authorization for the design, then inspects the system once it is installed.
- A system that passes earns an operator permit from the county.
Guilford County — On-site Wastewater · checked 2026-09-23
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Guilford County?
Ask the county environmental health office for the permit record for the property. Call 336-641-7613 or start at its website.
Guilford County — On-site Wastewater · checked 2026-09-23
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here before you spend money on it. Call the county environmental health office, on 336-641-7613.