Septic permits and fees in Ulster County, New York
A septic system permit in Ulster County costs $600. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. Ulster County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services Division issues the permit. Ulster County Department of Health — Application for and Report of Sewage Disposal System · checked 2026-09-23
$600
Septic system permit
checked 2026-09-23
Which septic permit applies in Ulster County?
The septic system permit, and it starts with the site evaluation. The county calls this test a percolation test. It runs at the drainfield site. The permit follows a passing evaluation. The building permit follows the septic permit.
The county checks the soil first, with a test pit. Then it runs the percolation test.
Ulster County Department of Health — Sewage Disposal System Application · checked 2026-09-23
What are the current septic fees in Ulster County?
$600 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to a home, or a business system with a flow under 1,000 gallons a day.
| Residential: Fee | $600 | a home with a system |
|---|---|---|
| -Daily flows less than 1,000 gallons | $600 | a business with a system of up to 1,000 gallons a day |
| -Daily flows 1,000 gallons – 10,000 gallons * | $900 | a business with a system of 1,000 to 10,000 gallons a day the source lists as * only applies to facilities permitted by DOH under Part 6, 7, 14, 15 or 17 of the NYS Sanitary Code |
| - Daily flows more than 10,000 gallons | $900 | a business with a system of more than 9,999 gallons a day the source lists as Daily flows more than 10,000 gallons - plans to be submitted to the NYSDEC for review & approval |
A business with a bigger daily flow pays more, under the same fee list. The list also charges a fee for a bad check.
Ulster County Department of Health — Application for and Report of Sewage Disposal System · checked 2026-09-23
How long does a septic permit take in Ulster County?
6 months.
Applies to a smaller home lot, by the county's own estimate.
This can take up to six months for a home. A larger job can take longer.
Ulster County Department of Health — Sewage Disposal System Application · checked 2026-09-23
What Ulster County requires that the state does not
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The permit to build lasts 2 years. The county can renew it for 2 more years. The form itself lasts 5 years.
New York sets no fixed term for this permit. Ulster County set this term on its own.
Ulster County Sanitary Code, Article VI §6.4.6 and §6.4.13 · checked 2026-09-23
Where do you file the application with Ulster County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services Division?
Ulster County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services Division, 239 Golden Hill Lane, Kingston, NY 12401, 845-340-3010.
Ulster County Department of Health — Sewage Disposal System Application · checked 2026-09-23
The steps, in the county's order
- A licensed engineer or architect fills out the form with the owner.
- The owner asks the county to set a date for a soil check.
- An engineer runs the percolation test at the site.
- The owner sends two copies of the plan to the county.
- The county checks the plan and asks about any gaps. It signs off once the plan is clear.
- The county grants the permit once it signs off on the plan.
- A county worker checks the build and the length of each pipe run.
- An engineer confirms the build matches the plan. The owner files a well log if a well was dug.
- The owner then finalizes the record. A lender or a town may ask to see it.
Ulster County Department of Health — Sewage Disposal System Application · checked 2026-09-23
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Ulster County?
Ask Ulster County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services Division for the permit record for the property. Call 845-340-3010 or start at its website.
Ulster County Department of Health — Sewage Disposal System Application · checked 2026-09-23
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Ulster County Department of Health — Sewage Disposal System Application
- Ulster County Department of Health — Environmental Health Division
- Ulster County Sanitary Code, Article VI §6.4.6 and §6.4.13
- Ulster County Department of Health — Application for and Report of Sewage Disposal System
- 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 Ulster County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services Division, on 845-340-3010.