Septic permit rules and requirements in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the state issues the septic permit itself. The code is 250-RICR-150-10-6. Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 § 6.9(C) · checked 2026-09-12
The state
Issues the permit
checked 2026-09-12
250-RICR-150-10-6
Code section
checked 2026-09-23
Who permits a septic system in Rhode Island
The state issues the permit itself.
No city, town or county issues this approval. DEM alone issues it, statewide.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 § 6.9(C) · checked 2026-09-12
Why Rhode Island has no county page
No county in Rhode Island issues the septic permit. DEM issues it directly, statewide.
The Census Bureau marks all five Rhode Island counties as non-functioning. No city or town issues the permit in their place.
U.S. Census Bureau — 2020 national county file · checked 2026-09-12
Where the rule is written
The rules that govern every septic system in Rhode Island are 250-RICR-150-10-6 — Rules Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. The state applies them directly.
Section 6.1 states the rule's purpose. It sets minimum standards for the location, design, construction and upkeep of septic systems. The goal is to protect public health and the environment.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 · checked 2026-09-23
What state law requires
Does Rhode Island require a septic permit?
A new system, an alteration or a repair each need a permit.
Section 6.18 lists three kinds: new construction, an alteration or a repair.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 · checked 2026-09-23
Does Rhode Island require a percolation test?
The state requires a soil evaluation, not a percolation test, before it issues a permit.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 · checked 2026-09-23
How far the drainfield must sit from a well in Rhode Island.
100 feet.
Applies to a leachfield, from a private well, at a design flow under 1,000 gallons a day.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 · checked 2026-09-23
How far a system must sit from the property line in Rhode Island.
10 feet.
Applies to a system with a design flow of 2,000 gallons a day or less.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 · checked 2026-09-23
Does Rhode Island require an inspection when a home is sold?
The state requires an inspection at a sale if nobody knows the septic type.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 · checked 2026-09-23
Must the installer be licensed in Rhode Island?
DEM licenses anyone who installs, builds, alters or repairs a system.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations, 250-RICR-150-10-6 · checked 2026-09-23
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 the state office before you spend money on it.