Septic permits and fees in Bell County, Texas
A septic system permit in Bell County costs $610. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. Bell County Public Health District issues the permit. State rules fix the tank floor at 750 gallons. A private well needs 100 feet from the drainfield, a property line 5 feet. Bell County Public Health District, On-Site Sewage Fees · checked 2026-10-06
$610
Septic system permit
checked 2026-10-06
750 gallons
Tank floor, state rule
checked 2026-09-23
100 feet
Drainfield to a well
checked 2026-09-23
Which septic permit applies in Bell County?
The septic system permit, and it starts with the site evaluation. Texas requires a site evaluation before it issues a permit. The permit follows a passing evaluation. The building permit follows the septic permit.
A site evaluator or an engineer checks the soil in two pits or borings. The evaluator also checks for shallow groundwater and reviews slope and flood risk. The county uses this report to set the system's size.
Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, Section 285.30, Site Evaluation · checked 2026-09-23
What are the current septic fees in Bell County?
$610 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to a standard permit for one home.
In effect from September 1, 2024.
| Standard | $610 | any system |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Designs | $710 | a professional design system |
| 0-1249 gallons per day | $810 | a system of 0 to 1,249 gallons a day |
| 1250-4999 gallons per day | $910 | a system of 1,250 to 4,999 gallons a day |
| Initial Design Reviews | $150 | a system the source lists as applied to permit fee and must be paid to initiate review |
| Additional Design Reviews | $150 | any system |
| Amended Designs (submitted 5 days after final inspection) | $300 | a system the source lists as submitted 5 days after final inspection |
| Partial Inspections (at the request of the installer) | $150 | a system the source lists as at the request of the installer |
| Real Estate Inspections | $200 | any system |
| Maintenance Inspection / Contract Verification (per contract year) | $20 | a system, per contract year |
A permit with a professional design costs more. The schedule took effect on September 1, 2024.
Bell County Public Health District, On-Site Sewage Fees · checked 2026-10-06
What state law fixes for every Texas system
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750 gallons minimum septic tank capacity
Applies to a design wastewater flow of 250 gallons a day or less.
30 TAC §285.91(2), Table II -- Septic Tank and Aerobic Treatment Unit Sizing · checked 2026-09-23
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100 feet from a private well to the drainfield
Applies to the drainfield's distance to an ordinary private well or a cistern. It does not cover a public well, or a well sealed under 16 TAC 76.1000(a)(1).
Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, Section 285.91(10), Table X · checked 2026-09-23
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5 feet from any property line
Applies to a septic tank, measured to a property line, a building, or a swimming pool.
30 TAC §285.91(10), Table X -- Minimum Required Separation Distances for On-Site Sewage Facilities · checked 2026-09-23
What Bell County requires that the state does not
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Bell County asks for a permit for every septic system, on a lot of any size.
Applies to every septic system, on a lot of any size.
The state exempts some large tracts from a permit. This county has no such exemption.
Bell County Public Health District, OSSF Process · checked 2026-10-06
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A new building cannot use a holding tank.
Applies to a new building that needs a septic system.
The state allows a holding tank on some sites. This county does not allow one in new construction.
Bell County Public Health District, Additional Rules beyond Chapter 285 · checked 2026-10-06
Where do you file the application with Bell County Public Health District?
Bell County Public Health District, 4236 Lowes Dr. Temple, TX 76502, 254-532-9800.
Callers choose an extension for the program they need.
Bell County Public Health District · checked 2026-10-06
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Bell County?
Ask Bell County Public Health District for the permit record for the property. Call 254-532-9800 or start at its website.
Bell County Public Health District · checked 2026-10-06
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Bell County Public Health District
- Bell County Public Health District, OSSF Process
- Bell County Public Health District, Additional Rules beyond Chapter 285
- Bell County Public Health District, On-Site Sewage Fees
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, Section 285.30, Site Evaluation
- 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 Bell County Public Health District, on 254-532-9800.