Septic rules and requirements in Ellis County, Texas
Septic permits in Ellis County are issued by the Ellis County Department of Development. A new system permit costs $600. USDA rates most of the soil in the county Very limited for septic absorption fields — 97.3% of the rated acres. Ellis County Department of Development · checked 2026-09-24
Ellis County Department of Development
Issues the permit
checked 2026-09-24
$600
Septic system permit
checked 2026-09-24
Very limited
USDA rating, 97.3% of rated acres
checked 2026-09-24
Who issues septic permits in Ellis County?
Ellis County Department of Development, at 302 N. Monroe St., Suite 214, Waxahachie, TX 75165, 972-825-5200. It is part of county government. The state writes the rules it applies.
Contact this office before you install a septic system.
Ellis County Department of Development · checked 2026-09-24
What does a septic permit cost in Ellis County?
$600 for a septic system permit, on the county's own schedule.
Applies to any new septic system permit.
In effect from September 1, 2023.
| Any septic system | $600 | any system |
|---|---|---|
| Alteration/Hook-To/Re-inspection/Repair | $175 | a system the source lists as alteration, hook-to, re-inspection, or repair of an existing system |
| Septic-related Variance/Appeal | $375 | a system the source lists as a variance or appeal request tied to a septic permit |
| Misc. Septic Fees | $150 | a system the source lists as a septic fee not listed elsewhere on the schedule |
The county charges this fee for any new septic system permit.
Ellis County Department of Development -- Master Development Fee Schedule, effective 09/01/2023 · checked 2026-09-24
Is the soil in Ellis County suitable for a septic system?
USDA rates most of the county Very limited for septic absorption fields — 97.3% of the rated acres. A rating describes the ground, not a parcel. The county's site evaluation decides each lot.
USDA NRCS Soil Data Access (SSURGO) · checked 2026-09-24
What Ellis County sets itself
The state writes the code. Ellis County adds the rules below. They are what makes this page differ from the Texas requirements.
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A lot with an on-site sewage facility and public or private water needs at least 1 acre. A lot with an OSSF and a private well needs at least 2 acres.
Applies to a tract of land using an on-site sewage facility, whether platted or not.
Ellis County Order Adopting Rules of Ellis County, Texas, for On-Site Sewage Facilities · checked 2026-09-24
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Only a licensed installer may install a septic system. This applies even to the property owner.
Applies to an on-site sewage facility in the county.
Ellis County Order Adopting Rules of Ellis County, Texas, for On-Site Sewage Facilities · checked 2026-09-24
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The final plat must state that homeowners will build the septic system. A developer adds this note.
Applies to a lot using an individual on-site sewage facility.
This rule comes from the county's own land rules, not the state's septic rules.
Ellis County Quality Growth Initiatives, Volume I -- Subdivision and Development Standards · checked 2026-09-24
Sources
Each figure above has a government source and a checked-on date. USDA's Soil Data Access service supplies the soil records. A script writes them, and nobody types them.
- Ellis County Department of Development
- Ellis County Order Adopting Rules of Ellis County, Texas, for On-Site Sewage Facilities
- Ellis County Quality Growth Initiatives, Volume I -- Subdivision and Development Standards
- Ellis County Department of Development -- Master Development Fee Schedule, effective 09/01/2023
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, Section 285.30, Site Evaluation
- Ellis County Department of Development -- OSSF Permit Application (bilingual)
- Collin County Development Services -- OSSF Aerobic Systems Information Sheet
- 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 Ellis County Department of Development, on 972-825-5200.