Septic permits and fees in Ellis County, Texas

A septic system permit in Ellis County costs $600. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. Ellis County Department of Development 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. Ellis County Department of Development -- Master Development Fee Schedule, effective 09/01/2023 · checked 2026-09-24

$600

Septic system permit

checked 2026-09-24

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 Ellis 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 Ellis County?

$600 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.

Applies to any new septic system permit.

In effect from September 1, 2023.

The county's fee table for this permit
Any septic system shown above	$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

What state law fixes for every Texas system

750 gallons minimum septic tank capacity

Applies to a design wastewater flow of 250 gallons a day or less.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality sets this rule for every county.

Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, §285.91(2), Table II · checked 2026-09-23
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).

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality sets this rule for every county.

Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, Section 285.91(10), Table X · checked 2026-09-23
5 feet from any property line

Applies to a septic tank, measured to a property line, a building, or a swimming pool.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality sets this rule for every county.

30 TAC §285.91(10), Table X -- Minimum Required Separation Distances for On-Site Sewage Facilities · checked 2026-09-23

What Ellis County requires that the state does not

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
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
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

Where do you file the application with Ellis County Department of Development?

Ellis County Department of Development, 302 N. Monroe St., Suite 214, Waxahachie, TX 75165, 972-825-5200.

Ellis County Department of Development · checked 2026-09-24

The steps, in the county's order

Submit a complete, signed application with all required forms.
Get a site and soil evaluation from a licensed evaluator or engineer.
An inspector checks the design. It must be approved before you install the system.
Show the site plan with property lines and slopes. List all buildings on it.
Pay the required fees by check or credit card.
Wait for authorization to construct before you begin work.

Ellis County Department of Development -- OSSF Permit Application (bilingual) · checked 2026-09-24

How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Ellis County?

Ask Ellis County Department of Development for the permit record for the property. Call 972-825-5200 or start at its website.