Septic permits and fees in Hays County, Texas
A septic system permit in Hays County costs $610. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. Hays County Development Services, Environmental Health Division 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. Hays County Development Services Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026 · checked 2026-09-24
$610
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 Hays 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. Hays County uses this report to size the system.
Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, Section 285.30, Site Evaluation · checked 2026-09-23
What are the current septic fees in Hays County?
$610 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to one home.
In effect from January 1, 2026.
| On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Permit Application | $610 | any system |
|---|---|---|
| On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Permit Application | $910 | any system |
| Reinspection Fee / Tie-In Inspection | $150 | any system |
| Design Resubmission | $150 | any system |
| Minor System Alteration | $310 | a system the source lists as Includes but not limited to, sprayhead relocation, distribution line replacement, lift station addition, pump tank replacement |
| Major System Alteration | $510 | a system the source lists as Includes but not limited to, conversion from spray to drip, aerobic treatment unit replacement |
| On-Site Sewage Facility Maintenance Contract Late Fee | $50 | any system |
| On-Site Sewage Facility Renewal Fee | $600 | any system |
| On-Site Sewage Facility Renewal Fee | $900 | any system |
| On-Site Sewage Facility State Fee (TCEQ OSSF Grant Program Fee) | $10 | a system the source lists as Fee applied to all OSSF Applications, including but not limited to, new / alteration system applications |
The county sets this fee.
Hays County Development Services Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026 · checked 2026-09-24
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.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality sets this rule for every county.
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).
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
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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.
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 Hays County requires that the state does not
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A permit is required for every on-site sewage facility, no matter the lot size or acreage.
Hays County Development Services — On-Site Sewage Facilities · checked 2026-09-24
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150
Applies to a drainfield near a named local stream, such as the Blanco River.
Hays County names this stream in its own setback table.
Order Adopting Rules for Hays County, Texas for On-Site Sewage Facilities, Exhibit A, Table 10-2 · checked 2026-09-24
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5
Applies to a standard system with a private well in the Edwards recharge zone.
The state's own floor for this zone is smaller.
Order Adopting Rules for Hays County, Texas for On-Site Sewage Facilities, Exhibit A, Table 10-1 · checked 2026-09-24
Where do you file the application with Hays County Development Services, Environmental Health Division?
Hays County Development Services, Environmental Health Division, 2171 Yarrington Rd, Suite 100, Kyle, Texas 78640, 512-393-2150, option 3.
Hays County Development Services — On-Site Sewage Facilities · checked 2026-09-24
The steps, in the county's order
- Submit the application, the site plan, a location map, the floor plan and the tax summary, with the fee
- The county office checks the application. This can take several business days.
- An inspector then runs a technical review and may issue the authorization to construct.
- When the review is done, the inspector may issue the permit.
Hays County Development Services — Septic Permits · checked 2026-09-24
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Hays County?
Ask Hays County Development Services, Environmental Health Division for the permit record for the property. Call 512-393-2150, option 3 or start at its website.
Hays County Development Services — Contact Us · checked 2026-09-24
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Hays County Development Services — Contact Us
- Hays County Development Services — On-Site Sewage Facilities
- Order Adopting Rules for Hays County, Texas for On-Site Sewage Facilities, Exhibit A, Table 10-2
- Hays County Development Services Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, Section 285.30, Site Evaluation
- Hays County Development Services — Septic Permits
- 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 Hays County Development Services, Environmental Health Division, on 512-393-2150, option 3.