Septic permits and fees in Travis County, Texas
A septic system permit in Travis County costs $712. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. State rules fix the tank floor at 750 gallons. A property line needs 5 feet of clearance. Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources — FY2026 Development Related Fees Schedule · checked 2026-09-23
$712
Septic system permit
checked 2026-09-23
750 gallons
Tank floor, state rule
checked 2026-09-23
5 feet
From a property line
checked 2026-09-23
Which septic permit applies in Travis County?
The septic system permit, and it starts with the site evaluation. Travis County requires a site and soil evaluation before it issues a permit. It calls for profile holes and a soil analysis report. The permit follows a passing evaluation. The building permit follows the septic permit.
The evaluation tells the county what system the lot can support.
Travis County Code, Chapter 448, Rules of Travis County, Texas for On-Site Sewage Facilities, §448.035 · checked 2026-09-23
What are the current septic fees in Travis County?
$712 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to a private septic permit for a system of 500 gallons a day or less. Most homes qualify.
In effect from January 1, 2026.
| Private Sewage Permit (Up to 500 gpd) | $712 | a system of up to 500 gallons a day |
|---|---|---|
| Private Sewage Permit (Over 500 gpd) | $712 | a system of more than 499 gallons a day |
| Engineered Construction Permit (Up to 500 gpd) | $1,262 | a system of up to 500 gallons a day the source lists as engineered system |
| Engineered Construction Permit (Over 500 gpd) | $1,262 | a system of more than 499 gallons a day the source lists as engineered system |
Travis County sets this fee itself. An engineered system costs more. The state adds its own fee on top of either one.
Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources — FY2026 Development Related Fees Schedule · checked 2026-09-23
What state law fixes for every Texas system
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750 gallons minimum septic tank capacity
Applies to a system that uses 250 gallons a day or less. That covers most homes with one or two bedrooms.
Table II sets this floor and scales up from it. A larger daily flow needs a bigger tank, on a formula for the largest systems.
Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, §285.91(12), Table II · checked 2026-09-23
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5 feet from any property line
Applies to the septic tank, measured from a property line, a building, or a swimming pool.
The same table sets the same setback for the drainfield.
Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, §285.91(10), Table X · checked 2026-09-23
What Travis County requires that the state does not
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Travis County sets a one-acre minimum lot size for a new residential lot that uses a septic system. This rule applies whether or not the lot has a public water supply.
The state allows a half-acre lot where a public water supply serves it. Travis County drops that difference and asks for one acre everywhere.
Travis County Code, Chapter 448, Rules of Travis County, Texas for On-Site Sewage Facilities, §448.032(b) · checked 2026-09-23
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Travis County requires a permit for every septic system in the county. No lot is too large to need one.
Applies to every on-site sewage facility. It covers a one-family home on a large lot that would otherwise be exempt.
The state excuses a home on a large, qualifying lot from a permit. Travis County's code ends that excuse.
Travis County Code, Chapter 448, Rules of Travis County, Texas for On-Site Sewage Facilities, §448.033(a) · checked 2026-09-23
Where do you file the application with the county environmental health office?
The county environmental health office, 700 Lavaca, Suite 540, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 854-4215.
The permit desk answers this line Monday through Thursday, nine in the morning to two in the afternoon. A separate line reaches the inspection team.
Travis County TNR — On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Permit · checked 2026-09-23
The steps, in the county's order
- Make sure your property is not inside a city.
- Gather your legal description and site plan.
- Collect the required checklist items. The county now builds them into the application itself.
- Create an account on the county's online system.
- Apply for the permit through that same online platform.
- Watch the same platform for the county's status updates and comments.
- Answer any comment the county raises. Review pauses until you reply.
- Wait for the county's e-mail approving the permit, then post it at the work site.
- Book each inspection a day before the visit.
Travis County TNR — On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Permit · checked 2026-09-23
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Travis County?
Ask the county environmental health office for the permit record for the property. Call (512) 854-4215 or start at its website.
Travis County TNR — On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Permit · checked 2026-09-23
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Travis County TNR — On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Permit
- Travis County Code, Chapter 448, Rules of Travis County, Texas for On-Site Sewage Facilities, §448.032(b)
- Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources — FY2026 Development Related Fees Schedule
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285, §285.91(12), Table II
- 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 county environmental health office, on (512) 854-4215.