Septic permits and fees in Wise County, Texas
A septic system permit in Wise County costs $360. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. Wise County Environmental Services 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. Wise County Environmental Services, How to obtain your permit · checked 2026-10-05
$360
Septic system permit
checked 2026-10-05
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 Wise 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 Wise County?
$360 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to a standard system.
| permit fee (standard system) | $360 | a standard system |
|---|---|---|
| permit fee (aerobic system or anything that requires testing) | $560 | a aerobic or tested system |
| Non-profit septic permits | $10 | any system |
| Re-inspection fees | $100 | a system the source lists as re-inspection |
An aerobic system costs more.
Wise County Environmental Services, How to obtain your permit · checked 2026-10-05
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.
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 Wise County requires that the state does not
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Wise County sets a minimum lot size of 1 acre with public water and 2 acres with a private well.
Applies to a lot that existed after February 3, 1997.
A smaller lot needs a warranty deed that shows the lot existed before that date.
Wise County Environmental Services, How to obtain your permit · checked 2026-10-05
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Wise County refers land divided into tracts of 10 acres or less for platting.
Applies to land divided after May 15, 2000.
Wise County Environmental Services, How to obtain your permit · checked 2026-10-05
Where do you file the application with Wise County Environmental Services?
Wise County Environmental Services, 2901 S FM 51, Building 100, Decatur, TX 76234, 940-627-9332.
Wise County Environmental Services page · checked 2026-10-05
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Wise County?
Ask Wise County Environmental Services for the permit record for the property. Call 940-627-9332 or start at its website.
Wise County Environmental Services page · checked 2026-10-05
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here before you spend money on it. Call the Wise County Environmental Services, on 940-627-9332.