Septic permits and fees in Whatcom County, Washington
A septic system permit in Whatcom County costs $1,099. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. Whatcom County Health and Community Services, On-Site Sewage (OSS) Program issues the permit. State rules fix the tank floor at 1,000 gallons. A private well needs 100 feet from the drainfield, a property line 5 feet. Whatcom County Health and Community Services — On-Site Sewage System Permit Process · checked 2026-09-23
$1,099
Septic system permit
checked 2026-09-23
1,000 gallons
Tank floor, state rule
checked 2026-09-23
100 feet
Drainfield to a well
checked 2026-09-23
Which septic permit applies in Whatcom County?
The septic system permit, and it starts with the site evaluation. Only a licensed engineer, a licensed designer, or the county may test the soil and the site. The permit follows a passing evaluation. The building permit follows the septic permit.
A soil scientist may test only the soil, not the site.
Whatcom County Code § 24.05.180, Soil and Site Evaluation · checked 2026-09-23
What are the current septic fees in Whatcom County?
$1,099 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to a new, repair or expansion permit. The county adds a 5 percent technology fee.
| Fee for a new, repair or expansion application and permit | $1,099.35 | a system the source lists as new, repair or expansion application and permit |
|---|---|---|
| Fee for a tank only application and permit | $576.45 | a system the source lists as tank only application and permit |
Whatcom County sets a lower fee for a tank-only permit. Both fees add the same technology fee. The county's fee schedule sets both rates. The state code sets no fee amount.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services — On-Site Sewage System Permit Process · checked 2026-09-23
What state law fixes for every Washington system
-
1,000 gallons minimum septic tank capacity
Applies to a house with four bedrooms or fewer.
This table adds more volume for each bedroom past four. A different rule covers a non-residential source.
Washington Administrative Code § 246-272A-0232, Design Requirements — Septic Tank Sizing · checked 2026-09-23
-
100 feet from a private well to the drainfield
Applies to a well, measured from the drainfield or reserve area.
The same table sets a shorter distance from the tank and from the sewer pipe. A public well needs a wider distance from every part.
Washington Administrative Code § 246-272A-0210, Location, Table IV · checked 2026-09-23
-
5 feet from any property line
Applies to a property or easement line. The distance is measured from the drainfield, reserve area, tank or distribution box.
The sewer pipe carries no setback from a property line in this table.
Washington Administrative Code § 246-272A-0210, Location, Table IV · checked 2026-09-23
What Whatcom County requires that the state does not
-
Whatcom County approves septic installers, pumpers and maintenance workers. Each one passes an exam and posts a bond with the county.
Applies to an installer, a pumper or a maintenance worker. The county approves each one.
State law tells the county to set up this approval process. It does not set the exam or the bond. The county sets both in its own code. The county renews each approval every December.
Whatcom County Code § 24.05.380, Licensing · checked 2026-09-23
Where do you file the application with Whatcom County Health and Community Services, On-Site Sewage (OSS) Program?
Whatcom County Health and Community Services, On-Site Sewage (OSS) Program, 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360-778-6000.
Whatcom County — On-Site Sewage · checked 2026-09-23
The steps, in the county's order
- Contact a licensed septic designer or a licensed engineer. This person designs the system for your property.
- The designer submits the design and a permit application to the county. You pay the permit fee with it.
- The county inspects the site. It then approves or denies the application.
- If the county approves the application, it issues a permit. The permit stays valid for 3 years.
- If the county needs design changes, it issues the permit once the designer makes them.
- If the county denies the application, you may appeal to the Hearing Examiner. The appeal costs a fee.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services — On-Site Sewage System Permit Process · checked 2026-09-23
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Whatcom County?
Ask Whatcom County Health and Community Services, On-Site Sewage (OSS) Program for the permit record for the property. Call 360-778-6000 or start at its website.
Whatcom County — On-Site Sewage · checked 2026-09-23
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Whatcom County — On-Site Sewage
- Whatcom County Health and Community Services — Septic Forms & Applications
- Whatcom County — OSS Annual Fee
- Whatcom County Code § 24.05.380, Licensing
- Whatcom County Health and Community Services — On-Site Sewage System Permit Process
- Washington Administrative Code § 246-272A-0232, Design Requirements — Septic Tank Sizing
- Washington Administrative Code § 246-272A-0210, Location, Table IV
- USDA NRCS Soil Data Access (SSURGO)
- Whatcom County — 2025-2026 Unified Fee Schedule
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here before you spend money on it. Call the Whatcom County Health and Community Services, On-Site Sewage (OSS) Program, on 360-778-6000.