Southwest District Health

Southwest District Health (SWDH), Environmental Health Services, regulates subsurface sewage disposal systems along with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ).

It is important for the developer/homeowner to contact SWDH at 455-5400 regarding the application/permitting process for a subsurface sewage disposal system, since a subsurface sewage permit is usually a pre-requisite to obtaining a building permit from the county.

An on-site evaluation must be conducted by SWDH prior to the issuance of a subsurface sewage disposal permit. The applicant must schedule a backhoe to have a ten (10) foot test hole dug at the time of the evaluation. SWDH needs a legal description, zoning certificate, and tax assessment notice, or property profile at the time of application. You may contact the county or refer to a tax notice to find your legal description.

Subsurface Sewage Disposal Application, Plot Plan,
Plot Plan Example! (Adobe PDF files).

Fees:

New permit	$600.00
Expansion permit	$350.00
Replacement Permit	$250.00
Tank only permit	$250.00
Septic permit renewal	$50.00
Speculative Site Evaluation	$300.00

SWDH also conducts inspections on existing subsurface sewage systems. These are usually performed when an individual wishes to add to an existing structure or place a different structure on an existing system. These inspections are called "Accessory Use Approvals" and are usually a pre-requisite to obtaining a building permit from the county.

Accessory Use Approval Application and Plot Plan (Adobe PDF).

Fees:
Accessory Use Approval Permit on-site: $150.00
Accessory Use Approval Permit in-office: $50

For further information you may contact your local SWDH at 455-5400.

Related Links:

On-Site Wastewater Systems (Septic Systems); including system types, Individual, Central, Large Soil Absorption Systems and related links.
Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules
Technical Guidance Manual for Individual and Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
Pressure Distribution Systems for Large Soil Absorption Systems and Central Systems Design Checklist
Septic System Brochure
Aerobic Treatment Brochure
Proper Sewage Clean Up Procedures
Maintaining Your Septic System