Ellis County Septic Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Ellis County septic permits cost $600 for new installations, with 5-7 business day review. Clay soils often require aerobic systems costing $10,000-$20,000.

Ellis County sits in the heart of the Blackland Prairie region south of Dallas, and that geography shapes everything about septic systems here. The heavy clay soils that make this area great for farming also create challenges for traditional septic systems. If you own property in unincorporated Ellis County, you'll work with the county's Department of Development for permits, and you'll likely need to plan for either an aerobic system or an alternative design that can handle the unique soil conditions.

This guide covers who handles permits, what they cost, the application process, Blackland Prairie soil considerations, aerobic system requirements, and enforcement in Ellis County. Whether you're building new, replacing an old system, or trying to understand your maintenance obligations, the specifics are here.

Topic	Key Details
Permit authority	Ellis County Department of Development
New install permit fee	$600
Repair/alteration permit fee	$175
Permit review time	5-7 business days
Common system type	Aerobic (due to clay soils)
Aerobic system cost	$10,000-$20,000
Conventional system cost	$6,500-$9,500
Maintenance contract	Required for 2 years (aerobic)
Online portal	ellispermits.com

Who Handles Septic Permits in Ellis County?

The Ellis County Department of Development issues septic permits in unincorporated areas as TCEQ's authorized agent. Cities like Waxahachie and Midlothian run their own programs.

Here's where it gets location-specific. Ellis County handles permitting in unincorporated areas outside city limits. But if your property falls within Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, or Ovilla, those cities maintain their own permitting authorities. You'll need to check with the city directly for their requirements, which may differ from county standards.

Before you apply, confirm your property's jurisdiction. Properties inside city limits go through municipal permitting. Properties in unincorporated Ellis County go through the Department of Development.

The county administers its septic program under Order No. 134.24 (approved by TCEQ in April 2024), which aligns with TCEQ's 30 TAC Chapter 285 and incorporates local requirements for Blackland Prairie soil conditions. The county can impose stricter rules than the state minimum, and it has specific requirements addressing the region's clay-heavy soils.

Contact information:

Detail	Information
Office	Ellis County Department of Development
Phone	(972) 825-5200
Email	dod@elliscountytx.gov
Online portal	ellispermits.com
Physical address	302 N. Monroe St., Suite 214, Waxahachie, TX 75165
Hours	Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Applications go through the MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) Connect platform. You'll create an account, select your project type, upload documents, and submit online. Mobile apps are available for both Apple and Android devices.

What Are the Septic Permit Types and Fees in Ellis County?

New septic system permits in Ellis County cost $600. Repairs, alterations, and reinspections cost $175 each. These fees took effect September 1, 2023.

Here's what you'll pay for the most common permit types:

Permit Type	Fee	Notes
New septic installation	$600	Any system type
Alteration permit	$175	Changes to existing system
Repair permit	$175	Fixing existing system
Hook-to connection	$175	Connecting to existing system
Reinspection	$175	Failed inspection follow-up
Variance or appeal	$375	Deviation from standard rules
Miscellaneous septic fees	$150	Documentation, affidavits
Floodplain additional fee	$200	Properties in 100-year floodplain

These are county permit fees only. Your total cost includes site evaluation by a certified professional ($600-$1,200), system design by a licensed engineer, and the installation itself. Credit card payments add a 2.25% convenience fee.

Lot size requirements: Properties in unincorporated Ellis County must be at least one acre with a minimum of 150 feet of frontage along a county or state road to qualify for a development permit. Smaller lots may qualify for septic systems if soil conditions allow, but the one-acre minimum applies to most development.

The 10-acre exemption: Under TCEQ rules (30 TAC Chapter 285), if your property is 10 acres or larger, has only one single-family home with one septic system, and the disposal field sits at least 100 feet from all property lines, you may not need a county permit. But your system still must meet every technical standard in Chapter 285.

How Does the Ellis County Septic Permit Process Work?

The permit process involves online application through the MGO Connect portal, with review typically taking 5-7 business days from complete submission to construction authorization.

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Check your jurisdiction. Confirm your property is in unincorporated Ellis County, not within city limits. Properties in Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, or Ovilla go through their respective city permitting offices.

2. Site evaluation. Hire a certified Site Evaluator, Professional Engineer, or Registered Sanitarian with a Site Evaluator license. They'll dig test pits to evaluate soil characteristics, depth to water table, and system placement options. In Ellis County's clay soils, this evaluation often determines whether you can use a conventional system or need aerobic treatment.

3. Gather documents. You'll need: site and soil evaluation results, system design from a licensed engineer, property deed (required if you've owned the property less than 3 years), site plan showing property lines, buildings, wells within 150 feet, water lines, roads, and easements. Aerobic systems require a notarized affidavit and two-year maintenance contract.

4. Submit application. Log into the MGO Connect portal at mgoconnect.org/cp/portal, select your permit type, upload all documents, and submit. Applications missing information get returned, and the clock restarts.

5. Pay fees. Once the application is accepted, you'll receive an invoice via email. Pay within 5 business days or the project stalls.

6. County review. An inspector reviews your plans against county regulations and 30 TAC Chapter 285. Complete applications take 5-7 business days for approval.

7. Authorization to construct. Once approved, you receive a "Green Tag" authorizing installation to begin. Only a TCEQ-licensed installer can do the work.

8. Inspections. Call (972) 825-5200 to schedule inspections. Give at least 24 hours notice (weekends and holidays don't count). No components can be covered until the inspector approves them.

9. Final approval. After the system passes final inspection, you receive a "Blue Tag" indicating approval. For aerobic systems, your maintenance contract becomes active at this point.

Timeline note: Permits are valid for 6 months from issuance, with the possibility of a 6-month extension. If your system isn't installed within one year of application, you'll need to resubmit.

Why Do Blackland Prairie Soils Make Ellis County Septic Systems Different?

The Blackland Prairie clay soils throughout Ellis County often rule out conventional septic systems. High clay content, poor drainage, and extreme shrink-swell behavior mean most properties require aerobic treatment or alternative systems.

Ellis County sits squarely in the Blackland Prairie, a geological region that the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service classifies as having some of the most challenging soils for on-site wastewater treatment in Texas. Research from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension confirms that expansive clay soils significantly limit conventional septic system performance. Here's what you're dealing with:

The soil characteristics:

• Clay content often exceeds 60%, making these soils among the most impermeable in Texas
• When dry, the soil cracks extensively, with fissures up to 4 inches wide and 6 feet deep
• When wet, expansive clays exert tremendous upward pressure that can damage foundations and septic components
• Water enters rapidly when dry and cracked, very slowly when moist, creating unpredictable drainage

What this means for your septic system:

• Conventional systems often won't work. The heavy clay can't absorb and treat wastewater like sandier soils can. Site evaluations frequently rule out conventional systems in favor of aerobic treatment.

• Aerobic systems are common. These systems treat wastewater more thoroughly before dispersal, compensating for the soil's inability to naturally filter wastewater.

• Alternative designs may be needed. Low-pressure dosing systems, drip irrigation, or ET (evapotranspiration) drainfields are sometimes required based on site conditions.

• Cost impact. Blackland Prairie soil conditions typically push homeowners toward aerobic or alternative systems, which cost $10,000-$20,000 compared to $6,500-$9,500 for conventional systems.

Your site evaluation will determine exactly what's possible on your property. Don't assume you can install a conventional system in Ellis County without professional soil testing first.

What Are the Aerobic System Requirements in Ellis County?

Aerobic septic systems in Ellis County require a two-year initial maintenance contract with a licensed provider. Maintenance reports must be filed with the county at least every 4 months.

Given Ellis County's soil conditions, many homeowners end up with aerobic treatment units. Here's what the county requires:

Maintenance contracts are mandatory. You must sign a contract with a TCEQ-licensed maintenance provider before your permit is issued. The contract must include:

• Names and contact information for both parties
• Frequency of routine maintenance visits
• Frequency of required testing and reporting
• Which party is responsible for maintaining the disinfection unit

Initial contract term: Two years from system startup, required as part of the permitting process.

Reporting schedule: Your maintenance provider must submit reports to Ellis County and to you at least every 4 months. Systems with electronic monitoring may report every 6 months instead.

What the maintenance provider checks:

• Aerator and blower operation
• Alarm system function
• Disinfection unit (chlorine tablets must be EPA-certified calcium hypochlorite for wastewater, never pool chlorine)
• Wastewater quality
• Spray heads or drip emitters
• Sludge levels and general system condition

Provider qualifications: Licensed maintenance providers must hold either a Class II Installer (OSII) license, a Class C or higher Wastewater Operator license, or have completed TCEQ-approved training courses and passed the licensing exam.

Homeowner self-maintenance: Two years after initial installation, you may be able to maintain your own aerobic system for secondary treatment, drip irrigation, or surface application disposal. But Ellis County may have adopted stricter rules that limit this. Call (972) 825-5200 to confirm whether self-maintenance is allowed for your system type.

Contract transfers: When you sell your property, the maintenance contract must transfer to the new owner. The new owner must establish their own contract for continued operation.

Budget $200-$400 per year for a standard aerobic maintenance contract in Ellis County. That's on top of any repair costs if components fail.

What Are Common Septic Violations and Enforcement Actions in Ellis County?

Ellis County classifies septic violations as nuisances when they pose health hazards. Violations can result in fines and criminal complaints filed with the local justice of the peace.

The county's enforcement process follows TCEQ guidelines under 30 TAC Chapter 285 and the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366. According to the EPA, roughly 20% of U.S. households rely on septic systems, and inadequate maintenance is the leading cause of system failure nationwide.

What triggers enforcement:

• Sewage discharge or overflow onto ground surface
• Groundwater contamination from system failure
• Blatant discharge from a septic system
• Odors or smells attributed to the system
• Audible or visual alarms indicating system problems
• Operating without a permit
• Failing to maintain an aerobic system contract
• Failing required inspections

Signs your system is failing:

• Standing water in the yard near the septic tank or drainfield
• Sewage backup into sinks, toilets, or showers
• Slow drains throughout the house
• Sewage odors inside or outside
• Wet spots in the yard
• Gurgling sounds from plumbing fixtures

The enforcement process: When Ellis County identifies a violation, property owners typically get 30 days to make substantial progress on fixing the problem. Failure to make progress may result in a criminal complaint filed with the local justice of the peace.

Municipal penalties: Cities within Ellis County may impose additional penalties. Midlothian, for example, declares septic violations to be misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000, and each day the violation continues can be a separate offense.

Unpermitted work: All septic installation, repair, and modification work requires a permit and a licensed installer. Homeowners can perform basic maintenance on their own conventional system. For aerobic systems, only licensed providers should perform maintenance unless you've qualified for self-maintenance after two years.

How Much Does Septic Work Cost in Ellis County?

A conventional septic system in Ellis County runs $6,500-$9,500 installed for a 3-bedroom home, while aerobic systems cost $10,000-$20,000. Add $750-$1,000 for permits and site evaluation.

Here's what homeowners in Ellis County should budget:

Item	Cost Range
Conventional system install (3-bedroom)	$6,500-$9,500
Aerobic system (common due to clay soils)	$10,000-$20,000
Site evaluation and soil testing	$600-$1,200
County permit fee (new installation)	$600
Total permit + site eval	$750-$1,000
Septic pumping (1,000-gallon tank)	$275-$375
Aerobic maintenance contract (annual)	$200-$400
Typical repair (depending on scope)	$500-$3,000
Drain field replacement	$5,000-$12,000

Per TCEQ's on-site sewage facility program, counties with designated agents like Ellis County can set fees and requirements above the state minimum. Costs here run higher than some rural Texas counties because Blackland Prairie soils frequently require aerobic or alternative systems. A conventional system at $6,500-$9,500 may look appealing compared to an aerobic system at $10,000-$20,000, but the conventional option simply won't work on most Ellis County lots. The ongoing $200-$400 annual maintenance contract for aerobic systems is an added cost that conventional owners don't face. Labor rates have also increased with the rapid growth in the DFW southern suburbs.

For a full breakdown of Texas septic costs, see our septic pumping cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for septic work in Ellis County?

Yes, almost always. New installations, repairs, and modifications all require a permit through the Ellis County Department of Development's online portal. The only exception is the 10-acre exemption for single-family homes on large lots with proper setbacks. Routine pumping does not require a permit. Properties inside city limits (Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, Ovilla) need permits from their respective cities instead.

How much does a septic permit cost in Ellis County?

New installation permits cost $600. Repairs, alterations, and reinspections cost $175 each. Budget another $600-$1,200 for the required site evaluation. Properties in the 100-year floodplain pay an additional $200 fee. Credit card payments add a 2.25% convenience fee. Total out-of-pocket for a new install permit package is typically $750-$1,000.

Who inspects septic systems in Ellis County?

The Ellis County Department of Development handles all inspections. Your licensed installer must call (972) 825-5200 to schedule inspection appointments, giving at least 24 hours notice. The county inspector must approve the installation at required checkpoints before any components can be covered. For aerobic systems, your maintenance provider handles ongoing inspections and files reports with the county every 4 months.

Can I install a conventional septic system in Ellis County?

It depends on your soil. Ellis County's Blackland Prairie clay soils frequently rule out conventional systems because the heavy clay can't absorb and treat wastewater adequately. A certified site evaluator must test your property's soil before you know what system types are possible. Many Ellis County homeowners end up needing aerobic systems or alternative designs, which cost more but work better in clay conditions.

What happens if my septic system fails in Ellis County?

Stop using water immediately and call a licensed professional. Don't attempt repairs yourself. Stay away from the drainfield area as wastewater poses serious health hazards. Property owners typically get 30 days to make progress on fixing violations. If you don't address the problem, Ellis County can file criminal complaints with the justice of the peace, and cities like Midlothian can impose fines up to $2,000 per day.

How much does aerobic system maintenance cost in Ellis County?

Budget $200-$400 per year for a standard aerobic maintenance contract. This covers required inspections every 4 months, disinfection monitoring, and compliance reporting to the county. Emergency repairs to aerators, blowers, or spray heads cost extra, typically $150-$500 per visit depending on the component.

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Last updated: February 7, 2026 Reviewed by: Texas Septic Guide Editorial Team, content verified against TCEQ regulations, Ellis County Development Orders, and 30 TAC Chapter 285

Need septic help in Ellis County? Get free quotes from vetted local providers

Sources: Ellis County Department of Development; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), 30 TAC Chapter 285; Ellis County Order No. 134.24; Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Serving Ellis County communities: Waxahachie | Midlothian