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

Tarrant County septic permits cost $260 through the Public Health Environmental Health Division, with 30-day plan review and mandatory aerobic maintenance reports every 4 months.

Tarrant County covers a wide range of settings, from urban Fort Worth to the rural western edges near Parker and Wise counties. Septic systems are common in the western and southern portions of the county, where municipal sewer hasn't reached yet. The county's Environmental Health Division handles septic permits for 23 contracted cities and all unincorporated areas. Tarrant County processes an estimated 300-400 OSSF permits per year across its service area (Tarrant County Environmental Health Division). But there are some important exceptions: the City of Fort Worth manages its own septic permits within city limits, the City of Arlington has its own program, and properties within 2,000 feet of Eagle Mountain Lake fall under the Tarrant Water Improvement District.

This guide covers permits, fees, the application process, system types, the Fort Worth ETJ complications, aerobic rules, and enforcement in Tarrant County.

Who Handles Septic Permits in Tarrant County?

The Tarrant County Public Health Department, Environmental Health Division, is the authorized TCEQ agent for septic permits in 23 contracted cities and all unincorporated areas of the county.

Before you apply, confirm your jurisdiction. The Environmental Health Division covers most of Tarrant County, but several areas have their own permitting authorities:

• City of Fort Worth: Handles its own OSSF permits within city limits
• City of Arlington: Has its own OSSF permitting program
• Eagle Mountain Lake area: Properties within 2,000 feet of the lake go through the Tarrant Water Improvement District

For everyone else in unincorporated Tarrant County or one of the 23 contracted cities, the county handles your permit.

Contact information:

Detail	Information
Office	Tarrant County Public Health, Environmental Health Division
OSSF Specialist	Ekpen Okoruwa
Phone	(817) 212-7082
Address	5001 N. Riverside Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76137
Hours	Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Applications	Online portal (residential and non-residential)

The county offers an online application portal for both residential and non-residential OSSF permits. You'll also need to file an OSSF Affidavit with the Tarrant County Clerk's Office.

How Much Do Septic Permits Cost in Tarrant County?

Residential septic permits in Tarrant County cost $260, which covers the application, property assessment, plan review, two inspections, and state fees. Additional inspections cost $75 each.

Here's what you'll pay:

Permit Type	Fee	Notes
Residential OSSF permit	$260	Includes plan review + 2 inspections
Surface discharge affidavit filing	$15	Filed with Tarrant County Clerk
Additional inspection (beyond 2)	$75	Per inspection
TCEQ state fee	Included	Built into the $260

Tarrant County's $260 permit fee is on the lower end for DFW-area counties (Tarrant County Public Health fee schedule, 2025-2026) and covers quite a bit: application processing, property assessment, plan review, and two site inspections. Your total cost also includes the site evaluation by a licensed professional ($600-$1,200) and the installation itself.

The 10-acre exemption: Properties of 10 acres or larger with one single-family home, one septic system, and all disposal components at least 100 feet from property lines may qualify for a permit exemption. The exemption covers only the first system on the property. Even with the exemption, you still need a professional site evaluation, and the system must meet all 30 TAC Chapter 285 standards.

How Do You Get a Septic Permit in Tarrant County?

The permit process uses an online application portal. The county must approve or deny plans within 30 days. Your stamped design plan serves as the permit to construct.

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Check your jurisdiction. Confirm that Tarrant County Environmental Health handles your property. Properties inside Fort Worth city limits, Arlington, or within 2,000 feet of Eagle Mountain Lake go through different authorities. Properties in Fort Worth's ETJ need clearance from the city before the county will issue an OSSF permit.

2. Hire a licensed site evaluator. A TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer must evaluate your soil, test percolation rates, and determine the right system type. If the site supports a conventional system, you'll receive a specification sheet with minimum tank and drainfield sizes.

3. Prepare design plans. For standard gravity or evapotranspiration systems on suitable sites, homeowners or licensed installers may prepare the plans. For alternative systems with surface discharge (spray, drip, low-pressure emitters), a Registered Professional Sanitarian or Professional Engineer must prepare the design.

4. Submit online. Complete the residential or non-residential application through the county's online portal. Attach the OSSF Affidavit (which must also be filed with the County Clerk). For surface discharge systems, include proof of the $15 affidavit filing.

5. Payment. You'll receive an email within two business days requesting payment of the $260 permit fee.

6. County review. The Environmental Health Division reviews your plans against state and local regulations. The county must approve or deny within 30 days. Approved plans are stamped and initialed. This stamped design is your permit to construct.

7. Request inspections. Notify the county at least 24 hours before you need an inspection. Inspections must be performed within 5 working days of your request. At inspection time, tanks must be set with all connections made, trenches dug and leveled, distribution piping laid, alarms and pumps installed, electrical hookups complete, and backfill material on site.

8. Permit to operate. After passing inspections, you receive a permit to operate. The system cannot be used until this permit is issued.

How Does Fort Worth's ETJ Affect Septic Permits?

Most unincorporated Tarrant County falls within Fort Worth's Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Properties in the ETJ must get clearance from Fort Worth before the county will issue a septic permit, and Fort Worth requires a minimum of 1 acre.

This is the biggest unique factor in Tarrant County permitting. Fort Worth's ETJ extends roughly 5 miles beyond city limits, covering nearly all unincorporated land in the county. If your property is in the ETJ, you need to deal with two authorities.

What this means for you:

• Fort Worth's ETJ requires a minimum of 1 acre (net, after subtracting floodplain and drainage easements) for properties with septic
• The state minimum is only half an acre for properties with public water, so the ETJ standard is stricter
• You must get clearance documentation from Fort Worth (or Mansfield or Haslet, if in their ETJ) before Tarrant County will issue your OSSF permit
• If municipal sewer is available to your property, the county cannot issue an OSSF permit. You must connect to city sewer instead.

For properties not in any city's ETJ: The standard state lot size minimums apply: 1 acre for properties with both a well and septic, or half an acre for septic-only properties with public water.

Western Tarrant County soil challenges: Much of western Tarrant County, approaching the Parker and Wise county lines, has clay-heavy soils with slow percolation rates. USDA soil survey data shows 60-95% of soils in parts of western Tarrant County have severe limitations for conventional septic systems (NRCS Web Soil Survey). If you're buying land in western Tarrant County, budget for an aerobic or alternative system.

What Are Tarrant County's Aerobic System Requirements?

Aerobic systems require a continuous maintenance contract for the first 2 years. After that, homeowners may qualify to self-maintain with proper TCEQ training, or they can continue with a professional provider.

Here's what the county expects for aerobic systems:

Initial 2-year service contract. All new aerobic systems come with a mandatory 2-year service contract. This is typically included in the system purchase price.

After 2 years, you have options. You can renew with a professional maintenance provider, switch to a different licensed provider, or potentially self-maintain your system. Homeowner self-maintenance is allowed after 2 years for systems using secondary treatment, drip irrigation, or surface application, but you may need TCEQ-approved training first. Check with the Environmental Health Division for current requirements.

Maintenance provider qualifications: Licensed maintenance providers must hold a current Installer Class II (OSII) license (or equivalent), complete TCEQ's Basic Maintenance Provider course and Advanced Aerobic System course, pass the licensing exam, and register with TCEQ. Individual maintenance technicians working under a provider must also complete the Basic Maintenance Provider course.

Reporting schedule: Maintenance reports must be submitted to the county and to you at least every 4 months. Systems with electronic monitoring may qualify for 6-month reporting intervals.

According to Nathan Glavy, Extension Program Specialist with the Texas A&M Water Resources Institute's OSSF education program, "Homeowners with aerobic systems need to treat their maintenance contract like a utility bill. It's not optional, and letting it lapse is the most common compliance issue we see across Texas counties."

Chlorine requirements: Use only calcium hypochlorite tablets certified for wastewater disinfection by the EPA. Never use swimming pool chlorine tablets, which can release nitrogen chloride (an explosive gas). Follow all manufacturer safety instructions.

Surface discharge affidavit: Alternative systems with surface discharge (spray, drip, low-pressure emitters) require a recorded affidavit filed with the Tarrant County Clerk at a cost of $15, in addition to the OSSF permit.

What Happens If You Violate Septic Rules in Tarrant County?

Tarrant County investigates violations and gives 0-30 days to correct depending on severity. First and second offenses are Class C Misdemeanors. Third offenses can be escalated to Class B Misdemeanors with possible jail time.

The county's enforcement is detailed and well-documented:

What triggers enforcement:

• Malfunctioning systems (odors, surfacing wastewater, collapsing tanks)
• Installing a system without a permit and approved plan
• Altering a system without a permit
• Changing the use of a system without authorization
• Failing to maintain an aerobic system contract

The enforcement process: When the county receives a complaint or identifies a violation, an investigator visits the site and verifies the issue. If a violation is confirmed, you get written instructions and a deadline to correct it. The cure period ranges from immediately to 30 days, depending on severity. Extensions may be granted case by case.

If you don't comply: The county files an Affidavit of Violation with the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse in your precinct, initiating prosecution.

Specific fines (per Tarrant County Justice Courts):

Violation	Fine	Additional Costs
Modifying OSSF without permit	$240	+$62 processing + $302 court costs
Unapproved disposal	$240	+$62 processing + court costs
Installer not registered	$240	+$62 processing + court costs
Failing to comply with rules	$360	+$67 processing + $427 court costs
Malfunctioning system/nuisance	$200	+$67 processing + $267 court costs

First and second offenses for the same violation are Class C Misdemeanors under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366. A third offense for the same violation can be escalated to a Class B Misdemeanor, with fines plus possible jail time up to 6 months.

How Much Does Septic Work Cost in Tarrant County?

A conventional septic system in Tarrant County runs $6,600-$7,900 for a 3-bedroom home (based on 2025-2026 Fort Worth-area contractor estimates). Aerobic spray systems cost $7,800-$9,800, and aerobic drip systems run $9,800-$12,000.

Here's what homeowners in the Fort Worth area should budget:

Item	Cost Range
Conventional system install (3-bedroom)	$6,600-$7,900
Aerobic spray system	$7,800-$9,800
Aerobic drip system	$9,800-$12,000
Site evaluation and soil testing	$600-$1,200
County permit fee (residential)	$260
Total permit + site eval	$860-$1,460
Septic pumping (1,000-gallon tank)	$235-$300
Aerobic maintenance contract (2-year)	$500-$700
Typical repair (per hour + materials)	$275-$375/hour
Drain field replacement	$5,000-$12,000

Western Tarrant County properties often face higher costs because the clay-heavy soils push most installations toward aerobic or alternative systems. If you're building on the urban fringe where conventional systems aren't viable, add $1,500-$5,000 to your budget for the aerobic upgrade.

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

How Does Tarrant County Compare to Other DFW Counties?

Tarrant County's $260 permit fee is one of the lowest in the DFW metro. Neighboring counties charge $300-$710 for similar permits.

County	Permit Fee	Aerobic Surcharge	Repair Permit	Notable
Tarrant County	$260	Included	$75/reinspection	Covers 23 cities
Collin County	$310	$335 (with maintenance)	$100-$150	Reinspection: $75
Denton (City)	$300	$500	$200	Non-refundable
Williamson County	$510	$710	N/A	Highest in metro

Tarrant County's lower fee covers application, plan review, and two inspections. But if your property requires an aerobic system due to western Tarrant County's clay soils, total project costs will be similar to or higher than in counties where conventional systems are feasible.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, for all installations, repairs, extensions, and alterations. Submit an application through the county's online portal. The 10-acre exemption applies to the first system on large lots with proper setbacks, but even exempt systems need a professional site evaluation and must meet all TCEQ standards. Routine pumping does not require a permit. If municipal sewer is available to your property, the county cannot issue an OSSF permit.

How much does a septic permit cost in Tarrant County?

Residential permits cost $260, which covers everything from application through two inspections. Surface discharge systems need an additional $15 affidavit filing with the County Clerk. Budget another $600-$1,200 for the required site evaluation. Additional inspections (beyond the initial two) cost $75 each. Total permit-related costs for a new install typically run $860-$1,460.

Who inspects septic systems in Tarrant County?

The Environmental Health Division handles all inspections. Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance, and the county must perform them within 5 working days. The standard $260 permit fee includes two inspections. At inspection time, all components must be in place, tanks set with connections made, and electrical systems operational. For aerobic systems, your maintenance provider inspects every 4 months.

Can I do my own septic work in Tarrant County?

Homeowners can install their own conventional system on their own single-family residence, but anyone paid for the work must be TCEQ-licensed. For design work, standard systems on suitable sites can be designed by homeowners or licensed installers. Alternative systems with surface discharge must be designed by a Professional Engineer or Registered Professional Sanitarian. After 2 years, homeowners may self-maintain aerobic systems with proper TCEQ training.

Does the Fort Worth ETJ affect my septic permit?

Yes, significantly. Fort Worth's ETJ covers most unincorporated Tarrant County. If your property is in the ETJ, you need clearance from Fort Worth before the county issues an OSSF permit. Fort Worth requires a minimum of 1 acre (net, after subtracting floodplain and drainage easements), which is stricter than the state's half-acre minimum. If city sewer is available, you must connect to sewer instead of installing septic.

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Last updated: February 2026 Reviewed by: Texas Septic Guide Editorial Team, content verified against TCEQ regulations, Tarrant County OSSF Rules and Regulations, and 30 TAC Chapter 285

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Sources: Tarrant County Public Health Department, Environmental Health Division; Tarrant County OSSF Rules and Regulations; Tarrant County Justice Courts Fine Schedule; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), 30 TAC Chapter 285; Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366.

Serving Tarrant County communities: Fort Worth