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

Travis County septic permits cost $285-$700 from the TNR Department. Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone properties require aerobic systems with mandatory maintenance contracts.

Travis County sits at the intersection of rapid Austin-metro growth and some of the most sensitive groundwater in Texas. The Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone runs through large portions of the county, which means septic rules here are tighter than what you'll find in most other Texas counties. If you live in unincorporated Travis County with a septic system, you're dealing with both standard TCEQ rules and county-specific requirements designed to protect the aquifer. Travis County has approximately 25,000-30,000 active septic systems, concentrated in the western hill country and rural eastern portions of the county (Travis County TNR Department).

This guide covers permits, fees, the application process, Edwards Aquifer rules, aerobic system requirements, and enforcement in Travis County. Whether you're installing a new system, repairing an existing one, or trying to keep your aerobic unit in compliance, the specifics are here.

Who Handles Septic Permits in Travis County?

The Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources (TNR) Department issues all septic permits in unincorporated Travis County through its Development Services division.

This is where it gets a little complicated. Travis County handles permitting in unincorporated areas outside city limits. But if your property falls within the City of Austin, the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department handles your septic permits instead. And if you're within 2,000 feet of Lake Travis, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is your permitting authority.

Before you apply for anything, use Travis County's Jurisdiction Web Map to confirm who handles permits for your property. Getting this wrong means wasted time and fees.

Travis County administers its septic program under Development Code Chapter 448 (formerly Chapter 48), which aligns with TCEQ's 30 TAC Chapter 285 and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 341 and 366. The county can impose stricter rules than the state minimum, and it does exactly that in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.

Contact information:

Detail	Information
Office	Travis County TNR Development Services
Phone	(512) 854-4438
Email	tnrdevelopment@traviscountytx.gov
Online portal	traviscountytx.gov/tnr/permits/septic
Mailing address	PO Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767

Applications go through the MyGovernmentOnline platform. You'll create an account, verify your property location, and submit documents online. Use the county's Camino tool for step-by-step guidance on which application to select.

How Much Do Septic Permits Cost in Travis County?

Residential septic permits in Travis County cost $285-$700 depending on system complexity (Travis County TNR fee schedule, 2025-2026). Engineered systems run $505 for the permit alone, and total out-of-pocket including site evaluation typically hits $700+.

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

Permit Type	Fee	Notes
Private sewage permit (standard)	$285	Basic conventional or repair
Engineered construction permit	$505	Required for aerobic/advanced systems
Total new install (with site eval)	~$700	Includes site plan, sizing, design
State septic fee	$10	Non-refundable, added to all permits
Online processing fee	$7-$10	MyGovernmentOnline platform fee
Reinspection / complex review	$60/hour	5-hour minimum for complex projects

These are county permit fees only. Your total cost includes professional engineer or registered sanitarian fees for the site evaluation ($600-$1,200), plus the installation itself. Licensed installers often handle the permit application as part of their service.

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. The exemption covers only the first system on the property.

Flood damage note: Properties affected by the July 2025 flooding in Travis County may qualify for full fee waivers on development and septic permits. Submit a signed waiver request with your application.

How Do You Get a Septic Permit in Travis County?

The permit process involves online application through MyGovernmentOnline, with review typically taking 2-4 weeks from complete submission to construction authorization.

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Check your jurisdiction. Use the Travis County Jurisdiction Web Map to confirm TNR handles your property. City of Austin properties go through Austin/Travis County Health. LCRA zones (within 2,000 feet of Lake Travis) go through LCRA.

2. Site evaluation. Hire a Professional Engineer (PE) or Licensed Professional Sanitarian to evaluate your soil, run percolation tests, and determine system placement. If your property is in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, the evaluation must address aquifer protection requirements.

3. Gather documents. You'll need: TCAD legal description with Property ID, site plan showing property lines, buildings, wells within 150 feet, water lines, roads, easements, creeks, slopes of 15% or more, floodplain status, and the septic system checklist. Aerobic systems require an Affidavit to Public for maintenance. Properties on the Recharge Zone need a TCEQ-approved Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP).

4. Submit application. Log into MyGovernmentOnline, select your permit type (residential or commercial septic), upload all documents, and pay fees. Submit development and driveway permits separately if needed.

5. County review. TNR Development Services reviews your plans against Chapter 448 and 30 TAC Chapter 285. Standard review runs 2-4 weeks for complete applications. Incomplete submissions get returned, and the clock restarts.

6. Authorization to construct. Once approved, you receive authorization to begin installation. Only a TCEQ-licensed installer can do the work.

7. Inspections. The county inspects at key points during installation. No components can be covered or buried until a county inspector approves them. Call (512) 854-4438 to schedule inspections.

8. Certificate of completion. After the system passes final inspection, you're cleared to operate. Failed inspections require corrections and reinspection fees.

How Do Edwards Aquifer Rules Affect Travis County Septic Systems?

Properties in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone face the strictest septic rules in Travis County. Conventional systems are prohibited, aerobic treatment is required, and you must get a TCEQ-approved Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan before permitting.

The Edwards Aquifer is one of the most productive and vulnerable groundwater sources in Texas. It supplies drinking water to nearly 2 million people across Central Texas (Edwards Aquifer Authority). Because pollutants can reach the aquifer rapidly through the porous limestone, Travis County and TCEQ impose extra requirements on septic systems in the Recharge Zone.

What this means for homeowners:

• No conventional systems allowed. Standard anaerobic septic systems are banned in the Recharge Zone. You'll need an aerobic treatment unit, drip irrigation system, or another engineered alternative that treats wastewater to a higher standard before disposal.

• Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP). Before Travis County will even accept your permit application, you must submit an EAPP to TCEQ. This plan includes a water pollution abatement strategy with best management practices like sediment controls and vegetative buffers.

• Enhanced setbacks. Standard TCEQ setbacks apply (100 feet from wells, 50 feet from property lines), but the Recharge Zone may require additional distance from sensitive karst features like sinkholes, caves, and fracture traces.

• Drip irrigation soil depth. For drip systems, you need at least 2 feet of soil between the drip emitter and groundwater. With secondary treatment, that drops to 1 foot.

• Cost impact. Edwards Aquifer requirements add $2,000-$5,000 to a typical installation. You're looking at aerobic system costs ($10,000-$20,000) instead of conventional ($4,500-$8,600), plus annual maintenance contracts and the EAPP preparation fees.

The Recharge Zone covers significant portions of western Travis County, including areas west of Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and parts of the Hill Country. Check the TCEQ Edwards Aquifer interactive map to determine if your property falls within the zone.

According to Nathan Glavy, Extension Program Specialist with the Texas A&M Water Resources Institute's OSSF education program, "The Edwards Aquifer recharge zone has some of the strictest septic requirements in the state because contaminants can reach the aquifer through karst limestone in a matter of hours, not months."

What Are Travis County's Aerobic System Requirements?

Aerobic septic systems in Travis County require a maintenance contract with a TCEQ-licensed provider, with inspection reports filed to the county every 4 months (30 TAC Chapter 285).

If you have an aerobic treatment unit (and many Travis County properties do, given the Edwards Aquifer requirements), here's what the county expects:

Maintenance contracts are mandatory. You must have a current contract with a TCEQ-licensed maintenance provider. The provider must hold a Class II Installer license or equivalent, and must have completed TCEQ-approved Basic Maintenance Provider and Advanced Aerobic System courses.

Reporting schedule: Your maintenance provider must submit reports to Travis County and to you at least every 4 months. These reports cover system operation, component condition, and any repairs needed.

Homeowner self-maintenance option: Two years after initial installation, you may be able to maintain your own aerobic system for secondary treatment, non-standard treatment, drip irrigation, and surface application systems. But Travis County may have adopted stricter rules that limit this. Call TNR at (512) 854-4438 to check whether self-maintenance is allowed for your specific system and location.

What the maintenance provider checks:

• Aerator and blower operation
• Alarm system function
• Disinfection unit (chlorine or UV)
• Effluent quality
• Spray heads or drip emitters
• General system condition

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

What Happens If You Violate Septic Rules in Travis County?

Travis County issues notices for septic violations and gives property owners a correction period. Willful violations under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $200 per day.

The county's enforcement process follows a standard path:

What triggers enforcement:

• Operating without a permit
• Installing or modifying a system without authorization
• Failing to maintain an aerobic system contract
• Systems causing a nuisance (odors, surface sewage, contamination)
• Non-compliance with Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan requirements
• Failing required inspections

The enforcement process: When Travis County identifies a violation, you receive a notice with a compliance deadline. If you don't fix the problem, the county can hold a hearing before the Commissioners Court. You can contest the findings and appeal decisions to TCEQ.

Criminal penalties: Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366, willful septic violations (operating without a permit, improper discharge) are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $200 per day (Texas Health and Safety Code Section 366.015). TCEQ can pursue civil penalties up to $5,000 per day for serious or ongoing violations.

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 a single-family home. For aerobic systems, self-maintenance is possible after two years and may require TCEQ training, but check with Travis County first.

How Much Does Septic Work Cost in Travis County?

A conventional septic system in Travis County runs $6,200-$8,600 installed for a 3-bedroom home, while aerobic systems cost $10,000-$20,000 (based on 2025-2026 Austin-area contractor estimates). Add $900-$1,900 for permits and site evaluation.

Here's what homeowners in the Austin area should budget:

Item	Cost Range
Conventional system install (3-bedroom)	$6,200-$8,600
Aerobic system (required in Recharge Zone)	$10,000-$20,000
Site evaluation and soil testing	$600-$1,200
County permit fee (standard)	$285-$505
Total permit + site eval	$900-$1,900
Septic pumping (1,000-gallon tank)	$240-$285
Aerobic maintenance contract (annual)	$200-$400
Typical repair (per hour + materials)	$275-$375/hour
Drain field replacement	$5,000-$12,000

Costs in Travis County tend to run higher than many rural Texas counties. The Edwards Aquifer requirements push most western Travis County properties toward aerobic systems, which cost $3,000-$10,000 more than conventional. Austin-area labor rates and rocky Hill Country soils add to the total.

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

How Does Travis County Compare to Neighboring Counties?

Travis County's permit fees are moderate for the Austin metro. Williamson County runs higher, while Hays County is comparable.

County	Standard Permit	Aerobic Permit	Edwards Aquifer Rules	Notable
Travis County	$285	$505	Yes, strictest	TNR Department handles permits
Williamson County	$510	$710	No	Highest fees in Austin area
Hays County	~$300	~$500	Yes, in western areas	Rapid growth area
Bastrop County	~$250	~$450	No	Lower fees, fewer restrictions

Travis County's Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone requirements add $2,000-$5,000 to a typical installation, making the total project cost higher than Williamson County despite the lower permit fee. If your property is outside the Recharge Zone, Travis County costs are competitive with the rest of the metro.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, almost always. New installations, repairs, and modifications all require a permit through Travis County's MyGovernmentOnline system. 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 in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone also need a TCEQ-approved Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan.

How much does a septic permit cost in Travis County?

Standard permits cost $285-$505. A basic private sewage permit runs $285, while engineered systems (including aerobic) cost $505. Budget another $600-$1,200 for the required site evaluation, plus a $10 state fee and $7-$10 online processing fee. Total out-of-pocket for a new install permit package is typically around $700.

Who inspects septic systems in Travis County?

The Travis County TNR Development Services team handles all inspections. Your licensed installer must call (512) 854-4438 to schedule inspection appointments. 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 do my own septic work in Travis County?

Installation and repairs must be done by a TCEQ-licensed installer. For conventional systems, homeowners can perform basic maintenance on their own single-family home's system. For aerobic systems, you may qualify to self-maintain after two years of professional service, but Travis County may have adopted stricter rules. Call TNR at (512) 854-4438 to confirm what's allowed for your system type and location.

How do Edwards Aquifer rules affect my septic system in Travis County?

If your property is in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, you can't install a conventional septic system. You'll need an aerobic treatment unit or engineered alternative, which costs $10,000-$20,000 compared to $6,200-$8,600 for conventional. You also need a TCEQ-approved Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan before the county will accept your permit application. Annual maintenance contracts ($200-$400) are mandatory. Check the TCEQ Edwards Aquifer map to see if your property falls within the Recharge Zone, or call TNR for guidance.

---

Last updated: February 2026 Reviewed by: Texas Septic Guide Editorial Team, content verified against TCEQ regulations, Travis County Development Code Chapter 448, and 30 TAC Chapter 285

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

Sources: Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources Department, Development Services Division; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), 30 TAC Chapter 285; Travis County Development Code Chapter 448; Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366; TCEQ Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, 30 TAC Chapter 213.

Serving Travis County communities: Austin | Pflugerville | Cedar Park | Round Rock