FAQs

Septic/Well Applications

Any new property in unincorporated Douglas County must have an approved septic system and water well (if applicable).

New well permit: $250

Initial septic site evaluations (soil evaluation): $150

New house septic permit: $425

Sept repair permit: $275

New Properties

1. Download and complete the Septic Application and/or Well Construction Application. You must indicate your proposed septic and/or water well installer.
   • Our list of licensed septic installers is available here
   • KDHE’s list of licensed well installers can be found here.
2. Email the completed application to: ehinfo@ldchealth.org
3. Submit the $150 Initial Septic Site Evaluation fee online. Please refer to "Make a Payment" FAQ for Instructions
4. Once the application and $150 fee are submitted, your chosen licensed septic installer should contact our EH staff to arrange a soil evaluation
5. When you are ready for your septic permit, submit the $425 permit fee online. Your licensed septic installer must also submit a site plan drawing that incorporates set-back distances. 
   • A site plan illustrates where the sewage system will be constructed in relation to the location of the building. The location of all existing and future water, gas, and sewer lines, as well as any other utility easements, will need to be illustrated on the site plan for approval.
6. Once the $425 permit fee and site plan are submitted, EH staff will email the permit approval to the Douglas County Zoning office, as well as the owner if an email is provided on the application.
7. The licensed septic installer MUST provide at least 1-3 days’ notice to EH staff prior to installation. EH staff must inspect the installation prior to final approval.

Septic System Repair Permits

1. Download and complete the Septic Application. You must indicate your proposed septic installer.
   • Our list of licensed septic installers is available here.
2. Email the completed application to ehinfo@ldchealth.org
3. Submit the $275 Septic Repair Permit fee online. Please refer to the "Make a Payment" FAQ for instructions.
4. Once the $275 permit fee is submitted, EH staff will email the owner if an email is provided on the application.
5. The licensed septic installer MUST provide at least 1-3 days’ notice to EH staff prior to installation. EH staff must inspect the installation prior to final approval.
6. If the septic repair is associated with a real estate inspection, EH staff will email the updated report and drawing.

Inspections

• Real estate septic and well inspections are required in Unincorporated Douglas County. The inspection time will depend on the schedules of both the Public Health inspector and your chosen licensed pumper. Please refer to the FAQ section on Real Estate Applications to begin the process.
  
  
• To schedule a permitted new construction or septic repair inspection from a licensed installer, please email ehinfo@ldchealth.org at least 2 days prior to inspection time. Environmental Health staff will respond to the request with our availability. Any new property in unincorporated Douglas County must have an approved septic system and water well (if applicable). Please refer to the FAQ section on Septic/Well Applications to begin the process.
  
  
• Environmental Health staff can also collect well water samples, screening for bacteria and nitrates. Please refer to our Water Well Screening Application here: https://ldchealth.org/239/Environmental-Documents. The $60 well inspection fee can also be paid online; please refer to our FAQ section Make a Payment.
  
  
• Pool inspections are performed on all public pools in Lawrence, Baldwin City, and Eudora. Public Health inspectors perform pool inspections on a drop-in basis and evaluate safety and pool chemical levels. If there is a question or public health concern regarding pools, please email ehinfo@ldchealth.org and refer to our Pool Regulations page for more information: https://ldchealth.org/241/Pool-Regulations.
  
  
• School inspections are performed annually in Douglas County on a drop-in basis. Inspectors assess environmental health of each school and provide recommendations to address health and safety issues.
  
  
• Cereal-Malt Beverage (CMB) inspections within the city of Lawrence are conducted annually on a drop-in basis. Overall health and safety factors are evaluated during the inspection and recommendations are made to management.