Comal County septic permits: how to apply and schedule inspections

The application and planning materials must be submitted in the property owner’s name on a form provided by the permitting authority. The county’s Environmental Health page links the OSSF permit application, an online permit portal and its current fee schedule. Check that schedule for the fee that applies to your application; the three pages used for this guide do not establish an application-fee amount.

Condensed from the county’s published permit guide; the guide gives additional requirements for particular sites and systems.

Construction and inspections

The permitting authority reviews the application, evaluation, proposed system and supporting documents before deciding whether to issue authorization to construct. That authorization should specify how many inspections are needed and when they must occur. Licensed installers or their apprentices may begin work only after authorization, and changes to the approved system require the permitting authority’s approval before they are made. If site conditions differ from the submitted plans, a new review may be needed.

The county says three inspections are required as the system is installed. Notify its office at least one day, or 24 hours, before an inspection is needed. If a system fails an inspection or is not ready when the designated representative arrives, the installer is responsible for a $150 reinspection fee. The county says these inspection requirements also apply to systems needing alteration or repair. After the required inspections and approval, the applicant receives a license to operate; obtain it before putting the system into use.

Repairs, city limits and where to ask

County guidance says a permit is required before non-emergency repairs. It describes a limited exception for an emergency repair that abates an immediate, serious and dangerous health hazard and does not alter the system’s planning materials or function. An alteration requires a new OSSF permit. If you are dealing with a failing system, consult Environmental Health about the proposed repair before relying on that exception. The county also says homeowners are responsible for conducting or arranging system maintenance.

This guide covers property in unincorporated Comal County. The Environmental Health page lists agreements with several cities; if your property is inside city limits, confirm which authority handles its OSSF permit before applying. To get started, use the application and fee-schedule links on the county’s Environmental Health page, or contact the Engineer’s Office at 195 David Jonas Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78132, 830-608-2090. The page lists office hours as Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring the property location and your proposed work when asking which application, plans and fees apply.