Septic System Permits

We administer the Ontario Building Code in relation to private sewage systems with a daily design sewage flow of 10,000 litres per day or less. Permits are required for new and replacement systems, as well as additions and repairs to existing on-site sewage systems.

Applying for a Septic Permit

If you are unable to submit electronically, we can accept a paper submission. Please visit our Building Permits and Guides page for more information on paper submissions.

Access application forms or to submit your completed forms

View the Septic Permit Application Guide

Septic Permit Process Overview

Once an application has been received it will be assigned to the area Septic Inspector to work through the initial application intake steps with the applicant. This process includes the collection of any missing required documents, invoicing and receipt of payment. Once all required documents and payments have been received, the inspector will start the code review and site inspection portion of the application review. No work shall commence until a permit has been issued.

Once a permit has been issued, there shall be no change in the plans, specifications, documents or other information on which the permit was issued, unless written authorization has been obtained from the area Septic Inspector. The area Septic Inspector will attend the property to complete required inspections and will close the file once all construction is complete and code compliant.

A sewage system designer or installer can complete the application process and obtain the permit on your behalf. However, it is the property owner’s responsibility to comply with all Building Code requirements and request all required inspections noted on your permit card.

More information on topics such as online payments and paper submissions can be found on our Building Permits and Guides page. Our current fee schedule can be found on our fees page.

Contact an Inspector

Sewage Inspectors are also available for phone inquiries at 705-324-9411

North Area Inspector extension 2126
South Area Inspector extension 1312

To see what inspection area you are located in, click on the map.

Septic Inspector Area Map

When Do I Need a Septic Permit or Septic Review?

Sewage system permits are required for:

A new sewage system
- Class 2 Greywater System
- Class 3 Cesspool
- Class 4 Septic Tank and Leaching Field
- Class 5 Holding Tank
A replacement sewage system to service an existing residence
The replacement of any component of a sewage system

Sewage system reviews are required:

To determine the impact of changes to both main buildings and detached accessory buildings on the existing sewage system.
For any changes to your dwelling that include adding or renovating a bedroom, plumbing fixtures, or living space
For any building additions that include adding a bedroom, plumbing fixtures, living space, deck or porch, carport, garage, pool
For any proposed construction of accessory buildings to be added onto the property such as a garage, shed, bunkie, boathouse
For a proposal to change the use of the building such as adding a home occupation (e.g. Hair salon, bakery)

Sewage system permits are not required for:

Construction of a Class 1 Sewage System
- Portable Privy
- Earth Pit Privy
- Privy Vault

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive my permit?

Sewage system permits for most residential sewage systems will be issued within 10 business days once the application package is deemed complete.

I want to purchase a vacant lot? Can I put a septic on it?

Not until you are also applying to construct the building that will connect to the proposed sewage system. Applications for a Sewage System Permit on vacant land will only be issued once the associated building permit application has been submitted, deemed substantially complete and any required lot grading and drainage plan has been approved.

To determine if a site is suitable for a septic system, it is recommended that you contact a Sewage System Installer or Designer to complete a site assessment. The installer/designer would be able to provide information on the type of system, elevations and size.

Note: the Ontario Building Code requires vacant land to be developed with a Class 4 sewage disposal system, septic tank and disposal field. If the property size will not support the design of a Class 4 system the property may not be eligible to be developed.

How do I find information on my existing septic?

Please see our Building and Septic Search of Records page for further information.

What happens if my septic is more than 10,000 litres per day?

Large or Municipal systems (more than 10,000 litres per day) and sewage systems located off-lot are regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

How do I find my well record?

Well records are available through the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. You can look for your record at https://www.ontario.ca/page/map-well-records. You can contact the Peterborough District Office at 1-800-387-7011 with any questions.

Septic Do's and Don'ts

Do

Connect all household plumbing to the septic tank
Pump your tank routinely and have the pumper clean the effluent filter where applicable. Every three to five years is recommended
Check the condition of both inlet and outlet baffles at the time of pumping
Conserve water use in your house to reduce the amount of wastewater for treatment
Only use the dishwasher or laundry machine when there is a full load, use low flow shower heads and taps. Fix all dripping taps and running water immediately
Encourage a good cover of grass over the leaching bed. Good ventilation and adequate sunlight should be maintained
Check with the sewage system inspector at the building department prior to any changes to your property such as additions, renovations, additional buildings or added bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. to ensure they will not impact the system
Familiarize yourself with the location of your system and keep a reference diagram in a safe place. The City of Kawartha Lakes maintains the Sewage System records back to 1974
Repair leaky plumbing fixtures
Spread the number of loads of laundry throughout the week
Divert surface water away from the leaching bed
Test your well water regularly, at least three times a year, to check for bacteria indicators

Don’t

Don’t allow roof drains to discharge to the septic tank or surface waters to drain towards the area of the leaching bed
Don’t drive or park any vehicles over the septic tank or tile bed area including snowmobiles or ATV’s
Don’t plant trees where the root system could gain access to the weeping lines
Don’t discharge the backwash from any water treatment device (water softener, iron remover etc.) into a sewage disposal system, unless it has been property designed for it
Don’t pave or construct on top of the septic tank or leaching bed
Don’t flush anything into the septic system that does not break down naturally, pharmaceuticals (including products from chemo therapy), cigarette butts, sanitary products, paint thinners, hazardous chemicals or cleaners, grease, household garbage or food wastes
Don’t enter the tank, the gases and lock of oxygen can be fatal
Don’t allow livestock on the leaching bed
Don’t drain hot tub and spa water to the septic system
Don’t use a garbage disposal unit/garburator unless your system has been designed for it
Don’t connect the leaching bed or greywater system to an agricultural field drain
You do not need to add any special additive to enhance the performance of your tank or system, normal regular use is all that is needed

Contact the Building and Septic Division

Building and Septic Division
180 Kent Street West, Lindsay ON, K9V 2Y6
P: 705-324-9411 Ext. 1288
buildingadmin@kawarthalakes.ca

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