Permitting Process
All systems must meet the same basic site suitability, permitting, and inspection criteria as any other onsite sewage disposal system. A permit is required for installation of a subsurface wastewater disposal system or components thereof. A permit is valid for work commenced within 24 months after the permit is issued. (See: 30-A M.R.S. § 4215).
Site requirements:
- The site must have passing soils and meet applicable setbacks.
- The owner or agent must obtain a valid permit prior to beginning construction of the system.
- The system must pass two inspections, one site prep before installation and one prior to final backfilling.
Applying:
- Installing a new, expanded, or replacement subsurface wastewater disposal system, or any individual components, requires a permit, except normal maintenance and repair.
- An application for a disposal system permit shall be made on forms provided or approved by the Department.
- Permit applications must be prepared by a licensed site evaluator (for non-engineered systems) or a professional engineer or a licensed site evaluator (for engineered systems),and require a site evaluation. Exceptions are replacement septic tanks and alternative toilets, other than pit privies. Such applications must include an adequate description of the proposed work.
- A subsurface wastewater disposal system design dated prior to the version of the Rules in effect at the time of permit issuance must be reviewed and updated as necessary by the Site Evaluator prior to the issuance of a permit.
- Notify the Licensed Plumbing Inspector (LPI) at least 24 hours before the system is ready for inspection. (This does not mean the LPI must inspect within 24 hours of notice.)
- The LPI must examine all applications for disposal system permits and amendments after a completed filing.
- If the application for a permit does not conform to the Rules and all other pertinent laws, ordinances and regulations, or if it is considered incomplete, the application must be rejected in writing within 14 days of a completed filing, stating the reasons why it was rejected.
- If the LPI is satisfied that the application meets the Rules and all other applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations a disposal system permit must be issued as soon as practicable.
- Three copies of the permit will be issued: owner's copy, the Town's copy, and a State copy.
Work:
- Work must not be started until the LPI has issued a disposal system permit for the work.
- Amendments to a subsurface wastewater disposal system permit, application for a permit, or any accompanying records, may be made at any time before work on the system is complete. Such amendments are deemed part of the original application for the disposal system permit and must be filed therewith.
| Permit | Scheduled Fee | 25% | Water Quality Surcharge (WQS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Non-Engineered System | $250.00 | $62.50 | $15.00 |
| Primitive/Limited System (graywater and alt toilet) | $100.00 | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Alternative Toilet | $50.00 | $12.50 | $15.00 |
| Non-Engineered Treatment Tank (includes Advanced Treatment Unit tanks) | $150.00 | $37.50 | WQS not applicable |
| Holding Tank | $100.00 | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Non-Engineered Disposal Field | $150.00 | $37.50 | WQS not applicable |
| Separated Laundry System | $35.00 | $8.75 | $15.00 |
| Complete Engineered System | $200.00 | $50.00 | WQS not applicable |
| Engineered Treatment Tank (only) | $80.00 | $20.00 | WQS not applicable |
| Engineered Disposal Field (only) | $150.00 | $37.50 | WQS not applicable |
| Miscellaneous Components | $30.00 | $7.50 | WQS not applicable |
| First-time Variances | $20.00 | $5.00 | WQS not applicable |
| Replacement System Variances | No state scheduled fees | ||
| Seasonal Conversion Permit | $50.00 | $12.50 | WQS not applicable |
| Work | Fee | 25% |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Fee (includes up to 4 fixtures/hook-ups) | $40.00 | $10.00 |
| Individual fixtures (over 4 total) | $10.00/each | $2.50 |
| Mobile or modular home – factory components only | $40.00 | $10.00 |
| Hook up to public sewer | $10.00 | $2.50 |
| Hook up to existing subsurface system | $10.00 | $2.50 |
| Piping relocation with no new fixtures | $10.00 | $2.50 |
| Permit transfer | $10.00 | $2.50 |
List of Forms Available for Download
Forms are listed alphabetically by title or primary purpose.
- Affidavit of Site Preparation - HHE-238B (Word)
- Certificate of Approvals - HHE-239 (PDF)
- Engineered System Application - HHE-220 (PDF)
- Holding Tank Application - HHE-233 (Word)
- Holding Tank Deed Covenant - HHE-300 (PDF)
- Inspection Checklist for LPIs (PDF)
- Internal Plumbing Permit Application - HHE-211: Download PDF Electronic Form – Standard (Complete by Hand)
- Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI) Appointment - HHE-FL5 (PDF)
- Minimum Lot Size Law Waiver Application - HHE-236 (Word)
- New Vendor & Vendor Update (PDF)
- Notice of Intent to Install a SSWW Disposal System...Expanded Structure - HHE-234 (Word)
- Notice of Permit (Word)
- Personal Reference for Site Evaluator Exam - HHE-217 (Word)
- Pre-Treatment Maintenance Agreement - HHE-300A (PDF)
- Product Registration - HHE-221 (PDF)
- Single Replacement Tank Only - HHE-200A (PDF)
- SSWW Disposal System Application - HHE-200, Page 1 (PDF)
- SSWW Disposal System Application - HHE-200, Page 2 (PDF)
- SSWW Disposal System Application - HHE-200, Page 2 (extra soil logs) (PDF)
- SSWW Disposal System Application - HHE-200, Page 2 (no grid) (PDF)
- SSWW Disposal System Application - HHE-200, Page 3 (PDF)
- SSWW Disposal System Application - HHE-200, Page 3 (no grid) (PDF)
- Statement of Compliance for Engineered Systems - HHE-220A (PDF)
- Statement of Rule Compliance - HHE-238A (Word)
- Variance Request Form - HHE-204 (PDF)
- Voluntary Septic System Inspection (Excel)
- Water Use Records Percentile Calculator Spreadsheet (Excel)
‘Fillable’ PDF Forms
Some of the forms on this page can be printed and completed by hand or filled-in using your computer (specific PDFs only).
- To ensure all functions operate properly, the forms should be opened and completed using Adobe® Reader. Click here to download and install the application. This is a safe and free download from Adobe®.
- IMPORTANT: If using the ‘fillable PDF’ option, do not attempt to complete these forms in a web browser such as Chrome or Edge, as some functions may not be available.
To use PDF forms on your computer, simply follow these easy steps:
- Download the form and save it to your computer, either on your desktop or in a folder you can easily access.
- Open the blank form at its location on your computer using the PDF Reader.
- ‘Save As’, re-naming the form using pertinent information that will help identify the document in the future (e.g., permit number, issue date, client name/address, etc.).
- Using your computer keyboard, fill-in all applicable fields; use the TAB key to navigate through the document.
- Click ‘Save’.
You may return to the form at a later time to revise and/or complete your work. Be sure to 'Save' subsequent additions/revisions. - Print for signature and/or mailing, or attach to an email for electronic submittal.
For assistance, please contact the Subsurface Wastewater Team: Email or phone (207) 287-2070.
Updated 12/3/2024