Rules & Permits
The septic system is governed by Oregon DEQ rules under OAR 340-071, with Polk County Environmental Health acting as the contracted agent for permits and inspections.
Permit lifecycle
- A new septic construction permit requires site evaluation approval, the permit application, a plot plan, land-use approval, and a fee.
- Once issued, the permit expires if work is not started within 180 days of issuance, OR if construction is suspended for 180 days at any time after work begins.
- Expiration can be avoided by submitting a written progress report or extension request before the 180-day mark.
- An expired permit can be renewed within two years of expiration via a Permit Renewal Request Form, provided original plans haven’t changed. There’s an admin fee plus an inspection fee for each remaining inspection.
- If more than two years have passed since expiration, the project needs a fresh site evaluation and a new construction permit.
- A field visit is required if the county has no records of the system or if the system was installed more than 10 years ago.
Who can install
Oregon DEQ rules (OAR 340-071-0600) permit:
- The property owner can install their own septic system.
- The property owner’s regular employee can install it (this covers Eli, who’s on Dave’s Gusto payroll).
- A DEQ-licensed installer can also be hired.
The licensed-installer rule applies to businesses operating as installer services. It does not block homeowner-and-employee installation.
Design standards
- Standard subsurface systems are governed by OAR 340-071-0220.
- General prohibitions and requirements: OAR 340-071-0130.
- Polk County publishes its forms and packets at its Environmental Health page.
Key contacts
- Polk County Community Development / Environmental Health: 503-623-9237
- Office address: 850 Main Street, Dallas, OR 97338
- Oregon DEQ Residential Septic page: oregon.gov/deq/residential