Sourced from official Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) On-Site Sewage System application process documentation — last checked July 2026.
Quick answer: installing or replacing a septic system in Pierce County requires hiring a Washington State–licensed septic designer or professional engineer, getting your design approved by TPCHD, obtaining an installation permit, and submitting a final record drawing that TPCHD must formally accept. Your system isn’t legally approved for use — and Pierce County won’t release your building permit final — until that record drawing is accepted.
You Can’t Design Your Own System
Unlike some minor home projects, septic system design in Pierce County isn’t a DIY option. You’re required to hire a Washington State licensed septic designer or professional engineer to evaluate your site and prepare the system proposal. They handle the technical plan; you and your installer handle the rest of the process alongside them.
2026 TPCHD Fee Schedule
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Design, new single-family system | $1,020 |
| Design, single-family repair | $960 |
| Installation permit | $480 |
| Installation permit, tank replacement only | $240 |
| Septic/tank repair application | $360 |
| Septic/tank replacement application | $720 |
| Tank pumping report entered in OnlineRME | $60 |
| Re-inspection (general) | $360 |
2026 hourly rate: $240/hour for work beyond the base fee. Sourced from TPCHD as of July 2026.
The Permit Process, Step by Step
Based on TPCHD’s published On-Site Sewage System application process. Your building permit final depends on this record drawing being accepted.
Your designer or engineer visits the property, evaluates the site, and prepares a septic system proposal. They then submit a complete application package to TPCHD along with the required fees — incomplete applications are subject to a resubmittal fee, so getting it right the first time matters. Once TPCHD approves the design, you’ll obtain an installation permit and have the system installed. After installation, a final record drawing showing exactly what was built is submitted, and TPCHD’s goal is to review it within about 10 business days — though this isn’t guaranteed. Once accepted, the file is digitized as a permanent record, and your system is officially approved for use.
Why This Can Take Longer Than You’d Expect
Two things commonly extend this timeline. First, an incomplete or deficient application triggers a resubmittal fee and restarts part of the review clock. Second, if your property involves a critical area — floodplain, wetlands, geological hazard, or protected habitat — a separate environmental review may be required before or alongside your septic application, which Pierce County itself notes can add significant time to a project schedule. If you suspect your parcel might involve a critical area, requesting a pre-application screening early is worth the effort.
Your Building Permit Depends on This
This is the detail that catches people off guard: your septic system is not approved for use until TPCHD accepts the record drawing — not simply once installation is physically finished. Pierce County’s Building Department requires proof of that acceptance before releasing your building permit final. In other words, a delay in your septic approval is a delay in your entire project’s completion, not just a side issue.
Where to Submit Paperwork
Most applications and forms can be submitted online through TPCHD’s permitting system. If you can’t submit online, paperwork can be submitted in person or by mail to: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, 3629 S. D St., MS 1035, Tacoma, WA 98418.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I design my own septic system in Pierce County?
No — Pierce County requires a Washington State licensed septic designer or professional engineer to design your system; homeowners cannot self-design for a permit.
How long does TPCHD take to review a record drawing?
TPCHD’s goal is 10 business days, though incomplete submittals or deficiencies require resubmittal and add time — this isn’t a guaranteed turnaround.
When is my septic system considered legally approved for use?
Only after TPCHD accepts your final record drawing — not simply after installation is physically complete.
Does my building permit depend on my septic permit?
Yes — Pierce County’s Building Department won’t release your building final until you provide proof that TPCHD has accepted your septic system’s record drawing.
What can delay my septic permit timeline?
Incomplete applications trigger resubmittal fees, and projects in critical areas (wetlands, floodplains, habitat) may require a separate environmental review that adds significant time.
Where do I submit septic permit paperwork if I can't do it online?
You can submit in person or by mail to Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, 3629 S. D St., MS 1035, Tacoma, WA 98418.
How much are the fees charged by TPCHD for permits?
TPCHD’s 2026 fee schedule covers several different scenarios depending on your project. A new single-family system design runs $1,020 ($960 for a repair design), and the installation permit itself is $480 (just $240 if you’re only replacing the tank). Repair and replacement applications are $360 and $720 respectively, and having a tank pumping report entered in OnlineRME is $60. Any work requiring extra review time beyond the base fee is billed at $240/hour. See the full fee table above for the complete breakdown.