The Clark County Health Department adheres to Indiana State Department of Health regulations as applied to septic system installations in Clark County. Every effort is made to work with homeowners, developers, and real estate agencies to accommodate the needs of the homeowner, but maintain adherence to the most current rules and regulations.
Although no septic system is guaranteed to function correctly, following the rules and regulations established by the Indiana State Department of Health greatly increases the successful installation and functionality of your septic system.
If you need additional assistance please call 812-282-7521 to speak with an environmentalist.
How do I apply for a septic system permit in Clark County, Indiana?
Septic System Permit Applications
If you're in the process of building a new residential home on your property or the current residential septic system is not functioning correctly and cannot be repaired; the information below will help guide you through the processes. If you have additional questions please speak with an environmentalist at 812-282-7521.
Residential On-Site Waste Water Disposal System Permit Application
If you're building a new home on a site that does not have an existing, functional septic system or are repairing/replacing an existing septic system you must apply for a permit. Please follow the instructions included within this application packet. If you should have any questions anywhere in the process regarding the septic system process please contact an environmentalist at 812-282-7521. For questions regarding building permits in Clark County please contact the plan commission at 812-285-6287.
More Information
The Indiana State Department of Health website has more information regarding residential wastewater septic systems. Information includes lists of acceptable pipes used, approved septic tanks, registered soil scientists in Indiana, sewage diseases and more.
Where are the forms for septic system applications?
The following is a list of forms, documents and applications regarding septic systems.
- Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3
- Application for Home Loan Inspection
- Application for Private Sewage Disposal System Installer Permit
- Commercial On-Site Sewage Disposal System Procedures
- Existing Septic System Verification
- On-Site Waste Water Disposal System Permit Application
- Septic System Installer Exam
- Subdivision Plan Review
- Subdivision Septic System Approval Procedures
How can I get an inspection of an existing septic system?
Existing Septic System Inspection
In some instances, a homeowner may wish to replace a modular home with a newer home, add onto an existing structure, or a catastrophic event has damaged the existing home beyond repair requiring replacement. If you have an existing septic system that services the property, you may not need to replace or invest in a new system. A homeowner wishing to replace a structure will need to complete an Existing Septic System Verification form and submit it to this office. The septic tank ports or risers must be exposed and lids removable prior to inspection, please utilize the diagram in the packet for help in determining location of these items. Failure to uncover and have lids easily removable will delay the inspection process.
Once this office is notified that the lids and tanks are accessible an inspection will be completed by an environmentalist and an approval or denial letter will be issued based on the findings of that inspection. If an approval is granted an additional inspection will be completed approximately 90 days after occupancy to determine if system is still functional.
In the event that the septic system is found non-functional either initially or after the 90 day check, a Septic System Application must be completed and a repair/replacement will be required. Please contact an environmentalist at 812-282-7521 if the system is determined to be non-functional for assistance and possible solutions.
Building Permits
All necessary county building or structural permits are issued through the Clark County Plan Commission, to contact this department call 812-285-6287.
How can I find a septic system installer in my area?
Please Note: The Clark County Health Department does not recommend or endorse any of the contractors/installers provided on the list below.
However, individuals or owner/operators must pass a basic exam prior to installing any on-site sewage disposal system in Clark County. This list is provided solely for your convenience and like any other service, references should be acquired prior to contracting any company for services.
How can I become a septic system installer in Clark County, Indiana?
To become a septic system installer in Clark County, you must complete both the application and the exam. The exam emphasizes the standard requirements for installing septic systems. Most of the answers for the exam can be found in the Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 from the Indiana State Department of Health. If you cannot find the correct answer in that publication, use any source available to you to answer the questions.
Application for Private Sewage Disposal System Installer Permit
To obtain an installer permit you must successfully pass the written exam and pay any applicable fees. If you are unable to pass the exam you or a representative of your company must set up an appointment with one of our staff and review septic installations. Upon successful completion, this office will review your application and issue the appropriate permit.
Please Note: If you successfully pass the exam issued by the Indiana OnSite Waste Water Professionals Association (IOWPA) you will not be required to complete the exam offered by the Clark County Health Department, however you must complete the Application for Private Sewage Disposal System Installer Permit and pay any required application fee . Click here for information from IOWPA
Where can I find a septic system engineer to design my septic system?
If you need an engineer to design your septic system, please note the following information:
- The Clark County Health Department does not endorse nor recommend any of the engineers on this list
- Provided below is a list of known engineers in the Clark County area only
- If you decide to hire an engineer to design your system you may seek other engineers that are not listed on this page
- You should hire an engineer if your initial application for a septic system has been denied due to the inability to meet the requirements of Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3. An engineer may submit a design, but the design must meet the requirements of Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 and be reviewed by the Clark County Health Department.
- Using an engineer to design your system DOES NOT guarantee approval for an on-site sewage disposal system (septic system)
- For commercial businesses, we recommend that you get as many references as possible before hiring an engineer
- Soil data must be performed by a soil scientist only, and be supervised by the project engineer. (NOTE: Sites are not always suitable for septic systems)
- Soil testing must be provided to encompass entire septic area in design
- If the location is not large enough to support design, more than one area may be necessary and more soil data must be provided.
- All of the above is at your expense.
Click here for the Clark County Engineer List
Where can I find a registered soil scientist in Clark County, Indiana?
The Clark County Health Department requires soil testing for the installation of a septic system for both repairs and new installations.
How can I get a septic system plan for a subdivision?
Before lots are designed in a subdivision that will be serviced by on-site wastewater disposal systems, it would be advantageous to predetermine favorable locations for the septic systems prior to establishing lot lines. Once acceptable soils are discovered, appropriate lot lines could be drawn for the proposed development.
Procedures and Forms
The procedures for subdivision plan approval are outlined in the documents below. Review these documents and return the subdivision plan review application and plats to the Clark County Health Department with the appropriate fee(s).
How do I get a septic system inspection for my home loan application?
Occasionally a mortgage company may require an inspection of the desired property's septic system for a home loan. These services are often offered by private companies but can also be provided by the Clark County Health Department. If you need this service please complete the home loan/existing septic inspection form and return it to our office.
The septic tank ports or risers must be exposed and lids removable prior to inspection, please utilize the diagram in the packet for help in determining location of these items. Failure to uncover and have lids easily removable will delay the inspection process.
Once this office is notified that the lids and tanks are accessible an inspection will be completed by an environmentalist and an approval or denial letter will be issued based on the findings of that inspection.
How do I install a septic system for my commercial business?
The Indiana State Department of Health is the primary contact for engineering and planning phase of commercial onsite disposal systems. If you are thinking of opening a restaurant, auto shop, etc... that is not serviced by a municipal sewer, please click Commercial On-Site Sewage Disposal System Procedures.
