Washington County Environmental Health issues septic system permits for households that are not served by public sewer. These households usually depend on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater.
A septic system has three main parts: the septic tank, the drainfield and the soil. A septic tank separates solids from wastewater and stores and decomposes the solid matter. The resulting liquid discharged from the septic tank seeps into a drainfield. The bacteria present in the soil below the drainfield complete the final treatment of the wastewater. The soil also determines which type of septic system is suitable for a property.
A malfunctioning septic system is a health hazard; properly functioning septic systems treat sewage to prevent ground and surface water pollution.
Please submit requests for Septic (as-built) records through the GovQA public records request portal.
Fee Change Notice
Beginning May 1, 2025, a fee will be assessed for staff time in responding to public records requests directed to Environmental Health in Washington County per ORS 192.324. The cost of a general request will be greater than $25 therefore, the requester will be notified for approval prior to the request being fulfilled. The expected cost should be less than $35. If it is determined that the fee will be greater after the research begins due to excessive time, the requester will be notified for approval before the request is completed. All fees must be paid in full before the research will begin. Any questions regarding this information can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 503-846-8722.
Forms and Applications
Visit the Public Permitting and Services Portal to submit septic applications. First-time users will need to complete the one-time account registration process. Watch the How-to-Register video. Once an account is created, you can obtain septic permits, track status, search for permits, schedule an inspection and view results.
Site Evaluation - tests soils to determine septic system requirements
Permits
- New Construction - Brand new systems
- Repair - Repair an existing system or if existing system is failing
- Alteration - Make changes to a current system
Authorization - Add bedrooms, replace home/dwelling, and health hardships
File Review - Additional structures or additions to structures on the property other than additional bedrooms or structures of health hardship
Existing System Evaluation - Environmental health specialist evaluates existing septic system