Septic Permit Application and Approvals in Miami — DERM Permit Process & Requirements

All new or replacement septic systems require mandatory prior written approval from Miami-Dade DERM Director before construction begins (Miami-Dade County), making permit approval essential first step in installation process. Septic permit application in Miami-Dade typically costs $500-$2,000 in permit fees depending on system type, property use, and application complexity, with additional costs for site evaluation, design, and engineering services.

Permit application requires scaled site plan showing structures, property lines, setbacks, system location, soil evaluation report, OSTDS design specifications conforming to Chapter 62-6, and professional engineer credentials (Florida DOH). DERM review and approval process typically takes 4-8 weeks after complete application submission, though timeline varies based on application completeness, site complexity, and DERM workload.

Required documentation includes DEP4015 application forms, sewer capacity certification from DRER, site plan with property boundaries and setbacks, system design plans, proof of property ownership, and contractor licensing information (EPA). After permit approval, contractors must schedule and pass inspections by Miami-Dade County Department of Health and building department before backfill and site restoration, with system becoming operational only after final inspection approval.

How much do Septic Permit Applications cost in Miami?

Permit fees vary based on system type, property use, and application complexity. Most Miami-Dade property owners spend $500-$2,000 for permit fees (Miami-Dade Permits), with additional costs for site evaluation, design, and engineering services.

Permit fee breakdown:

DERM permit application: DERM application fees cost $500-$2,000 depending on system type and complexity. Application review and processing fees included. Fee structure based on system classification.

Site evaluation review: Site evaluation review fees cost $300-$800. Review of soil testing and site assessment included. Additional review fees for complex sites.

Design review: System design review fees cost $500-$1,500. Engineering review and compliance verification included. Review fees based on design complexity.

Additional fees: Building department permit fees cost $400-$1,200. Health department review fees cost $200-$500. Total permit fees typically cost $1,900-$5,000. Multiple agency fees required.

Total costs including services:

• Site evaluation: $800-$1,500
• Engineering design: $1,000-$3,000
• Permit fees: $500-$2,000
• Total application costs: $2,300-$6,500 typically

Professional permit application ensures proper fee calculation and payment (Miami-Dade County). Licensed engineers and contractors provide comprehensive application services including fee management.

Need help today?

Same-day service across Miami-Dade. Licensed & insured.

Call Miami Septic Pros

What permits are needed?

Septic system installation requires permits from multiple agencies:

DERM approval:

• Mandatory prior written approval from DERM Director
• Required before any construction begins
• Based on complete application package
• Approval ensures regulatory compliance

DRER certification:

• Sewer capacity certification if applicable
• Wastewater allocation letter
• System capacity verification
• Required for permit approval

Building department permit:

• Plumbing permit for installation
• Construction permit if required
• Local building code compliance
• Municipality-specific requirements

Health department approval:

• Florida DOH review and approval
• Health code compliance verification
• System safety and sanitation review
• Required for system operation

System-specific permits:

• Advanced treatment system operating permits
• Annual operating permits for certain systems
• Performance-based system permits
• System-specific regulatory requirements

Multiple agency permits required for complete compliance (Florida DOH). Professional contractors coordinate with all agencies ensuring proper permit acquisition.

Application process step-by-step

Permit application follows structured sequence ensuring proper approval:

Step 1: Site evaluation and design

Complete site evaluation and system design including soil testing, system type selection, engineering design, and preparation of design specifications. Site evaluation and design must be completed before permit application. Design provides foundation for permit approval.

Step 2: Compile required documentation

Gather all required documentation including DEP4015 application forms, site plan with property boundaries and setbacks, soil evaluation report, system design specifications, proof of property ownership, contractor licensing information, and professional engineer credentials. Documentation completeness essential for approval.

Step 3: Submit DERM application

Submit complete application package to Miami-Dade DERM including all required documentation, permit application forms, design plans, and supporting materials. Application submission initiates review process. Complete applications process faster than incomplete submissions.

Step 4: DERM review process

DERM reviews application for compliance with Ordinance 22-83, verifies system design meets requirements, checks documentation completeness, evaluates site conditions and constraints, and determines approval or denial. Review process typically takes 4-8 weeks.

Step 5: Address any deficiencies

If DERM requests additional information or revisions, respond promptly with required materials, revise designs if needed, provide clarification on any issues, and resubmit revised application. Addressing deficiencies promptly prevents delays.

Step 6: Receive DERM approval

DERM issues approval letter authorizing construction to begin. Approval includes conditions and requirements that must be met. Approval letter required before installation can start.

Step 7: Obtain additional permits

After DERM approval, obtain building department permit, health department approval if required, and any additional local permits needed. Multiple agency permits may be required depending on location.

Step 8: Begin installation

After all permits obtained, licensed contractor can begin installation following approved plans and specifications. Installation must comply with permit conditions.

Following proper application process ensures timely approval and compliance (EPA). Professional contractors manage entire process coordinating with all agencies.

Required documentation

Complete permit application requires comprehensive documentation:

Application forms:

• DEP4015 application form (page 1)
• Site plan form (DEP4015, page 2)
• Application forms properly completed
• All required fields filled accurately

Site documentation:

• Scaled site plan showing structures
• Property boundaries and lines
• Setback distances and measurements
• System location and placement
• Water wells and surface waters

Design documentation:

• Soil evaluation report
• System design specifications
• Engineering calculations
• System type justification
• Treatment specifications

Property documentation:

• Proof of property ownership
• Property deed or title
• Authorization if not owner
• Property description and address

Professional documentation:

• Professional engineer credentials
• Contractor licensing information
• Professional certifications
• Experience documentation

Additional documentation:

• Sewer capacity certification if applicable
• Wastewater allocation letters
• Environmental assessments if needed
• Special permits or approvals

Documentation completeness essential for permit approval (Miami-Dade Permits). Professional contractors ensure all required documentation properly prepared and submitted.

Timeline for permit approval

Permit approval process typically takes 4-8 weeks:

Application preparation: 1-2 weeks

Preparing complete application package including site evaluation, design, documentation compilation, and form completion typically takes 1-2 weeks. Preparation time depends on property complexity and design requirements.

DERM review: 4-8 weeks

DERM review and approval process typically takes 4-8 weeks after complete application submission. Timeline varies based on application completeness, site complexity, DERM workload, and whether revisions are needed. Complete applications process faster than incomplete submissions.

Revision and resubmission: 2-4 weeks

If revisions are needed, addressing deficiencies and resubmission typically takes additional 2-4 weeks. Revision timeline depends on complexity of changes required.

Additional permits: 1-2 weeks

Obtaining additional permits from building department and health department typically takes 1-2 weeks after DERM approval. Additional permit timeline varies by agency.

Total timeline: 6-12 weeks

Complete permit application process from initial submission through all approvals typically takes 6-12 weeks. Timeline can extend if revisions are needed or agency workloads are heavy. Understanding timeline helps property owners plan appropriately.

Professional contractors manage process to minimize duration while ensuring compliance (Miami-Dade County). Early preparation and complete documentation reduce approval timeline.

What happens after approval

After permit approval, installation and inspection process begins:

Installation phase:

• Licensed contractor begins installation
• Following approved plans and specifications
• Compliance with permit conditions
• Professional installation practices

Inspection requirements:

• Miami-Dade County Department of Health inspection
• Local building department inspection
• Inspections required before backfill
• Inspections verify compliance with approved plans

Inspection scheduling:

• Contractor schedules inspections when ready
• Inspections at key installation stages
• Final inspection before system use
• System must pass all inspections

System activation:

• System becomes operational after final inspection
• Approval for use issued after inspection
• System registration with DERM required
• Ongoing compliance requirements

Ongoing compliance:

• Annual operating permits for certain systems
• Regular maintenance requirements
• Compliance with permit conditions
• System performance monitoring

Proper installation and inspection ensure system function and compliance (Florida DOH). Professional contractors manage installation and coordinate inspections ensuring successful completion.

Professional application benefits

Professional permit application provides multiple advantages:

Compliance assurance:

• Meeting all Miami-Dade County requirements
• Proper documentation preparation
• Compliance with regulatory standards
• Avoiding permit delays and rejections

Timely processing:

• Complete application submissions
• Proper documentation reduces review time
• Efficient agency coordination
• Minimizing approval timeline

Expert guidance:

• Understanding permit requirements
• Navigating multi-agency process
• Addressing deficiencies promptly
• Optimizing application for approval

Cost efficiency:

• Proper fee calculation
• Avoiding unnecessary costs
• Preventing rejection and resubmission fees
• Optimizing total application costs

Professional application ensures compliance, timely processing, and successful approval (EPA). Licensed engineers and contractors provide comprehensive application services meeting all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you apply for a septic permit?

Apply for septic permit by completing site evaluation and system design, compiling all required documentation including DEP4015 forms, site plan, soil evaluation report, design specifications, and proof of ownership, submitting complete application package to Miami-Dade DERM, undergoing DERM review process, addressing any deficiencies if requested, receiving DERM approval, and obtaining additional permits from building and health departments. Professional contractors manage entire application process coordinating with all agencies.

What permits do you need for a septic system?

Septic system installation requires mandatory prior written approval from Miami-Dade DERM Director, building department permit for installation, health department approval for operation, sewer capacity certification from DRER if applicable, and system-specific operating permits for advanced treatment systems. All permits must be obtained before installation begins. Multiple agency permits required for complete compliance.

How much do septic permits cost?

Septic permit application in Miami-Dade typically costs $500-$2,000 in permit fees depending on system type, property use, and application complexity. DERM application fees cost $500-$2,000. Site evaluation review costs $300-$800. Design review costs $500-$1,500. Total permit fees typically cost $1,300-$4,300. Additional costs for site evaluation, design, and engineering services bring total application costs to $2,300-$6,500 typically.

How long does it take to get a septic permit?

DERM review and approval process typically takes 4-8 weeks after complete application submission, though timeline varies based on application completeness, site complexity, and DERM workload. Complete permit application process from initial submission through all approvals typically takes 6-12 weeks total. Timeline can extend if revisions are needed or agency workloads are heavy. Professional contractors manage process to minimize duration.

What documents are needed for septic permit?

Required documentation includes DEP4015 application forms properly completed, scaled site plan showing structures, property boundaries, and setbacks, soil evaluation report with percolation test results, system design specifications conforming to Chapter 62-6, proof of property ownership or authorization, professional engineer credentials and contractor licensing information, and sewer capacity certification if applicable. Documentation completeness essential for approval.

What happens after permit approval?

After permit approval, licensed contractor begins installation following approved plans, schedules and passes inspections by Miami-Dade County Department of Health and building department before backfill and site restoration, system becomes operational only after final inspection approval, system must be registered with DERM, and ongoing compliance requirements must be met including annual operating permits for certain systems and regular maintenance. Professional contractors manage installation and coordinate inspections.

Can permit applications be denied?

Permit applications may be denied if system design doesn't meet requirements, documentation is incomplete or inaccurate, site conditions prevent proper installation, setback requirements cannot be met, environmental constraints prevent compliance, or other factors make installation unfeasible. If denied, DERM provides reasons for denial, revisions may address concerns, revised application must be resubmitted, or alternative solutions may be necessary. Professional contractors address denial reasons and revise applications accordingly.

Get a clear, no-pressure quote

Describe your job. We'll confirm price and schedule.

Get My Free Quote