Recently, the State of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper approved a bill extending all septic tank permits that had previously expired (going back to January 1, 2000) to make them valid again. Not only that, they are transferable with ownership. That means if your property had a septic tank permit issued 2000 and later, your permit is good regardless of who owned it when the permit was issued.

Normally in Cherokee County, a septic permit costs $600, takes 3-5 weeks to obtain, and is valid 5 years. Being able to use a formerly expired permit is a huge boost to property owners, real estate agents, land developers, and more. Saving both time and money, it is a boost for the economy allowing a more streamlined process to begin building and construction.

Septic systems are the primary means for wastewater disposal and treatment in our area and throughout much of the United States. While system designs can vary, I’ve written an article about septic systems and their cost here in Murphy NC you can read.

Click the link below to see the document the Cherokee County Environmental Health Department provided. A site inspection by the county’s soil scientist is required PRIOR to installing a septic system designed on a previously expired permit. The soil scientist is going to make sure waste water requirements are met; for example, the sewage is not too close to yours or another drinking well so as not to contaminate it, the site has not drastically altered, and other regulations are met. Once the system is installed, a final visit is made so they can get the system certified to meet all requirements and issue the Operations Permit stating the system is properly installed. Then, you can flush away! 🙂

For all those who made this bill possible, THANK YOU! It is excellent for Cherokee and Clay County and all public of North Carolina.

septic permit extension thru 2020 governor’s bill <—- download the pdf here