Onsite Septic Program
Welcome to the Onsite Septic Department Page
The Onsite Septic Program is a full-service program that provides permitting, inspections, and technical support for the design, installation, and maintenance of septic systems. Septic systems are the most common method of sewage treatment for homes and businesses that are not connected to a centralized sewer system.
At its most basic, a septic system consists of two main components:
- A septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom and begin to decompose, and
- A drainfield (or leach field), where the liquid effluent is discharged and further treated by naturally occurring bacteria in the soil.
In areas with high groundwater, limited space, steep slopes, or poor soil conditions, more advanced or alternative septic systems may be required. These systems often include components such as sand filters, pressure distribution, or aerobic treatment units to ensure wastewater is properly treated before it reaches groundwater or surface water. There are sites not suitable for an onsite system.
The goal of the Onsite Septic Program is to protect public health and water quality by ensuring that all septic systems in Coos County are appropriately designed, installed, and maintained according to state and local regulations.
For inspections please call the inspection line at 541-266-1098, onsiteseptic@co.coos.or.us use the e-permitting system or call the main office at 541-396-7770. For questions or assistance please call 541-396-7770 or email.
Counter Hours
Community Development is open during regular business hours. Our expert permit specialists are available for walk-in services Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm unless otherwise posted for holidays or training.
Appointments and ADA Access
If you need to see specific staff members, please submit an appointment form to ensure availability of time and space for your needs. If you require access to ADA entrances, please call us or email, and we will make arrangements to ensure clear entrance. Please contact the department for further information.
Appointment RequestProgram Topics
- What you should know about Septic Systems: What to know before you buy undeveloped property or a home with an existing septic system, information on installing a new system and maintaining a system, and signs of system failure
- Forms and Guidelines: Application forms and guideline packets, business licensing forms, product approval application forms and checklists, variance applications and more.
- Rules and Regulations: Oregon Administrative Rules and Revised Statues. Important information on Time of Transfer Inspections.
- Sewage Disposal Service Business Licensing/Installer/Maintenance Provider Certification: Sewage Disposal Service Business licensing information, database and application forms
- Approved Products and Product Approval: Information on onsite wastewater system products and technology approved in Oregon and on getting product approval
Search Septic Records
- Oregon Record Management Solution: Search historic septic records for properties located in Coos County.
E-Permitting and Applications
Oregon ePermitting and a guide to submitting an application