Chatham-Kent | Septic Permit

The on-site sewer systems are regulated by the Chatham-Kent Township under the Ontario Building Code Act. The municipality issues permits and checks all sewage systems with a daily design flow of less than 10,000 liters per day.

A septic tank permit is required for new construction, replacement of existing system tanks and the addition or extension of lines.

It is a requirement that local sewer systems be designed and installed by licensed professionals who are qualified by the Department of Local Housing and Affairs. You can install and repair your own septic tank, but you still need approval and inspection from the building authority.

Send your completed worksheet, your signed and completed application and your site plan (details below) to [email protected]. Please note that the largest paper size we can print is 11 “by 17”. Larger drawings must be returned to the Chatham Civic Center or mailed.

For questions or more information about septic permits, please call 519-352-8401 x 3215 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

preparation

Use the following as a guide when preparing your drawings for a septic tank permit application.

Location map

The site plan should include:

  • The proposed septic location and dimensions
  • The location of any existing or planned buildings on the property, including swimming pools
  • Access routes – roads, driveways, etc.
  • The setbacks in property lines and waterways
  • Location of the well

Code requirements

The following are the general regulatory requirements for designing an on-site sewer system:

  • 3 meters (10 feet) from property lines
  • Tank must be at least 1.5 meters away from buildings
  • the bed area must be at least 5 meters (17 feet) from buildings
  • The bed area must be at least 15 meters (50 feet) from a drilled well or at least 30 meters (100 feet) from a dug well

The worksheet for designing sewage systems

Make sure, that:

  • Total number of fixture units
  • construction site
  • number of bedrooms
  • Daily design sanitary sewage flow (Q)
  • Size of the septic tank
  • Soil type
  • Percolation rate (T-time)
  • Total length of the manifold

How do I know if I have a problem with my septic system?

There are signs that you may have a problem with an on-site system. Warning signs of a failing septic system are:

  • Test results from well water show the presence of bacteria
  • The ground in the area is wet or muddy
  • Grass grows greener or faster in the area
  • Sewage smells in the house or yard
  • Plumbing backups in the house
  • Slow-draining sinks and toilets
  • Gurgling noises in the pipeline
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