Septic Permits in East Tennessee: Who to Call by County

When you need a permit

According to TDEC, a septic system permit is required for the construction, modification, or repair of a septic system. The Knox County Health Department likewise requires a permit before any repair, alteration, or new construction begins. In short: if work is being done on the tank, lines, or drain field, plan on a permit.

Who to call

• Knox County (Knoxville, Farragut, Hardin Valley, Karns, Powell, Halls, Corryton): Knox County Health Department, Groundwater Protection. 865-215-5200, ext. 1. 140 Dameron Ave, Knoxville. The department notes repair permits are granted at no charge.
• Loudon County (Lenoir City, Loudon, Tellico Village): TDEC Division of Water Resources, Knoxville Environmental Field Office, 865-594-6035. Apply online through TDEC.
• Anderson County (Oak Ridge, Clinton, Oliver Springs): TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office, 865-594-6035.
• Blount County (Maryville, Alcoa, Louisville): Blount County Environmental Health administers septic rules under TDEC regulations. Call to confirm where to apply.

Office responsibilities and contact details can change. Call before you start a project to confirm the right office and process.

Types of permits and services

TDEC’s online services include conventional septic permits, repair permits, modification permits (for example, when adding bedrooms), alternative system permits for sites that can’t support a standard system, subdivision evaluations, and inspection letters that document the status of an existing system.

Finding records for an existing system

In Knox County, request a file search from the Health Department. In TDEC-served counties, use TDEC’s online septic permit record search. Records can show system type, tank size, design capacity, and drain field location, which is useful for buyers, sellers, and anyone planning repairs.