Determine the type of sewage system for the location on which you are planning to build. Then follow the steps for new and existing homes and for municipal or on-site systems.

Municipal Sewer System

If you are making structural changes to an existing residence that is already connected to a municipal sewer system , you do not need any additional sewer permit to obtain your building permit.

If you are building a new residence or setting up new manufactured housing and will be using a municipal sewer system , you need to obtain your building permit before you get your sewer connection account. Then, contact your local Water & Sewer System Authority for instructions on how to set up an account.

For municipal sewer service, the following items are required in addition to fees:

1. A legal description of the property
2. A detailed set of construction plans
3. A copy of the building permit

On-Site Sewage Systems (Septic Tanks)

If you are making structural changes to an existing residence and will be using an existing septic tank , you must obtain an On-Site Sewage System Certificate of Approval from the Mobile County Health Department.

A new residence being built, at a new location, using a septic tank must have a licensed Engineer or Surveyor perform a percolation test and determine a septic tank system for the new residence. Then an On-Site Sewage System Certificate of Approval for the new system from the Mobile County Health Department must be obtained.

The Health Department will check to make sure the on-site sewage system you propose is adequate to handle the new residence or that your existing system is adequate for the renovation you plan. The Health Department Certificate will either:

• Approve the proposed system
• Require a different type and size of system
• Certify that the existing system is adequate for your renovation

NOTE: In some cases, a system approved for small manufactured housing or house can not be certified for a larger home. This is because requirements for on-site sewage systems are based on factors like the size of the house and the number of bedrooms. Even if you have the same number of people in the new residence, you may need a bigger system.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Call Mobile County Health Department at (251) 634-9802 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Location and other telephone numbers:

1110 Schillinger Rd. N., Suite 200
Mobile, AL 36608