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Planning Library>Land Use Planning Information>Septic Systems>Locating a Septic System - Site Layout
Locating a Septic System - Site Layout
A complete layout of your site, including dimensions, is needed before designing a septic system. Every county has certain regulations concerning the location of septic systems. Consult your County Health Department for the regulations that apply in your county.
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For example, your county's health department regulations may require that the drain field of a septic system be located a minimum of TEN FEET from the foundation walls of any buildings and that septic tanks must be at least FIVE FEET from foundation walls.

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Your county's SANITARY CODE may require that the drain field be located some minimum distance from any water supply well. Don't forget your neighbor's well.
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The Health Department may require that drain fields be set back a distance from property lines (e.g., no closer than TEN FEET).

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Drain fields should be kept at a safe distance from lakes or streams. Site specific recommendations should be obtained from your County Health Department before planning construction.
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Drain fields may have minimum set backs from any drop-off such as a ditch under the regulations of some health departments (e.g., no less than FIFTEEN FEET).

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Some counties require a minimum distance from utility lines as well.
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After accounting for all of these separation distances, you can determine the usable area remaining.

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Don't forget to allow for any possible future construction. Don't locate your drain field in a location that would be ideal for a pool, deck, basketball court, or some other future additio
This page last updated on 10/10/2006.
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