1. Determine the permitting authority
First confirm which authority regulates the property. Tarrant County Engineering Services administers OSSF permitting in unincorporated areas and 23 contract cities. Some cities and lake areas have separate authorities; verify the property’s jurisdiction before applying.
2. Site evaluation and design
A site evaluation looks at soil, restrictive horizons, groundwater conditions, available area, setbacks, and other site constraints. The OSSF design then matches treatment and disposal methods to the property and expected wastewater flow.
3. Permit review
The design and supporting application materials are submitted to the permitting authority. TCEQ states that a permit and approved plan are generally required before constructing, installing, altering, extending, or repairing an OSSF, subject to limited exceptions.
4. Installation
The installer constructs the system according to the approved design. On an aerobic system this can include treatment tanks, aeration equipment, controls, pump tank, disinfection equipment, distribution piping, and the disposal field.
5. Inspection and authorization
The permitting authority typically conducts required inspections before the system is placed into service. Do not assume a buried system is automatically approved just because construction is complete.
6. Startup and maintenance
Keep the approved design, permit, manufacturer information, and maintenance records with the property. New owners should understand alarms, disinfection, maintenance obligations, and access points from day one.
Finding an installer
Compare licensing, design capabilities, system experience, warranties, maintenance support, and how clearly the contractor explains the approved design. Waste Not Septic publishes installation and repair services for aerobic and conventional systems, and Patriot Septic lists both septic system design and installation.