On This Page
- Events: Septic System Maintenance Workshops, 3 dates, Summer 2023
- Permits & Payments
- Construction specifications and requirements
- Grant-funded programs
- General information
An Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), commonly called septic or sewage systems, serves approximately 15,000 homes in Tompkins County that are located outside of areas served by municipal sewer systems.
An OWTS construction permit from Tompkins County Environmental Health is required before constructing a new OWTS or prior to conducting most repairs or replacing an existing system. Environmental Health OWTS staff will design most OWTS as part of the permitting process.
A construction permit must also be obtained before installing or replacing a septic tank, pump chamber or holding tank.
Septic System and Private Water Well Maintentance Workshop
SUMMER 2023. The workshop will focus on homeowner septic system management. Topics will include how a septic system functions, current system standards, maintenance requirements and schedules, trouble shooting, and system failures. Private water well components, maintenance, and recommended testing schedules will also be discussed.
- June 14, Lansing Town Hall
- August 17, Danby Town Hall
- September 21, Ulysses Town Hall
ALL DATES 6:30-8:00 PM. Max 15 spaces per date. Call Doug Barnes to register, 607-274-6688. Registration required. Click here for a PDF with more info.
Tompkins County homeowners can receive a $200 rebate coupon good for septic system maintenance by attending this free workshop.
Permits & payments.
OWTS Permits and Certificates of Completion can be viewed and downloaded using the Citizen Access Portal.
Permit applications and payments for New Construction or Replacement OWTS can be submitted using the Citizen Access portal.
Apply online: Click Here to access online service (Username and password required)
PDF copies of Permit applications are available for download:
- OWTS Construction Permit Application (New, Replacement, or Conversion)
- Septic Tank or Pump Chamber Only Permit Application
Construction specifications & requirements.
Construction specifications for contractors and installers to reference and are to be used with an OWTS Construction Permit are available by clicking here Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Details and Specifications. Refer to your OWTS Construction Permit for the specific Details and Specifications required for your system.
Lot Size & Dimension Requirements
The following is not a complete representation of the Tompkins County Sanitary Code or of any specific Code sections cited. What is listed here is condensed and highlighted information from Article VI of the Tompkins County Sanitary Code for unofficial reference purposes only. Minimum lot size/dimension applies to new construction on undeveloped lots (including the siting of a mobile home) or conversions on lots where public wastewater treatment is not available.
Lot Size
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Lots must have enough usable area to furnish adequate separation distances between such features as wells and OWTS's and to allow enough room for a replacement OWTS.
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Minimum lot size for an OWTS construction permit is one acre of usable area Minimum lot size must be met by a single piece. See lot dimensions below.
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The building or OWTS must be located within the usable area.
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Construction permits for lots of 30,000 square feet or more created prior to August 17, 1977 will be considered if all other Code requirements can be met.
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Minimum lot size may be halved if the property is served by public water supply operated by a municipality or an approved water company.
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Usable area is land available for siting a building, its water and OWTS; useable area excludes such areas as Department of Environmental Conservation wet lands, swamps, bogs, flood plains, highways, rights-of-way, and other features.
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Minimum lot size required by towns and villages within Tompkins County can vary and will not necessarily be the same as the requirements of the Tompkins County Sanitary Code. Applicants for building or construction permits are advised to investigate all code requirements that may apply to their particular project.
Lot Dimensions
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Lots must be shaped such that, as a minimum, a circle of 150 feet diameter can be inscribed entirely within the confines of the usable area. This does not apply to lots of 30,000 square feet or more created prior to August 17, 1977.
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For lots with public water and those that can be halved, a circle of 100 feet in diameter is required.
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The Permit Issuing Official may consider waiving minimum lot size and lot dimension if a design professional is responsible for the OWTS design, submits a detailed developmental plan acceptable to the Department, and all other parts of Article VI can be met.
GRANT FUNDED PROGRAMS
Tompkins County Environmental Health recognizes that a failing OWTS presents not only urgent public health hazards for residents but also a significant financial burden in many cases.
Tompkins County currently has access to funding to assist homeowners with OWTS replacement costs through two grant programs:
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Tompkins County Septic Upgrade Program (CDBG Funded)
- New York State Septic System Replacement Program: NYS Funds For Cayuga Lake Properties (EFC funded)
Additionally, financial assistance may be available through the following programs (link to external websites):
- Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Bishop Sheen Housing Foundation, NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR)
GENERAL INFORMATION
- How Your Septic System Works (EPA Website)
- Types of Septic Systems (EPA Website)
DOWNLOADS & FORMS
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Fee Schedule (PDF)
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Fee Waiver Policy for an OWTS Permit, June 2014 (PDF, 517KB)
