State guide
New York
New York sets statewide residential onsite wastewater standards in 10 NYCRR Part 75, Appendix 75-A, but permitting and approvals are generally handled by the city, county, or district health department with jurisdiction. The state rules let local health departments observe or substitute other soil tests, so who performs or witnesses field work varies by county program.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who regulates septic permits
- New York State sets the residential onsite wastewater standards, but the city, county, or district health office with jurisdiction generally handles approvals and waivers.
- Who can do the soil or perc test
- State rules require percolation and test-pit data, while local practice varies: the NYSDOH percolation form is certified by the tester with a P.E., R.A., or L.S. license number, and local health departments may conduct, observe, accept, or require alternative tests.
- State fee
- Not published by an official source we could verify. Ask the office.
Official resources in New York
State residential onsite wastewater standards page used by local health departments and design professionals.
Official rule text for site investigation, test pits, and percolation testing.
State contact page listing county environmental health programs that handle local approvals and oversight.
Example county permit page with online applications, permit search, fee schedule, and local septic rules.
Example county application page showing local submittal requirements, design-professional expectations, and soil-profile scheduling.
Key facts for New York
- A local health department may accept or require other soil tests instead of a percolation test when conducted or observed by local health department personnel.
- The specific-waiver form says the city, county, or district health office with jurisdiction approves noncompliant residential OWTS waivers.
- New York’s DOH-1327 percolation form includes certification by the person who conducted the test, with license number for P.E., R.A., or L.S.
- Ulster County requires sewage-disposal plans to be prepared by a New York licensed professional engineer or registered architect.
- Tompkins County says an OWTS construction permit is required before new construction and most repairs or replacements.
- Madison County says it provides guidance on septic placement and observes percolation and deep-hole tests.
County septic and soil-evaluation offices in New York
| County office | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulster County Department of Health - Sewage Disposal Systems Ulster | Kingston | Not published* | County sewage-disposal application page with instructions, required engineering content, and soil-profile scheduling. |
| Tompkins County Environmental Health - OWTS Tompkins | Ithaca | Not published* | County OWTS permit page with applications, online payment, permit search, and local lot-size rules. |
| Madison County Public Health - Water & Septic - Individual Systems Madison | Wampsville | 315-366-2526 | County program page stating it observes percolation and deep-hole tests and reviews alternative wastewater designs. |
| St. Lawrence County Public Health Department - Environmental Health St. Lawrence | Canton | 315-386-2325 | County environmental health page covering sewage concerns, nuisance complaints, and septic-related public health assistance. |
| Suffolk County Department of Health Services - Residential Permits Suffolk | Not published* | Not published* | County residential wastewater permit page for new homes and modifications under Suffolk County’s sanitary code. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- Contact the county environmental health program first, because permit issuance and field-test procedures are local in New York.
- Use the county’s preferred application package and ask whether the county wants to observe test pits or percolation work before excavation begins.
- If your site cannot meet Appendix 75-A exactly, ask the local health department about a specific waiver before construction.
Not seeing your county office or county?
Not every county office publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from New York's population center, for comparison only):
- Sussex County Office of Environmental Health - Septic Systems, New Jersey · about 25 miles
- Warren County Health Department - Septic Systems and Private Wells, New Jersey · about 49 miles
- Hunterdon County Health Department - Septic Disposal Systems, New Jersey · about 66 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.NYS Appendix 75-A Wastewater Treatment Standards
Website →Phone: (800) 344-5009 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the New York page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.