Licensed Soil Scientist SL 2020-3 Permit Option for COVID-19
Session Law 2020-3, An Act To Provide Aid To North Carolinians In Response To The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Crisis, provides the option for a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) to design and submit plans for a septic system that meets all state and local rules with no additional review from Environmental Services. The LSS is responsible for all site and soil evaluations, system design requirements and inspections associated with this permitting option. Th is permit option is available until August 1, 2020 .
More information is available on the SL 2020-3 Fact Sheet
Applying for Wastewater Permits using a Building Envelope
Customers seeking a wastewater permit can now submit applications in advance of the final building permit by incorporating a Building Envelope on the preliminary site plan. Builders are encouraged to identify a Building Envelope large enough to cover multiple potential building plans (including deck, stairs, etc.). The application can be submitted for a building permit without the need for a specific building  footprint. More information is available on the Wastewater Permit Fact Sheet .
Environmental Services Remains Open for Business,
at a Distance
Permitting and Inspections : Environmental Services staff is teleworking and performing permitting and inspections five days a week. Please respect staff and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to social distancing guidelines during inspections, such as maintaining a six-foot distance.

Well Inspections & Testing: The Wake County Water Quality Lab now accepts water samples Monday through Friday (except holidays). This change also means that we can conduct final well inspections for new construction five days a week. Please remember that private wells serving new construction must pass a wellhead inspection and meet applicable water quality standards before the certificate of occupancy can be released. To head off delays caused by failed water quality tests, get your well installed as early as possible in the construction process and request the wellhead inspection as soon as the well is ready.

Wake County Office Building Permit Counter : In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Permit Counter is only open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Most permitting tasks can be conducted via our online permit portal . We encourage customers to access this tool for permitting and payment needs. Please check Wake County’s COVID-19 Information Page for the most current information on hours of operation.

Questions? Contact Us:

Customer Service Support: 919-856-7400
  • Permit Portal
  • Schedule an Inspection
  • Questions on Fees
Wastewater Information Specialist: 919-856-7434, wastewater@wakegov.com:
  • Wastewater system design
  • Setbacks
  • Operations and Maintenance
Wake County Water Quality | wakegov.com/water