Sewage planning is required whenever you are subdividing a lot into separate parcels or proposing any kind of development that will generate over 800 gallons per day flow. This would include multiple houses connected to the same septic system, multiple houses with individual septic systems that are on the same property, or any kind of larger commercial/institutional proposal. Planning can be broken down to 3 general categories, Major, Minor and Exemptions/Waivers. Below, these categories are broken down and show the beginning steps to get each one accomplished.
Major
Major planning is required when you are proposing a subdivision of more than 10 lots. This number applies to all lots subdivided from the parent tract since May 15, 1972.
Major planning is required for any commercial or institutional subdivision like for a store, garage, school, campground etc.
Major planning is required whenever you are proposing the use of a retaining tank like a holding tank or privy.
The first step would be to schedule a time with our office when you can have a backhoe and operator on your property at the same time our representative is there (you are responsible for hiring the backhoe and operator). Someone who can make decisions about the property will also need to be present. This could be you, a family member or someone that you have hired as a consultant.
When we are there with the backhoe we will need to have holes dug for us to evaluate the soil. The number of holes will be determined by the number of lots or the size of the development as well as soil suitability. We do not charge per hole, we charge per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU). One EDU is 400 gallons per day (GPD), the equivalent of a three bedroom home. If suitable soils are located then a percolation test will need to be done. You do not have to have anyone present for this test. After the testing is complete and the results are favorable you will need to get a survey map done showing your project with all of the testing information. You will also need to fill out a planning module. This module will need to be signed by you, your municipality and our office. It will then need to be submitted, along with supporting documentation, to DEP for their review. After you get your acceptance letter from DEP you will need to address county or municipal planning. You will need to see your municipal or county planning agency for this.
There are some situations which may not follow these general guidelines. This is not meant to be an “all inclusive” guide. You will need to contact our office to see what steps may be required for your specific proposal.
Minor
Minor planning is required when you are proposing a residential subdivision of 10 lots or less. This number applies to all lots subdivided from the parent tract since May 15, 1972.
Minor planning is required for any second residence proposed on the same property utilizing separate systems for each house.
The first step would be to schedule a time with our office when you can have a backhoe and operator on your property at the same time our representative is there (you are responsible for hiring the backhoe and operator). Someone who can make decisions about the property will also need to be present. This could be you, a family member or someone that you have hired as a consultant.
When we are there with the backhoe we will need to have holes dug for us to evaluate the soil. The number of holes will be determined by the number of lots or the size of the development as well as soil suitability. We do not charge per hole, we charge per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU). One EDU is 400 gallons per day (GPD), the equivalent of a three bedroom home. If suitable soils are located then a percolation test will need to be done. You do not have to have anyone present for this test. After the testing is complete and the results are favorable you will need to get a survey map done showing your project with all of the testing information. You will also need to fill out a planning module. This module will need to be signed by you, your municipality and our office. It will then need to be submitted, along with supporting documentation, to DEP for their review. After you get your acceptance letter from DEP you will need to address county or municipal planning. You will need to see your municipal or county planning agency for this.
There are some situations which may not follow these general guidelines. This is not meant to be an “all inclusive” guide. You will need to contact our office to see what steps may be required for your specific proposal.
Exemptions/Waivers
Exemptions and waiver are used only in specific instances. Exemptions allow you to subdivide a property proposed for use with a new septic system installed. Waivers allow you to waive the planning process due to no sewage generating building being proposed. The 2 main uses are the 10 acre exemption and the non-building waiver.
The 10 acre exemption is only allowed in municipalities that do not have an ordinance requiring permits regardless of lot size. Most municipalities in Tioga County still allow the 10 acre exemption. In order to qualify for the exemption the property must have been owned by you or an immediate family member prior to January 10 1987 and the subdivided lot must be 10 acres or more. The subdivision must be for your use or an immediate family members use. You are not allowed to use the exemption for creating a lot to sell. There are further stipulations for the installation of the exempt system. If you wish to use the 10 acre exemption you will need to contact our office to get the appropriate form and we will need a copy of your deed dating back to January 10, 1987. We will also need a copy of your survey map for the subdivision.
The non-building waiver is used when there is no sewage generating building being proposed on the lot. This form is used for lot additions, separating 2 houses, creating agricultural lots etc. When there is a septic system on any of the lots of the subdivision our office will need to do an on-site inspection. You will need to get survey maps and the non-building waiver form filled out. This form will need to be signed by the owner of the property, the one purchasing the property, our office, the municipal/county planning agency and your township.
There are some situations which may not follow these general guidelines. This is not meant to be an “all inclusive” guide. You will need to contact our office to see what steps may be required for your specific proposal.