Third-Party Permits & Final Inspections

Permit Process & Certificate of Completion Process in Contract Counties:

Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.

Contract Counties:  Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby & Williamson

Please see information below for permit and completion package requirements.

Third-Party Water Resources Engineer Registration:

A “third-party water resources engineer” means an engineer qualified by education or experience in wastewater design, including subsurface sewage disposal systems (i.e., septic systems) or land application systems, and who is:

1. Registered with the Tennessee state board of examiners for architects and engineers;
2. Registered with the department as a third-party water resources engineer; and
3. Not employed by the department or the contract county.

A third-party water resources engineer shall not prepare a permit package or conduct a final inspection if the third-party water resources engineer has a conflict of interest.

A “Conflict of Interest” means:

1. Employment or other affiliation with, or financial interest in, the individual, firm, or corporation engaged in the permit package, inspection report, or construction of the subsurface sewage disposal system; or
2. A relationship with a family member or other individual involved in the permit package, inspection report, or construction of the subsurface sewage disposal system that could create an appearance of impropriety;

If you qualify, you may register with TDEC as a third-party water resources engineer by completing this
Registration Form (CN-2863) and e-mailing it to 3rdParty.Submittal@tn.gov.

For a list of third-party engineers, please send a request to 3rdParty.Submittal@tn.gov

How to Apply for a Subsurface Sewage Disposal Construction Permit:

For all non-contract counties, applications and fee payments for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Construction Permits can be submitted through the service request form.

Permit Package Standards

What to Include in your Permit Package Submittal:

1. A copy of the complete subsurface sewage disposal system construction permit application ( Once the application and fee are submitted you will receive a copy of the application and receipt by email.)
2.  A soils map of the property prepared by a soil scientist certified by the department;
3.  The sealed plans for the subsurface sewage disposal system (Permit Package Standards);
4.  A completed, but unsigned permit for construction of the subsurface sewage disposal system, (unsigned permit template (CN-2862) ;
5.  Such other information as the department or the contract county may reasonably require.

Where to Submit your Permit Package:

For all non-contract counties, permit packages should be submitted to 3rdParty.Submittal@tn.gov.

What to Expect:

Within ten (10) business days after receipt of the permit package the department or the contract county shall review the submission and:

1. Approve the submission and issue a permit for construction of the subsurface sewage disposal system;
2. Reject the submission and submit a report of deficiencies found in the submission to the third-party water resources engineer and applicant; or
3. Request additional information needed to determine compliance with Section 68-221-403(m), the rules promulgated pursuant to Section 68-221-403(m)

Certificate of Completion (COC) Package Standards

What to include in your COC package submittal:

1. The appropriate fee, if a fee is required.
2. A completed, but unsigned COC of construction of the subsurface sewage disposal system, (unsigned COC template (CN-2861);
3. Such other information as the department or the contract county may reasonably require.

Where to submit your COC package:

For all non-contract counties, COC packages should be submitted to  3rdParty.Submittal@tn.gov.

What to Expect:

Within ten (10) business days after receipt of the inspection report pursuant to Section 68-221-403(m), the department or the contract county shall review the submission and:

1. Approve the submission and issue a COC of the construction of the subsurface sewage disposal system;
2. Reject the submission and submit a report of deficiencies found in the submission to the third-party water resources engineer and applicant; or
3. Request additional information needed to determine compliance with Section 68-221-403(m), the rules promulgated pursuant to Section 68-221-403(m)