On-Site Sewage Facilities Program (OSSF)

Picture of a new septic system or on-site sewage facility.

The term on-site sewage facility (OSSF) is used to address all types of systems that may be used for sewage disposal on a piece of property. A conventional septic system is just one of several systems available. The type of system suitable for a property is dependent upon the soils, site characteristics, physical features, and the intended uses of the property.

Program Information

The OSSF program is the designated representative for McLennan County to implement and enforce the rules adopted under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366 and Title 30 TAC Chapter 285 On-Site Sewage Facilities. Through an agreement between the City of Waco and McLennan County, the Health District administers the program for McLennan County, the cities in McLennan County and the City of Waco. The division is also responsible for investigating and resolving complaints regarding on-site sewage facilities. The OSSF program is comprehensive in nature because the goal is to eliminate and prevent health hazards and pollution to our county’s sewage disposal systems.

Contact Us

Phone:  (254) 299-2473
Fax: (254) 750-6619
Address: 401 Franklin Avenue - Mae Jackson Development Center - 1st Floor
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

Fee Schedule

NOTICE: Fees increased October 1, 2024.

OSSF Fee Schedule

Any Type of System: Permit Fee and System Major Repairs

Includes application, permit, inspections and notice of approval:

  • Single Family Residence: $410.00
  • Non-Single Family Residence (multi-unit, multiple structures, commercial): $610.00

Additional Fees:

  • New Aerobic Unit: $100.00 (added to the initial permit fee)
  • Design Re-Submittal Fee: $50.00 (applied each time system designs are returned due to incomplete, incorrect or non-compliant information)
  • Re-Inspection Fee: $200.00 for single-family residences and $300.00 for commercial/non single-family residences (applied when the facility is not ready for inspection when inspector arrives on location)
  • Subdivision Plat Review Site Evaluation: $100.00
  • Research Council Fee: $10
    Mandatory fee required on all permits, new or repairs. Fees collected are forwarded to the Research Council. No portion of the fee is retained.

Minor System Repairs

  • Increasing, lengthening, or expanding the treatment (tanks) or disposal system (drain field / disposal area), spray area relocation, or a single tank replacement: $210.00 for one single-family residence and $310.00 for one commercial/non single-family residence

Aerobic Treatment Units: Permit Fee & System Major Repairs

Includes System replacement, drain field or disposal area replacement, or any repairs or replacements regardless of size to a previously un-permitted system:

  • One-single-family residence (single structure): $510.00
  • One non-single family residence (multi-unit, multiple structures, commercial): $710.00
  • Annual Maintenance Fee: $20.00 (per unit)
    After initial two-year warranty, all aerobic units must have an ongoing maintenance contract. Fee is submitted by the provider or by the owner if owner is maintaining the system personally.
  • Maintenance Provider Administrative Penalty Fee: $25.00 (per contract)
    When a provider (not homeowner) fails to submit complete and correct reports on-time, or fails to provide the contracted number of inspections.