General Information

Where do I start?

If you’re planning to install a septic system (OSSF) on your property in Central Texas, you will need to obtain a permit from the permitting jurisdiction. JMI can guide you through the process and help you gather the necessary paperwork that is needed to get a permit*. Some of the necessary documents an owner must have for us to quote a job are:

• Survey: A DWG copy of your property survey, showing existing features and boundaries. If DWG is not available, a pdf will suffice.
• Site Plan: A plan showing the proposed improvements to your property, including the location of your home and driveway.
• Floor Plan: The existing or proposed floor plan of your home, make sure it has labels and explicitly states the area of the home.
• Warranty Deed: Proof of ownership of the land, especially if you recently purchased the property.

*Please note, that even though we provide assistance in applying for OSSF, driveway and development permits, JMI is only responsible for the OSSF permit. If any issues arise regarding the development side of the project, we are not under any obligation to resolve any development issues.

Please email us those documents listed so that we can be prepared to give you a quote based on the information you provided.

What is the timeline to get a permit?

•  After reviewing the provided information, we will provide a quote and if approved, we will begin the process of designing the OSSF system for your property. This process can take as little as one week, but usually takes longer if we need to make changes to accommodate all requested items.
• After a design is complete, our offices will apply for a permit, permit review times vary by jurisdiction, ranging from 3 months and up to 6 months. To expedite the process for your home building or improvement project, we recommend gathering the necessary information early on as it can help you avoid potential delays and keep your project on schedule. Please note that there is no guarantee that a permit will be approved within this timeline, and permits cannot be expedited.

Will there be any inspections done by the jurisdiction?

• Depending on the jurisdiction, there will be a few inspections before and after work begins. The most important is based on the Texas On-Site Sewage Facilities Rules (Chapter 285 of the Texas Administrative Code) requires that two test holes be excavated to at least a depth with limiting conditions (such as bedrock or groundwater) that influences the drainfield's size and design such as
  determining if there is enough suitable soil for the drainfield. This information is crucial for designing an OSSF system that will function properly as different soil types have varying abilities to treat and absorb effluent.

Why are my permits taking so long?

•  There are several factors that may delay your permits including but not limited to a request to provide a SW3P (erosion control plan), providing a regrading plan, exceeding the allowable impervious on the property, the property is not legally platted and many others that could potentially interfere with the OSSF design. We highly suggest that you work with an architect or engineer to help you develop your property. We may be able to accommodate some items that the permitting jurisdiction requires on a case-by-case basis.

Can a homeowner install their own septic system?

• It depends, most jurisdictions will allow the owner to install their own system if;
  • It’s the main system for their main home as well as the only home on their lot.
  • It’s a conventional system such as a gravity, ET bed or pipe & gravel
    system.

•  If the design and installation it’s for a second home, then you will need to hire a licensed OSSF installer, it does not matter if the system is conventional.
• Any type of aerobic treatment will need to be installed by a licensed OSSF installer II.

I want to put a third home on my lot, it’s that allowed?

•  Most jurisdictions will not allow a third home on a lot, no matter the acreage, even on 10 or 20 acres. If you want to put more than 3 homes on a single lot, you will need to apply for a multi-family home permit which is essentially a commercial development permit instead of a residential development permit. A multi-family home permit will require you to work with an engineer to develop your property to meet commercial level requirements. We do not provide this type of service, but once your engineer has your site plan ready, we can help you apply for an OSSF permit.

It’s a maintenance contract required?

•  A maintenance contract is required for any type of aerobic, proprietary and commercial systems. There are some jurisdictions that will allow the homeowner to maintain their own residential secondary treatment system (aerobic treatment) if they take the necessary training such as the ‘OSSF-Homeowner Aerobic Treatment & Surface Appl. System Op and Maintenance training.’ program.

I have a property that I want to develop into an RV park, convenience store or restaurant. Do you have experience with these types of facilities?

•  Yes, we have done many commercial projects mainly around Central and South Central Texas including San Antonio and Houston.
• Please contact us to discuss your proposal, we provide permitting assistance on commercial projects as well (OSSF only).
• Because each commercial project is different, we work with commercial grade treatment systems that are suitable for your project.