Do You Need a Permit for Septic Work in Bergen County?
Yes. Septic installation, replacement and many repairs in New Jersey require local approval before work begins.
New Jersey’s septic regulations require permits for locating, designing, constructing, installing, altering and operating septic systems. For typical residential systems, the local health department or Board of Health is generally the approving authority.
However, the exact process is not identical in every Bergen County municipality.
Here is what homeowners should know in Franklin Lakes, Oakland and Wyckoff.
Franklin Lakes Septic Permits
The Borough of Franklin Lakes maintains separate applications for septic permits, septic plan review and septic contractor licensing.
Importantly, Franklin Lakes states that all septic repairs, including work involving lids, risers and baffles, require Board of Health permits, and septic repairs must be performed by installers licensed by the Board of Health.
A typical project may therefore involve:
- Evaluating the existing property or system.
- Completing required soil/site investigation.
- Having a qualified professional prepare the septic design when required.
- Submitting the plans and septic application.
- Receiving approval before construction.
- Completing excavation and installation according to the approved plans.
- Coordinating required inspections.
- Completing final documentation and restoration.
Earthscape provides septic installation services as well as septic system repair excavation for properties in the area.
Homeowners can also learn more about Earthscape’s Franklin Lakes excavation services.
Oakland Septic Permits
Oakland has several specific local requirements.
The Oakland Board of Health’s current septic permit application states that septic contractors working in the municipality must be licensed by the Oakland Board of Health.
It also requires the Board of Health to be notified at least two business days, or 48 hours, before septic work begins. Work must be inspected before it is covered, and septic tank installations require witnessing of watertight testing.
That means homeowners should avoid scheduling excavation until the permit process and inspection schedule have been coordinated.
For local excavation and septic work, see Earthscape’s Oakland excavation services.
Wyckoff Septic Permits
Wyckoff’s code states that an individual sewage disposal system cannot be located, constructed, repaired or altered until a Board of Health permit has been issued.
Wyckoff also requires inspection scheduling at least 24 hours in advance. Depending on the project, inspection stages can include:
- Erosion or tree protection
- Tank tightness testing
- Old system abandonment
- Open disposal bed
- Fill placement
- Distribution box and laterals
- Septic tank components
- Pump testing
- Advanced treatment components
- Final inspection
Wyckoff also requires final compliance documentation before a new system is placed into operation.
Learn more about Earthscape’s excavation services in Wyckoff.
Why You Should Not Cover Septic Work Before Inspection
One of the easiest ways to delay a project is to cover installed components before the municipal inspector has approved the required stage.
If an inspector needs to see the tank, laterals, distribution system or excavation and the work has already been buried, portions may need to be reopened.
Good project coordination therefore matters almost as much as the excavation itself.
Planning a Septic Project in Bergen County?
Earthscape works with homeowners, engineers and other project professionals to complete the excavation and installation work required by the approved septic plans.
If you’re planning septic work in Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Wyckoff or the surrounding area, contact Earthscape before excavation begins so the project can be coordinated with the required approvals and inspections.