On-Site Sewage Facilities

The On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) Program addresses customer needs for wastewater service that does not involve a connection to the City's wastewater system. Generally, these are traditional wastewater/septic systems or non-standard alternative systems on private property, and include both residential and commercial applications. The program's jurisdiction is within the Austin city limits and areas annexed for health and safety purposes.

Regulatory Authority

The City of Austin is an Authorized Agent of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Austin Water Utility is a Designated Representative to administer the program. The program falls primarily under the authority of TCEQ rules contained within 30 TAC Ch.285 On-Site Sewage Facilities. Additional regulatory authority is derived from Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 5, Section C, Ch. 341 and Section D, Ch. 366 of Sanitation and Environmental Quality. The City Ordinance No. 990211-E and the City Code, Ch.15-5, adopt the current Ch. 285 as its local rule.

Services We Provide

Permitting: Process permit applications and related fees for planning materials on new and/or existing systems to receive a permit to construct and obtain a license to operate an on-site sewage system.

Inspections: Perform inspections as part of the permitting or complaint investigation processes

Complaint Investigation: Handle exposed sewage complaints (typically as system inspections), focusing on regulatory compliance. Inherent to this activity are legal notices to achieve compliance over a period of time and/or subsequent potential court citations if system owner is unresponsive.

Program Information: Address general customer inquiries, including system records' information requests, permitting and fee process inquiries, technical inquiries on types of systems and regulatory compliance questions.

Fee Schedule

Fees are associated with all services provided and are reviewed annually during the City budget process. All fees are collected when applications for service are made and submitted. Additional fees may be required depending on specific aspects of an application or when permits have expired and are being reactivated or renewed. See a complete listing of OSSF Fees.

Application Forms for Requesting Service

Application forms associated with our program are available online.

Division Contact Information

Mailing and Physical Address

Austin Water Utility, Utility Development Services Division, OSSF Program, 625 E. 10th Street, Suite 715 Austin, TX 78701

Division Phone Numbers

Application Forms for Services Requests and Fee Payment: (512) 972-0050
Division/Program Management Inquiries: (512) 972-0050, FAX (512) 972-0251
Exposed Sewage Complaints: (512) 972-1000

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