Septic Systems and Land Development
The Porcupine Health Unit Environmental Health department is involved with the installation of septic systems to ensure treatment of waste from toilets, showers, kitchen sinks, laundry, etc., meet the requirements of Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code. These private residences and commercial operations must have a daily sewage flow of 10,000 litres per day or less.
Municipalities or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing often request comment from the Porcupine Health Unit regarding land severances, zoning, building alterations, and minor variances. Once the required applications and corresponding documents are submitted, an on-site assessment of the property will be completed.
Records of permits and applications for septic systems, severances, zoning, land use, minor variances, and building alterations are maintained in case they are required in the future, such as a change of property ownership, a change to the property or building, or if a septic system is malfunctioning.
If you would like to learn more, please call the Environmental Health team at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818, email [email protected], or visit your local health unit office to pick up an application.
Applications must be completed by the owner of the property or an authorized agent of the owner.
Design work and approved installation must be completed by a licenced sewage system installer with a valid BCIN*, the property owner or another qualified individual.
*BCIN must be registered and current on the Provincial QuARTS Public Search Registry
Applications
- File Search Request - Recommended for all real estate transactions to confirm legal documentation on sewage system and other records retained by Porcupine Health Unit.
- Copy of Septic Record - Only for property owner at time of installation.
- Application to Install a Septic System and Information Package for a Sewage System Permit - Required for all new construction, replacements, major repairs and demolitions.
- Consent, Zoning, Subdivision or Land Use Evaluation - Required for condition of approval from the municipality or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for land transactions.
- Building Alteration / Change of Use - Required for renovations, additions, certain new construction projects including garages and decks.