An existing septic system permit is required in Charlotte County, Florida, if:

• The building is expanded
• Sewage flow increases
• Sewage characteristics change
• Other reasons required by Florida Administrative Code 62-6

In some cases, this process may require the septic system to be upgraded or brought into full compliance with current rule requirements.

If a bedroom is being added in a single-family residence, a septic tank pump-out and the Existing System and System Repair Evaluation form (page 4) is required, including a $470 fee payment. If a bedroom is not being added to a single-family residence, the form referenced above is not required and homeowners would have to pay a $35 fee.

Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County's (DOH-Charlotte) Environmental Public Health asks homeowners and contractors to follow these instructions to receive an existing septic system permit:

• Submit Completed Form DEP 4015: Fill and submit page one of the Application for Construction Permit form (DEP 4015) signed by the owner or the owner’s authorized representative, engineer, or licensed contractor. If an authorized representative signs the application page, a letter of authorization must be provided with the application. Under the building information section, enter the existing building information on the first line, and the proposed building information on the second line.
• Plat or Site Plan: Provide the lot's plat or site plan signed and dated by the applicant and drawn to scale, showing the following features on or within 75 ft. of the property lines:
  
  • property dimensions and property lines and easements labeled in feet,
  • the existing and proposed onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (OSTDS) configuration and location on the property,
  • all building locations,
  • potable and non-potable water lines within the existing and proposed drainfield area,
  • the general slope of the property,
  • any obstructed areas such as driveways, decks, sidewalks, swimming pools, etc.,
  • any public or private wells,
  • any surface water bodies and storm-water systems in proximity to the septic tank system which restrict placement or relocation of the drainfield system,
  • any public drinking water well within 200 ft. of the property lines, and
  • any unusual site conditions such as drainage structures, roof drains, or curtain drains.
    
    
• Floor Plan: For residences, the provided floor plan must be drawn to scale showing the existing building and changes or additions with all rooms labeled and the square footage of the building area. If the provided floor plan is not drawn to scale, it must show all rooms and outside building dimensions labeled in feet. For non-residential facilities, the provided floor plan must be drawn to scale showing the total square footage, plumbing drains and fixtures, and any other information that would affect the composition and quantity of wastewater to be generated.
• Mean Annual Flood Line: The Mean Annual Flood Line must be determined if a permanent non-tidal surface water body exists on or within 75 ft. of the applicant’s property.  The applicant may request DOH-Charlotte to delineate the surface water body for an additional fee or they may contract with a certified professional surveyor.  Contact DOH-Charlotte's Environmental Public Health if the surface water body is tidally influenced.
• Water Usage History: Provide the last 12 months of water usage for residential and 18 months for commercial properties unless building is served by an unmetered well.
• Submit Existing System and System Repair Evaluation Form: The septic tank must be pumped by a registered septic tank pumper and the contractor must verify the capacity and structural integrity by completing the Existing System and System Repair Evaluation form (page 4). Applicants must include this completed form with the existing septic system permit application.
• Detailed Construction Plans: An engineer must submit detailed system construction plans for OSTDS if the drainfield will exceed 1,000 sq. ft., domestic sewage flow exceeds 2,500 gallons per day (GPD), or the commercial sewage flow exceeds 1,000 GPD. All  plans and forms submitted by the engineer must be dated, signed, and sealed.