Thinking about buying land, building a home, or selling a property in Leicester? Septic and well permits can feel confusing, especially if you are on a timeline. You want clear answers on what you need, how long it takes, and what it costs so you can move forward with confidence. This guide breaks down the essentials for Buncombe County in plain language and points you to the right forms, fees, and contacts. Let’s dive in.
Who handles permits in Leicester
Buncombe County Environmental Health manages on-site wastewater (septic) and most private drinking-water well permits for Leicester. You can reach their Permitting Center at 828-250-5016 or [email protected]. Find forms, instructions, and permit lookups on the county’s Environmental Health page.
State law sets the baseline rules that counties enforce. North Carolina statutes require permits, inspections, and well construction records, which local health departments implement. You can review the well statute in G.S. 87-97 and related administrative rules for added context.
Note: Buncombe County Environmental Health moved to 35 Woodfin St., Asheville in April 2025. Check the county page for the latest address and hours.
- County resources: Buncombe County Environmental Health
- State law overview: G.S. 87-97 well permits
- Address update: Buncombe County Environmental Health office info
Septic permits in Buncombe County
When you need a septic permit
If your property is not on public sewer, you need county approval for an on-site wastewater system before construction. This applies to new homes, additions that change wastewater load, and most repairs.
Main septic permit types
- Improvement Permit (IP). Confirms a site is suitable for a septic system for a specific project. Buyers often use it before closing on land. Many IPs are valid for at least five years.
- Authorization to Construct (ATC). Allows installation of the system. Building permits are typically not issued until the ATC is in place.
- Engineered Option Permit (EOP). A licensed professional engineer designs and submits a sealed plan, often used on complex or challenging sites.
- AOWE option. An Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator or licensed soil scientist can evaluate and submit required forms under this pathway.
How to apply in Buncombe
- Gather your parcel identification number (PIN), a plat or site plan, and the county’s on-site wastewater application.
- Stake property lines and mark the proposed house site before the visit.
- The county assigns an Environmental Health Specialist to evaluate soils, slope, and setbacks.
- You will receive the appropriate permit based on the site and project. Some projects may require an engineer or AOWE submission.
Find applications and instructions on the Buncombe County Environmental Health page.
Septic fees you should know
Representative Buncombe County fees (effective July 1, 2024):
- Improvement Permit (residential, first 500 gpd): $400; each additional 500 gpd: $250
- Authorization to Construct: $150 with an existing IP; $550 without an IP
- Engineered Option Permit (EOP) or AOWE option: $35
- Existing system inspection: $100
- Revisit fee (site not ready): $75
See the current county fee schedule: Buncombe Environmental Health fee schedule (PDF)
Inspections, repairs, and transfers
- Small repairs typically need a repair permit; major repairs may require a full evaluation and an ATC.
- Buncombe offers an Existing System Inspection, commonly used in real estate due diligence.
- Septic permits generally transfer with the property if the site and conditions have not changed and permit conditions are met.
Private well permits in Buncombe County
When a well permit is required
Most private drinking-water wells require a construction permit from the local health department before drilling. The county performs a site evaluation, inspects during construction, and issues a Certificate of Completion before the well can be used. Well contractors must file a Well Construction Record (GW-1). See the statute in G.S. 87-97.
Buncombe well process
- Submit the Well Construction Application, often alongside your septic application.
- The county inspects for compliance with state well construction standards.
- After drilling and required paperwork, the county issues a Certificate of Completion.
Find forms and guides on the Buncombe County Environmental Health page.
Well fees and water testing
- Well permit: $350
- Bacterial and chemical testing is available. Sampling and lab fees vary by test.
Check current amounts in the fee schedule (PDF).
Hire the right well contractor
North Carolina requires certified well contractors. Always verify your driller or pump installer is certified through the state’s program: Find a certified well contractor.
Smart due diligence for Leicester buyers
- Ask for septic records: Improvement Permit, Authorization to Construct, as-built drawings, pump-out receipts, and any repair permits.
- For wells, ask for recent water test results and any treatment records. Request the GW-1 and the Certificate of Completion if the well is newer.
- Run a county permit lookup or request an Existing System Inspection to document condition. The county inspection is listed at $100 in the fee schedule.
- Consider re-testing well water through the county to confirm current quality.
Start here: Buncombe County Environmental Health
Tips for Leicester sellers
- Gather and share your septic and well paperwork, including maintenance and repair records.
- Disclose known malfunctions. If a system is failing, secure permits and complete repairs before closing when possible.
- Planning to move a structure or change the footprint? Contact Environmental Health early. Septic permits are site specific and may require new evaluations.
Red flags that need follow-up
- No recorded Improvement Permit or Authorization for a property on septic.
- Signs of failure such as surface sewage, persistent odors, or frequent backups.
- A private well without a Certificate of Completion or no GW-1 on file.
Timelines and what to expect
State law includes timing requirements for certain well permit actions. For example, applicants must be notified within 15 days after the county receives a well permit application for specific decisions. Local operational timelines can vary, so confirm current estimates with Buncombe Environmental Health. See Chapter 87 for statutory context: NC Chapter 87.
Local help and contacts
- Buncombe County Environmental Health Permitting Center: 828-250-5016
- Email: [email protected]
- Forms, fee schedules, and permit lookup: Buncombe County Environmental Health
- Office info and address updates: Environmental Health office details
Ready to talk through a lot’s feasibility, due diligence timelines, or how to position your Leicester home for a smooth sale? Reach out to James Pitman for local guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Do you need a septic permit to build in Leicester?
- If your property is not on public sewer, you need county approval for an on-site wastewater system before construction and typically before a building permit is issued.
What types of septic permits does Buncombe County issue?
- Common permits include the Improvement Permit to confirm site suitability and the Authorization to Construct to install the system. There are also Engineered Option and AOWE pathways.
How much do septic and well permits cost in Buncombe County?
- Representative fees: Improvement Permit $400 for the first 500 gpd, ATC $150 to $550, well permit $350, and existing system inspection $100. See the county fee schedule for current amounts.
Who can design or evaluate a septic system in North Carolina?
- Licensed soil scientists, Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluators, and licensed professional engineers can prepare evaluations and designs depending on the option chosen.
What proves a private well was properly constructed?
- A well permit, a filed GW-1 Well Construction Record from a certified contractor, and a Certificate of Completion from the local health department indicate proper construction and inspection.
