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Freestone County considers raising septic-permit fees as inspections and workload grow
Summary
County staff proposed increasing on-site sewage permit fees — currently $210 for residential, $410 for some commercial types — after a large rise in permit volume and more frequent inspection trips; commissioners asked for classification details before deciding.
Freestone County officials discussed a proposal to raise on-site sewage (septic) permit fees as permit volume and inspection demands increase. Staff (S10) told the court the county currently charges $210 for residential permits and $410 for certain commercial or nonresidential permits and noted that neighboring counties’ fees are higher (examples cited: Anderson County about $3.25xx, Leon County $460). The last fee increase was in 2013, when residential fees moved from $160 to $210.
Staff said the county’s field inspector (Steve Black) is handling multiple trips per permit in some cases, including large properties and multi-household sites that require larger holding capacities and more complex systems. As staff explained, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality design rules (60 gallons per person per day) and multi-household situations can require larger tanks and additional inspections; staff gave an example of a dwelling with 28 bunk beds that would drive substantial design and storage needs.
Commissioners asked for more detailed classifications and a timeline for any fee change. Chair (S1) and staff agreed to compile a classification list and additional technical details (which systems generate higher inspection loads) before bringing a final fee recommendation back to the court.
Next steps: County staff will prepare a detailed classification of permit types, estimated inspection frequency, and a recommended fee schedule for commissioner review.
