Have Questions? We have answers! Send us an email at
healthwwm@suffolkcountyny.gov.
Did You Know?
The #1 application deficiency is that forms are missing, incomplete or were not signed? Ensuring your application is complete will result in a quicker permitting process.
Read about the top ten application deficiencies the County Health Department sees on residential applications.
Q & A's
You have questions like:
Why should I apply online and check my status online? Do I have to use a credit card for the online residential application? What types of permits can I submit and pay for online?
The answers to these and more are addressed in the FAQs section.
Video Tutorial
Have you ever wanted to watch a video on how to fill out a Wastewater Permit Application? Well Let's Get Started!
If you are constructing a new home or modifying an existing home, you may need Department of Health Services Office of Wastewater Management approval to confirm the proposed or sewage disposal system will meet the requirements of Suffolk County’s Sanitary Code. This site contains important information regarding this process including applications and instructions, standards and guidelines, and a video tutorial to assist the applicant in completing the application process. Remember, submission of a complete application and design plan will result in a faster approval process.
Permit Applications for New Single Family Dwelling
Permit Applications for Additions, Remodeling, Conversion or Sanitary Upgrade to Single Family Dwelling
Permit Applications for Accessory Apartment
Permit Applications for Extension, Renewal or Transfer of Existing Permit of a Single Family Dwelling
Additional Information for Permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Online Permit Applications and Submission
1. Why should I apply online and check my status online?
You can save time by filing for residential permits online and checking the status of your application through Suffolk County’s Submission and Status Terminal. You will have instant access to your application status at your convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Do I have to use a credit card for the online residential application?
Applying for permits does require payment, and the only form of payment currently accepted with this online application is credit card. For your convenience we do accept Visa and MasterCard. A convenience fee will be charged for the credit card payment. If you would rather pay by check or Money Order, please complete a Residential Application and submit the application with design plans and payment at our office or through the mail - 360 Yaphank Avenue, Suite 2C, Yaphank, NY 11980. Office counter hours are 9:00am-4:00pm.
3. What types of permits can I submit and pay for online?
We are currently accepting residential permit applications online. Within the next few months we will have commercial and subdivision applications as well. To submit a commercial or subdivision application, download the form and hand-deliver or mail with design plans and fee to 360 Yaphank Avenue, Suite 2C, Yaphank, NY 11980. Hours for submitting these plans are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
4. Am I able to submit design plans online?
No, all design plans must be mailed or hand delivered to the Office of Wastewater Management, 360 Yaphank Avenue, Suite 2C, Yaphank, NY 11980. Plans should be received within 10 business days of online application submission. Plans can be submitted in person between the hours of 9:00am-4:00pm.
5. When will online plan submittal be available?
Online plan submittal is currently being researched and we hope to have that option available in the future.
6. Can I schedule an inspection online?
Click here to request an inspection.
Please be advised that no excavation inspections are performed on Fridays. Also, you must call 852-5754 between the hours of 8:30 am and 9:30 am on the morning of your excavation inspection to confirm.
No inspections will be performed if the installer does not possess a valid liquid waste license. Please contact Consumer Affair’s to verify the status of the installer at (631) 853-4599.
Every effort is made to honor next day inspection requests provided that the request is received by 4:00 pm the prior day.
7. How do I track my permit status through Suffolk County SST?
You can track an Office of Wastewater Management permit application through the Submission and Status Terminal by searching with your tax map number or Health Department Reference Number. If you have submitted an application but are having difficulty locating your permit status please contact 631-852-5700 or healthwwm@suffolkcountyny.gov with your tax map number, applicant name and year permit application submitted.
Permit Process, Standards and Fees
1. What guides the permit approval process?
Standards for approval of plans and construction for sewage disposal systems are put forth in the Suffolk County Sanitary Code, click here for our Residential Standards. The purpose of these standards is to provide a means for achieving protection of the groundwater from excessive contaminant loading and to assure a safe, sanitary means of disposing of wastewater. Diseases such as infectious hepatitis, typhoid fever and dysentery can be transmitted by water, food, insects, pets and toys contaminated by human waste. Properly designed, maintained and operated sewage disposal systems minimize the possibility of disease transmission and the potential for contamination of ground and surface water.
2. What is the process for approving a residential permit through the Office of Wastewater Management?
A reviewer will examine your application for completeness and accuracy. Please be sure to submit all the necessary information, a signed application and the fee associated with the project. The reviewer will also confirm that additional permits are not required at town, county or state levels. Reviewers will send out comment letters if approval cannot be granted. The letter will explain application deficiencies and information needed for approval. The initial approval is approval to construct. Once construction is complete, an inspection must be requested before use. Upon satisfactory field inspection, “as built” plans are required to be submitted to the Office of Wastewater Management.
3. What permits are needed from my town and what permits are needed from the county?
Depending on the nature of your project, you may require town building approval. Visit the Towns Tab on the Suffolk County SST to link to the town in which construction will take place for more information.
If you are constructing a new home or business, a permit is required by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Wastewater Management.
If you are modifying an existing home or business, you may need Department of Health Services Office of Wastewater Management approval to confirm the current or proposed sewage disposal system will meet the requirements of Suffolk County’s Sanitary Code. Refer to Health Department standards for submittal requirements: Guidance Memo #8, Guidance Memo #10, Guidance Memo #19, residential and commercial standards.
If your home or business is within a sewer district, you may require permit approval through the County’s Department of Public Works or local sewer district.
If you are opening or expanding a food service establishment (e.g. restaurant, deli, bakery, ice cream shop, etc.), permit approval is also required through the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Bureau of Public Health Protection.
If your project is within 300 feet of a wetland you may require permit approval from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation or Town. Visit their website http://www.dec.ny.gov/63.html for more information.
4. How long does a residential Permit to Construct take to be issued?
A residential permit application is typically reviewed within one month of submission. Please note, a complete application with design plans that include all required information will result in a faster approval time.
5. What recourse do I have if my permit is denied?
You may request a Board of Review hearing for a variance. The Division’s Board of Review hears requests for variances and waivers, meeting on the third Thursday of every month, with the exception of December, when the meeting is on the second Thursday of the month. A listing of each month’s scheduled hearings may be obtained by contacting the division at 852-5700. On alternate Thursdays, voting for previous hearings may be recorded. If your project is over density, please talk to an OWM reviewer about Transfers of Development Rights (TDR) and Pine Barren Credit options.
6. How long is my permit good for?
Upon approval to construct, your permit is good for three years. You may request an extension after three years, if granted the permit is good for another three years. You will need to reapply if you start construction after the time period approved.
7. How much does it cost to apply for a residential permit?
Fees depend on the scope of the project. Click here for the Office of Waste Management fee schedule.
8. What is your refund policy?
Refunds will be granted if an application is withdrawn prior to review. The Credit Card convenience fee is non-refundable. Once an application is reviewed, a refund will not be granted unless an overpayment has been made. All requests for refunds must be made in writing. Please see Suffolk County Department Of Health Services General Guidance Memorandum #6 Procedures Of Office Of Wastewater Management For Processing Payment Of Application Fees And Refunds.
Questions and Comments
1. I have a question/comment.
We welcome your comments and feedback. Forward your comments and questions to healthwwm@suffolkcountyny.gov
2. I have a question. Where can I call?
Please call 631-852-5700 to speak directly to Office of Wastewater Management staff.