What are the steps to getting a state permit for building a house in Vermont
If a municipal sewer connection is not available:
Soils investigation for septic capacity
This involves hiring a backhoe to dig test holes up to 8 ft deep so the soils on the property can be observed to determine the septic capacity. If there is septic capacity, the soils investigation can also determine what kind of leach field(s) would be appropriate and approximately where they would be located. Often an engineer from the VT Agency of Natural Resources (VT ANR) is invited to observe the test holes.
Site Topographic Survey
A topographic survey is performed of the area where the leach field is to be designed, the building site and other areas necessary for site design. This survey locates all the important features of the property needed for site design and also develops a contour map of the area. The topographic survey does not take the place of a boundary survey, if required, which must be performed by a licensed surveyor.
Percolation Tests
Percolation tests or “perc” tests involve excavating a small hand-dug hole to a pre-determined depth. The hole is filled with water up to 6 inches from the bottom. The amount of time it takes for the water to drop a pre-determined interval (usually one inch) is measured and the test is repeated 7 times. A formula is then used to determine the percolation rate in minutes per inch. This "perc" rate can influence the area required for the leach field.
Plan Development
A set of design plans is developed, usually on one to two large (2’ x 3’) sheets. The design plans include a site plan which shows the location of the house, leach field and all other important features as well as details for the construction of the septic system and related water supply, as needed.
Permit Application
The state Wastewater and Potable Water Supply System permit application is completed by Earthbound Services. This involves a little more research in addition to all of the above work. An application fee must also be submitted with the application and design plans. Application fees vary depending on the unique details of the project.
Construction
Construction cannot begin until the state permit application is approved and a permit is issued. Before the leach field is constructed, it is usually staked out or located in the field by Earthbound Services, LLC so that the contractor understands exactly where it is to be constructed. Earthbound Services, LLC also observes the construction of the septic system before it is backfilled and provides an installation certification letter. This is typically a requirement of the state permit.
Earthbound Services, LLC provides all of the above design services except for the backhoe for soils investigations. Contractors are hired to construct the septic system and drill a water supply well, where needed.
If a municipal sewer connection is available:
Initial Site Investigation
The locations and invert elevations of sewer manholes, sewer mains and water mains, as applicable, are determined during an initial site investigation. Usually a representative of the municipality providing the sewer and water service is present to open manholes and/or provide information from the municipality’s records.
Site Topographic Survey
A topographic survey is performed of the area where the sewer and water mains are, where the service lines are to be designed, the proposed building locations and other areas necessary for site design. This survey locates all the important features of the property needed for site design and also develops a contour map of the area. The topographic survey does not take the place of a boundary survey, if required, which must be performed by a licensed surveyor.
Plan Development
A set of design plans is developed, usually on one to two large (2’ x 3’) sheets. The design plans include a site plan which shows the location of the building(s), water and/or sewer mains and all other important features as well as details for the construction of the wastewater and water supply connections, as needed.
Permit Application
The state Wastewater and Potable Water Supply System permit application is completed by Earthbound Services. This involves a little more research in addition to all of the above work. An application fee must also be submitted with the application and design plans. Application fees vary depending on the unique details of the project.
Construction
Construction cannot begin until the state permit application is approved and a permit is issued. Before the service lines and other parts of the wastewater and water supply connections are constructed, they are usually staked out or located in the field by Earthbound Services, LLC so that the contractor understands exactly where they are to be constructed. Earthbound Services, LLC also observes the construction of all system components before they are backfilled and provides an installation certification letter. This is typically a requirement of the state permit.
Earthbound Services, LLC provides all of the above design services. Contractors are hired to construct the wastewater and water supply connections, unless the municipality or fire district will do it themselves.
Please use this link to our summary of the changes to the 2007 Vermont Wastewater Rules.
FAQ’s
If I have a property that doesn’t have enough septic capacity, are there any alternative “green” septic systems I can use to allow me to build a house?
Possibly. At this time, a building constructed with composting toilets and without any flush toilets can receive a 25% reduction in leach field size as compared to a building with flush toilets.
There are several types of pre-treatment units available for pre-treating the effluent that comes out of the septic tank before it goes to the leach field. In some cases these can increase the septic capacity of the property. However, they often do not help much on properties with very poor soils for wastewater disposal.
Why do I need a soils investigation performed before I buy land to build a house?
What if you buy a parcel of land to build a house and find out, after you own it, that you can’t build a house on it legally? This can happen in Vermont. If the seller cannot provide you with written documentation from a qualified consultant that a soils investigation has been performed on the property and that there is septic capacity for what you want to build, you should have that done yourself. You probably wouldn’t buy an existing house without getting it inspected. It is the same for land. Earthbound Services, LLC does soils investigations to determine septic capacity. This is the only way to know if you can legally build a residence with plumbing in Vermont.
Do I need a state permit to build a camp or cabin?
If you don’t plan to have plumbing other than a sink and don’t plan to live in the building year round, then you most likely will not need a permit.
Information provided on this website is not to be construed as professional advice. Please call us or email us about your unique project. |
