Subdivisions lacking central water and sewer are developed utilizing on-site well and private sewage disposal systems. The new construction packet has the applications and instructions necessary to obtain the permits for both the well and disposal systems. Who applies for these permits varies. Sometimes the investor, sometimes the general contractor and sometimes the well contractor and septic contractor. This department accepts applications regardless of who completes them as long as all of the required information is provided, including site specific soil information and a detailed site plan.

Among the many decisions an investor must make in getting a project going is deciding who the well, well pump, and disposal system contractors will be (see Well Contractor and Septic Installer lists). Having the contractors is another requirement before the permits can be processed. Another requirement is an onsite soil investigation conducted at the building lot or parcel. Subdivisions platted in 1998 and after already have lot specific soil data available (see Subdivisions with approved lot specific soil investigations data). If a soil investigation has not been conducted the investor can choose one from the Qualified Soil Investigation Services list.