County Onsite Wastewater Permit
A general county permit for onsite wastewater systems beyond standard POWTS in Wisconsin, covering holding tanks, community systems, and non-standard wastewater treatment. Some counties use this permit category for properties where conventional POWTS is not feasible and alternative wastewater solutions are needed. Regulated under SPS 383 with county administration.
When Is a County Onsite Wastewater Permit Required?
- Holding tank installations for properties where POWTS is not feasible
- Community onsite wastewater systems serving multiple properties
- Non-standard wastewater treatment systems
- Wastewater systems for high-flow commercial properties in rural areas
When Is a County Onsite Wastewater Permit NOT Required?
- Properties connected to municipal sewer
- Standard POWTS installations (use septic system permit)
Related Permits You May Also Need
Required Licenses
The following professional licenses may be required to obtain or work under this permit type in Wisconsin.
County Onsite Wastewater Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for county onsite wastewater permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Ashland County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Barron County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Bayfield County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Brown County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Buffalo County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Burnett County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Calumet County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Chippewa County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Clark County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Columbia County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Crawford County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Dane County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Dodge County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Door County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Douglas County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Dunn County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Eau Claire County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Florence County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Fond du Lac County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Forest County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Grant County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Green County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Green Lake County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Iowa County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Iron County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Jackson County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Jefferson County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Juneau County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Kenosha County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Kewaunee County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| La Crosse County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Lafayette County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Langlade County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Lincoln County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Manitowoc County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Marathon County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Marinette County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Marquette County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Menominee County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Milwaukee County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Monroe County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Oconto County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Oneida County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Outagamie County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Ozaukee County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Pepin County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Pierce County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Polk County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Portage County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Price County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Racine County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Richland County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Rock County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Rusk County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Sauk County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Sawyer County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Shawano County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Sheboygan County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| St. Croix County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Taylor County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Trempealeau County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Vernon County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Vilas County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Walworth County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Washburn County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Washington County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Waukesha County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Waupaca County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Waushara County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Winnebago County | $350-$800 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Wood County | $175-$450 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — County Onsite Wastewater Permit
What is a holding tank in Wisconsin?
A holding tank is a sealed wastewater storage container used where conventional septic systems are not feasible (poor soils, high water table, small lot). All wastewater is stored and must be pumped and hauled to a treatment facility — typically monthly. Holding tanks are more expensive to operate than conventional septic systems and require county approval.
When is a holding tank required instead of a septic system?
Wisconsin counties may require a holding tank when soil conditions cannot support a conventional POWTS, the lot is too small for drain field setbacks, the property is in a sensitive environmental area, or as a temporary solution while municipal sewer is being extended to the area. A soil evaluation determines whether conventional POWTS is feasible.
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.