How much does a septic permit cost in Georgetown County, SC?

Septic permit fees in Georgetown County vary by permit type. New installation permits typically cost $200–$500, while repair permits are usually $100–$300. Contact SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office at (843) 953-0150 for current fee schedules.

How long does it take to get a septic permit in Georgetown County?

The septic permit process in Georgetown County generally takes 2–6 weeks, depending on soil evaluation scheduling and application completeness. Soil evaluations must be performed by a licensed soil scientist before applying.

Do I need a soil evaluation for a septic permit in Georgetown County?

Yes. Georgetown County requires a professional soil evaluation before issuing any septic permit. A licensed soil scientist evaluates soil type, depth, drainage, and water table levels to determine the appropriate septic system design.

Who handles septic inspections in Georgetown County, SC?

SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office oversees all septic system inspections in Georgetown County. Contact them at (843) 953-0150 to schedule an inspection or ask about requirements.

Can I install my own septic system in Georgetown County?

Georgetown County requires septic system installation by licensed contractors. All installations must be permitted through SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office and pass inspection before the system can be used.

Septic & well regulations in Georgetown County, SC

Georgetown County is located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Georgetown County features Lowcountry soils with high water tables, tidal influence along Winyah Bay, and sandy soils over clay. Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach areas have extremely shallow water tables. Understanding local permit requirements and soil conditions is essential before installing, repairing, or inspecting a septic system.

Permits & Requirements

New Installation

Site evaluation and septic permit required from SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office before installation. A licensed installer (Tier 1–3) must be retained for construction. Soil evaluation determines system type per R.61-56 standards. Permit fee is $150 with 5-year validity.

Repair

Repair permit required from SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office. A licensed contractor must assess the failure and submit a repair plan compliant with R.61-56. Existing system modifications must meet current SCDES standards for separation distances and soil suitability.

Inspection

Voluntary inspections available through SCDES-licensed inspectors. While South Carolina does not mandate point-of-sale inspections, lenders and buyers frequently require them for real estate transactions. Inspection typically costs $250–$500 and covers tank condition, baffles, and drain field evaluation.

Georgetown County Environmental Health

SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office

(843) 953-0150

Contact the county environmental health department for permit applications, soil evaluation scheduling, and regulatory questions.

Soil & Terrain Characteristics

Georgetown County features Lowcountry soils with high water tables, tidal influence along Winyah Bay, and sandy soils over clay. Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach areas have extremely shallow water tables. Inland areas along the Black and Pee Dee rivers feature alluvial soils with variable drainage.

County-Specific Considerations

Georgetown County's coastal communities (Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet) face significant septic challenges from high water tables, tidal flooding, and storm surge. Winyah Bay and its tributaries create extensive wetland areas where septic placement is restricted. Historic Georgetown's waterfront properties often deal with aging septic infrastructure in flood-prone zones.

Find Services in Georgetown County

Septic Pumping

Georgetown County

Septic Inspection

Georgetown County

Septic Installation

Georgetown County

Well Water Testing

Georgetown County

Well Pump Repair

Georgetown County

Well Drilling

Georgetown County

Emergency Services

Georgetown County

Water Treatment

Georgetown County

Drain Field Repair

Georgetown County

Septic to Sewer Conversion

Georgetown County

Aerobic Septic System

Georgetown County

Well Water Filtration

Georgetown County

PFAS Water Testing

Georgetown County

Related Resources

Georgetown County Overview Inspection Checklist How to Choose a Septic Company

Septic Permits & Regulations in Georgetown County — FAQ

How much does a septic permit cost in Georgetown County, SC?: Septic permit fees in Georgetown County vary by permit type. New installation permits typically cost $200–$500, while repair permits are usually $100–$300. Contact SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office at (843) 953-0150 for current fee schedules.
How long does it take to get a septic permit in Georgetown County?: The septic permit process in Georgetown County generally takes 2–6 weeks, depending on soil evaluation scheduling and application completeness. Soil evaluations must be performed by a licensed soil scientist before applying.
Do I need a soil evaluation for a septic permit in Georgetown County?: Yes. Georgetown County requires a professional soil evaluation before issuing any septic permit. A licensed soil scientist evaluates soil type, depth, drainage, and water table levels to determine the appropriate septic system design.
Who handles septic inspections in Georgetown County, SC?: SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office oversees all septic system inspections in Georgetown County. Contact them at (843) 953-0150 to schedule an inspection or ask about requirements.
Can I install my own septic system in Georgetown County?: Georgetown County requires septic system installation by licensed contractors. All installations must be permitted through SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office and pass inspection before the system can be used.