Septic & well regulations in Arlington County, VA

Arlington County is located in the Northern Virginia region of Virginia. Heavily urbanized Piedmont clay and fill soils with very limited undeveloped land. Where natural soils remain, Glenelg and Elioak series over crystalline bedrock present moderate drainage challenges complicated by decades of urban compaction.. Understanding local permit requirements and soil conditions is essential before installing, repairing, or inspecting a septic system.

Permits & Requirements

New Installation

Site evaluation and construction permit required from VDH Arlington Health District before installation. A DPOR-licensed installer must be retained for construction. Soil evaluation determines system type per 12VAC5-610 standards. Construction permit fee is approximately $425 with 1-year validity.

Repair

Repair permit required from VDH Arlington Health District. A DPOR-licensed contractor must assess the failure and submit a repair plan compliant with 12VAC5-610. Repair permit fee is approximately $225.

Inspection

Inspections available through DPOR-licensed operators and soil evaluators. HB 2671 (effective July 2025) requires septic system inspection for property transfers in Virginia. Inspection typically costs $300–$500 and covers tank condition, baffles, and drain field evaluation.

Arlington County Environmental Health

VDH Arlington Health District

(703) 228-7400

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

Soil & Terrain Characteristics

Heavily urbanized Piedmont clay and fill soils with very limited undeveloped land. Where natural soils remain, Glenelg and Elioak series over crystalline bedrock present moderate drainage challenges complicated by decades of urban compaction.

County-Specific Considerations

Arlington County is the smallest and most densely populated county in Virginia with near-complete public sewer coverage. Very few properties require septic systems, but older homes near Four Mile Run and the Potomac may still have legacy private systems.

Find Services in Arlington County

Septic Pumping

Arlington County

Septic Inspection

Arlington County

Septic Installation

Arlington County

Well Water Testing

Arlington County

Well Pump Repair

Arlington County

Well Drilling

Arlington County

Emergency Services

Arlington County

Water Treatment

Arlington County

Drain Field Repair

Arlington County

Septic to Sewer Conversion

Arlington County

Aerobic Septic System

Arlington County

Well Water Filtration

Arlington County

PFAS Water Testing

Arlington County

Related Resources

Arlington County Overview Inspection Checklist How to Choose a Septic Company

Septic Permits & Regulations in Arlington County — FAQ

How much does a septic permit cost in Arlington County, VA?

Septic permit fees in Arlington County vary by permit type. New installation permits typically cost $200–$500, while repair permits are usually $100–$300. Contact VDH Arlington Health District at (703) 228-7400 for current fee schedules.

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

The septic permit process in Arlington 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 Arlington County?

Yes. Arlington 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 Arlington County, VA?

VDH Arlington Health District oversees all septic system inspections in Arlington County. Contact them at (703) 228-7400 to schedule an inspection or ask about requirements.

Can I install my own septic system in Arlington County?

Arlington County requires septic system installation by licensed contractors. All installations must be permitted through VDH Arlington Health District and pass inspection before the system can be used.