Metro Atlanta septic and sewer rules, county by countySeptic & sewer rules, county by county

They share one statewide rulebook, Georgia DPH Chapter 511-3-1, which fixes tank sizes, setbacks and the 200-foot sewer rule. Each county's Environmental Health office adds its own forms, fees and soil-report policy. Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale all run through GNR Public Health, so their paperwork matches; DeKalb, Walton, Morgan and Jasper each differ in the details.

Source: Georgia DPH Rules Chapter 511-3-1, On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Jan 2016)

GNR Public Health has required a Level 3 soil report for every septic permit in Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale, repairs included, since February 7, 2022. DeKalb applications carry soil data, and engineered site plans include a Level 3 or 4 report. Walton publishes a Level III requirement for additions. Morgan and Jasper do not publish a policy, so call the office.

Source: GNR Public Health — Septic Systems (Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale)

On the published schedules, GNR charges $275 for a residential site evaluation, permit and initial inspection in Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale, or $400 when it starts from a complaint. DeKalb lists a $150 repair permit. Walton and Morgan each list $200 for a residential repair permit. Jasper has no fee schedule online, so call its Environmental Health office.

Source: GNR Environmental Health Fee Schedule — Newton County (effective Jan 1, 2026)

Under Rule 511-3-1-.03(3)(a), an on-site sewage construction permit lasts no more than 12 months from the day it is issued, in every county. If the system is not installed and inspected inside that window, plan to reapply. GNR adds that changing the bedroom count or house location without approval voids a new-construction permit.

Source: Georgia DPH Rules Chapter 511-3-1, On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Jan 2016)

Usually yes. Georgia requires connection when public sewer is within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting right-of-way, and a failing system must connect once sewer is available. A home system under 2,000 gallons per day can be exempted if a code-compliant repair fits the lot. Local utilities, such as NCWSA and Covington, also set notice deadlines.

Source: Georgia DPH Rules Chapter 511-3-1, On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Jan 2016)

Gwinnett DWR says the property owner owns and maintains the whole private lateral, from the house plumbing to the connection with the county system in the right-of-way, including that connection. DWR clears blockages in the main or in the lateral section inside the right-of-way. For a backup, DWR's 24-hour number is 678.376.7000.

Source: Gwinnett County Sewer Service Lateral Repair/Cleaning Policy (homeowner handout)

Since March 1, 2021, NCWSA customers pay to clear blockages in the building sewer from the house all the way through the tap at the main, usually in the street. NCWSA remains responsible for the public mains between manholes. Inside Covington, the owner keeps the pipe clean to the city street line or the city main, whichever is nearer.

Source: NCWSA — Notice of Policy Change: Maintenance of Sewer Service Laterals (July 14, 2021)

DeKalb County Code Sec. 25-220 puts the building sewer on private property on the owner and the portion in county rights-of-way and sewer easements on the county. Rockdale's code gives the county the line from the main to the street right-of-way and leaves the rest, plus a cleanout at the right-of-way, to the customer.

Source: DeKalb County Code Ch. 25, Art. IV, Div. 1 — Sewers and Sewage Disposal, Generally (Municode, Supp. 72)

Only in and around the towns. Jasper's 2023 comprehensive plan says the county owns no sewer facilities and most areas have no sewer; Monticello runs the only documented municipal system. Morgan's 2022 plan says most unincorporated land has neither public water nor sewer, while Madison and Rutledge serve their own customers.

Source: Jasper County, Monticello & Shady Dale Joint Comprehensive Plan 2023–2028 (Georgia DCA)

Walton County's Board of Health ordinance requires 25,500 square feet of usable soil when the home uses public water and 51,000 square feet with a private well, plus room for an equally sized replacement area. Land within 50 feet of lakes, streams and wetlands does not count toward usable soil. Call (678) 863-5620 if you want a lot looked at.

Source: Walton County Board of Health — Minimum Lot Size Ordinance