If you’re planning a new build or upgrading an older property in Eastern Ontario, one of the earliest regulatory steps you’ll face is obtaining a septic permit. This permit is mandatory for any onsite sewage system that treats 10,000 litres of wastewater or less per day, which includes the vast majority of residential systems.
Property owners in Kingston, Napanee, and the surrounding Frontenac County region all follow a similar process, although specific details can vary by municipality. Understanding what to prepare, how long the process takes, and what common errors to avoid can help keep your project on schedule and reduce stress.
At M. Riddle Excavating, we work with property owners, developers, and contractors to ensure that septic systems are permitted and installed to meet both code and the demands of the site. Below, we outline what to expect when applying for a septic permit in this region.
Why Septic Permits Matter
Septic systems are more than a convenience – they are critical infrastructure that ensures wastewater is treated safely and does not impact groundwater, nearby wells, or surface water. For that reason, Ontario’s Building Code requires a formal review process to verify system design and site conditions.
When the correct permit is issued, it means your system is properly sized, safely sited, and built to last. Failing to obtain a permit, or proceeding with unapproved work, can lead to enforcement actions, including stop-work orders and fines.
Understanding Which Office to Contact
The process starts by identifying which municipality governs your project site. If you’re located within the City of Kingston, the Building Services Department handles septic permits. In the Town of Greater Napanee, the Building Department reviews and approves applications.
In Frontenac County, things are more localized. Each township – South Frontenac, Central Frontenac, North Frontenac, and Frontenac Islands – manages its own building permits, including those for septic systems. Because the application process and contacts can differ slightly across townships, we often help clients identify the appropriate authority before any design or site work begins.
What Your Application Will Include
A successful septic permit application is more than just a form – it’s a full technical package. At a minimum, you’ll need to include a completed municipal form, a site plan showing distances to buildings and lot lines, percolation test results, and a full design prepared by a qualified professional.
We regularly work alongside designers and engineers to produce permit-ready system layouts that reflect real site conditions. This not only speeds up approvals but also ensures that excavation and installation go smoothly when the time comes.
If you’re unfamiliar with how septic design works, our septic installation service includes assistance with layout reviews, soil assessments, and base preparation to meet code and performance goals.
Where and How to Submit Your Application
Depending on your location, applications may be submitted digitally or in person. Kingston uses the DASH portal to process building-related permits online. Napanee accepts submissions by email, while most Frontenac townships still rely on paper forms or PDFs that must be dropped off or mailed.
Fee structures also vary, but they typically reflect system complexity and tank size. Municipal staff can provide a current fee schedule upon request, or we can help confirm it for you. It’s also important to remember that permit costs are just one part of your total budget – when planning your system, permit fees should be factored into your overall septic system costs alongside design, excavation, and installation expenses.
Timeline and Inspection Requirements
Once submitted, your application enters the review stage. Municipal inspectors assess the layout, verify the soil’s suitability, and ensure the proposed system meets required setbacks. A site visit will typically follow, allowing the inspector to verify conditions before the permit is issued.
Permit approvals often take between 10 and 20 business days, depending on the time of year. Spring and early summer are peak periods for building permit activity, so earlier applications usually mean quicker approvals.
Once installation begins, inspections are typically required at multiple stages – especially prior to backfilling. Coordinating these inspections efficiently is crucial to staying on schedule. We work directly with inspectors to ensure all required checkpoints are met without project delays.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Missing documents, outdated soil reports, and unclear site plans are some of the most common reasons permits are delayed or denied. Another issue is using an unqualified contractor or designer who may not understand municipal expectations.
Our experience completing a large number of septic system projects across the region has given us insight into how different municipalities interpret provincial codes, and what they expect from supporting documentation.
We also offer full site preparation services to ensure that the system location is properly cleared, graded, and accessible to inspectors and installers.
How We Support the Process
Beyond managing excavation and system installation, our team helps clients plan ahead for related services like trenching, grading, and road access – services that are often overlooked during early planning.
By addressing these considerations upfront, we reduce the chance of surprises during inspection or post-installation use. If you’re coordinating with a general contractor or home builder, we can also work directly with them to streamline timelines and logistics.
Final Thoughts
Securing a septic permit in Eastern Ontario isn’t overly complex, but it does require attention to detail and a clear understanding of local procedures. The process is often smoother when handled by professionals who understand the landscape -literally and administratively.
If you’re preparing for a new installation, we invite you to get in touch. We can help you determine your permitting authority, organize a site evaluation, and prepare the necessary groundwork for a smooth and successful installation.