Summit County Environmental Health Department
OWS USE PERMITS
Permit for continued use of an existing Onsite Wastewater System
In May of 2008 the Summit County Board of Health passed a new law that affects properties with Onsite Wastewater Systems (OWS). The life expectancy
of an OWS is about 30 years. Many Onsite Wastewater Systems in the County are approaching or exceed this threshhold. With up to 10% of systems found to be
malfunctioning the Board adopted the new law requiring a Use Permit, at the point of sale, for all properties with an OWS and/or when undergoing a major remodel.
This law is a beneficial tool to the Environmental Health Department in detecting malfunctioning Onsite Wastewater Systems with the purpose of keeping the County's
ground water supply safe. It also benefits both the buyer and seller involved in a property transaction. The buyer benefits by knowing that the system has been inspected
and necessary corrections have been made. The seller benefits by having the condition of the system documented for prospective buyers.
Click on the links below for forms and more information