Below is an overview of the process for approving a parcel of land in Davidson County for an on-site subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system. Click on the title of each procedure for more detailed information.

Preliminary Soils Analysis

• We will require applicable information and fees.
• The analysis will provide a preliminary review of soil types and topographical features present.
• Report will contain a recommendation regarding reviewed area's potential to support a septic system.

Grid Staking By Registered Land Surveyor

• This is not done by the Metro Public Health Department.
• If enough suitable soil is observed in the Preliminary Soils Analysis, an area to be grid staked by a Registered Land Surveyor will be suggested. Registered Land Surveyors are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Surveyors-Land".
• A boundary survey with the gridded area is required by state regulations to determine the actual location of the soils we will evaluate.
• It is critical that the surveyor's gird stakes remain in place until after the system is installed and inspected.

Final Soils Mapping

• We will require 3 copies of the gridded boundary survey and a mapping fee.
• The soils within the gridded area will be mapped, revealing the extent of any soils suitable for a septic system.
• You may retain a soil scientist from the private sector to complete a soils map. Click here for a list of approved soil consultants.

Will my proposal require a plat?

The next step in the approval process is to determine if your proposal will require a plat. Properties that require a plat are generally less than five acres or have less than fifty feet of road frontage. Metropolitan Codes Department will determine if your proposal requires a plat. A CODES SUBDIVISION FORM must be reviewed and signed by a Codes representative and submitted to our office during the soil analysis process.  One of the procedures listed below is required after the CODES SUBDIVISION FORM is submitted and soil work is completed.

My proposal does not require a plat.

• Your proposal will be designed by the EES staff.
• We will require a fee and a plot plan showing proposed locations of the house, driveway, and water line.
• Plot plan may be hand drawn to scale on a copy of the soils map.
• Only after a system has been designed will you have this department's approval for building.

My proposal does require a plat.

• A Land Surveyor – registered in the State of Tennessee – must design the disposal field system and submit plans for our review.
• The surveyor must submit a drawing, either in blueprint or electronic format, and pay the preliminary review fee.
• A site visit and a review of the soil area layout and the required notes will be performed by our office.

A final Mylar and blue line copy must be submitted and approved by EES.  The surveyor must then submit the Mylar to the Metro Planning Commission (862-7150). No building permits will be issued until the Planning Commission has approved and recorded the plat.