Comal County Septic Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Comal County septic permits are issued by the Environmental Health Department. Residential permits cost $300, properties in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone need at least 1 acre, and Hill Country limestone means aerobic systems are common, costing $10,000-$20,000 installed.

Comal County sits in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, and that beautiful landscape creates real challenges for septic systems. Shallow limestone, rocky soils, steep terrain, and Edwards Aquifer sensitivity all shape what kind of system you can install and what it'll cost. Aerobic systems are the norm here, not the exception. The county's Environmental Health Department handles permits for unincorporated areas and several contracted cities, including Bulverde, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Schertz, and Spring Branch.

This guide covers permits, fees, the application process, system types, Edwards Aquifer rules, Canyon Lake area requirements, Hill Country soil challenges, aerobic maintenance, and enforcement in Comal County.

Who Handles Septic Permits in Comal County?

The Comal County Environmental Health Department is the authorized TCEQ agent for septic permits in unincorporated Comal County and several contracted municipalities.

The Environmental Health Department handles plan review, permitting, three-phase inspections, maintenance oversight, and enforcement. The county also has interlocal agreements with Bulverde, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Schertz, and Spring Branch, meaning the county handles OSSF permits for those cities too.

Contact information:

Detail	Information
Office	Comal County Environmental Health Department
Phone	(830) 608-2090
Alt Phone	(830) 303-4188, ext. 1250
Fax	(830) 608-2078
Website	comalcounty.gov/Environmental-Health
Address	195 David Jonas Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78132

The county offers both online and in-person application options. You can submit through the county's online permit portal or visit the office in New Braunfels.

Permit Types and Fees in Comal County

Residential septic permits in Comal County cost $300 for systems under 500 gallons per day. Commercial permits cost $510. Aerobic maintenance agreement fees are $125, and re-inspections cost $150.

Here's what you'll pay:

Permit Type	Fee	Notes
Residential OSSF (under 500 gpd)	$300	Includes $10 TCEQ state fee
Commercial OSSF (over 500 gpd)	$510	Non-residential systems
Aerobic maintenance agreement	$125	One-time fee to register contract
Residential re-inspection	$150	After failed inspection
Commercial re-inspection	$250	After failed commercial inspection
Variance request	$150	Requesting relief from standards
Subdivision review (5 lots or fewer)	$20/lot	Per lot or tract
Subdivision review (6+ lots)	$100 + $5/lot	Larger developments

Your total cost also includes the site evaluation ($600-$1,200 for standard sites, up to $2,000 for Edwards Aquifer or complex sites) and professional engineering design if required.

Comal County does not honor the 10-acre exemption. Unlike many Texas counties, virtually all OSSF installations in Comal County require a permit regardless of lot size. The county's position means you can't skip the permitting process even on large rural tracts.

How the Comal County Septic Permit Process Works

The permit process follows nine steps, requires three mandatory inspections, and can take 3-8 weeks for Hill Country properties due to site evaluation and design complexity.

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Hire a licensed site evaluator. A TCEQ-licensed site evaluator must test your soil, measure depth to rock and groundwater, assess slopes, and determine what system types will work. In the Hill Country, this step is critical because shallow limestone can rule out conventional systems entirely.

2. Choose your system type. Based on the site evaluation, select an appropriate system. Your options include conventional, aerobic, low-pressure dosing, drip irrigation, mound, or evapotranspiration beds. Most Comal County properties end up with aerobic systems.

3. Prepare design plans. Standard conventional systems can be designed by licensed installers. Complex systems (aerobic, surface application, low-pressure dosing, mound) require a Professional Engineer or Professional Sanitarian. All systems in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone require professional engineering design regardless of type.

4. Submit application. Apply online through the county portal or in person at 195 David Jonas Drive. Include: completed application, site evaluation report, system design to scale, copy of recorded property deed, and payment. For aerobic systems, include a maintenance contract and recorded affidavit.

5. County review. The Environmental Health Department reviews your plans. A staff member may visit your site to verify the application. If anything is missing, you'll get a request for additional materials.

6. Authorization to construct. Once approved, you receive written authorization. No work can begin before this document is in hand.

7. First inspection: Before/during tank installation. The county verifies tank position, excavation dimensions, and that subsurface conditions match the site evaluation.

8. Second inspection: After tank, before drainfield. Verifies proper tank backfill, access ports, pipe connections, and confirms the disposal field matches approved plans.

9. Third inspection: System complete. All components must be in place and operational. Electrical connections verified, chlorination systems checked, risers installed. After passing, you receive a License to Operate. The system cannot be used until this license is issued.

Schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance. Failed inspections trigger a $150 re-inspection fee.

Edwards Aquifer Rules: What Makes Comal County Different

Properties in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone face the strictest requirements in Comal County. Minimum lot size is 1 acre regardless of water source, setbacks from recharge features are 50-150 feet, and all system designs must be professionally engineered.

Parts of Comal County sit on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, one of the most important and vulnerable groundwater sources in Texas. The Edwards is a karst aquifer, meaning fractures, caves, sinkholes, and losing streams act as direct conduits from the surface to the water supply. Any pollution from a septic system can reach the aquifer rapidly.

What this means for homeowners in the recharge zone:

• 1-acre minimum lot size per dwelling, regardless of whether you have a well or public water. The reduced half-acre option does not apply in the recharge zone.
• Lots platted before March 26, 1974 are exempt from the 1-acre minimum.
• 50-foot tank setback from recharge features (sinkholes, losing streams, caves, springs). Standard TCEQ setbacks also apply on top of this.
• 150-foot absorption system setback from recharge features.
• All system designs must be prepared by a Professional Engineer or Professional Sanitarian, even standard systems that would normally be installer-designed.
• TCEQ Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP) may be required before the county will accept your permit application. Contact TCEQ's San Antonio Regional Office at (210) 490-3096 for guidance.
• Property sellers must disclose Edwards Aquifer conditions to buyers in writing, including whether an EAPP has been approved and any restrictions.

The EAPP review process can take 30 days for administrative review plus up to 90 days for technical review. Plan ahead if you're building in the recharge zone.

Hill Country Geology and Canyon Lake Area

Shallow limestone at 12-24 inches below surface rules out conventional systems on many Comal County properties. Canyon Lake area builds face additional utility coordination, floodplain requirements, and system costs of $8,000-$15,000.

The Texas Hill Country geology is the biggest factor shaping septic system options in Comal County. Here's what you're dealing with:

Soil and rock challenges:

• Shallow bedrock (often just 12-24 inches down) eliminates conventional gravity drain fields on many properties
• Clay-heavy soils with poor percolation are common throughout the county
• Steep slopes (above 15-20%) severely limit drainfield locations, especially around Canyon Lake and Lake Travis
• Soil composition can vary dramatically even across a single lot, with pockets of favorable soil next to solid limestone

What this means for system selection: Most properties in Comal County end up with aerobic systems, drip irrigation, mound systems, or low-pressure dosing. Conventional gravity systems are only an option on properties with adequate soil depth and drainage, which describes a minority of lots in the county.

Canyon Lake area specifics:

• Many properties overlap with the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, triggering enhanced requirements
• The county engineer makes a floodplain determination as part of the OSSF permitting process
• If your property is in a regulatory floodplain, you'll need a separate Floodplain Development Permit
• Water service connects through Canyon Lake Water Service Company
• Electrical connections go through Pedernales Electric Cooperative
• Expect 3-6 months for utility installation depending on location

Aerobic System Requirements in Comal County

Aerobic systems require a maintenance contract, but Comal County allows homeowner self-maintenance for single-family residences. If you get two violations within 3 years, you must hire a professional provider.

Aerobic systems are the most common system type installed in Comal County. Here's what the county expects:

Maintenance contracts: New aerobic systems come with an initial 2-year manufacturer service contract. After that, you can either maintain the system yourself or hire a licensed provider.

Homeowner self-maintenance is allowed for single-family residential properties in Comal County. You don't need formal training. But if the county finds you're not maintaining your system correctly, you have 10 days to correct the violation. Get two violations within 3 years, and you'll be required to hire a professional maintenance provider.

Licensed provider requirements: If you go with a professional, they must conduct at least 3 visits per year, inspect all components at each visit, maintain an identification tag on the system, and submit reports to the county and to you at least every 4 months.

Chlorine requirements: If your system uses spray irrigation or surface application, maintain chlorine at all times. Use only calcium hypochlorite tablets certified for wastewater disinfection. Never use swimming pool chlorine tablets, which can release nitrogen chloride (an explosive gas).

Maintenance affidavit: When an aerobic system is installed, you must file a recorded affidavit. For systems in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, this documentation is especially important for future property transfers.

Maintenance agreement fee: The county charges a one-time $125 fee to register your aerobic maintenance contract.

Common Violations and Enforcement

Comal County investigates complaints within 1 business day. Standard violations get 30 days to correct. Sanitation nuisances (raw sewage) get only 96 hours. TCEQ can assess penalties up to $5,000 per day.

Comal County operates a dedicated Environmental Enforcement division that handles four categories: sanitation nuisances, public nuisances, litter, and OSSF violations.

What triggers enforcement:

• Operating without a permit
• Unpermitted modifications to an existing system
• Failing to maintain an aerobic system properly
• Systems causing odors, surface sewage, or contamination
• Failed inspections left uncorrected
• Changing system use without authorization (adding bedrooms, for example)

The enforcement process:

• County investigates complaints within 1 business day
• If a violation is confirmed, you get written notice with a compliance deadline
• Standard OSSF violations: 30 days to correct
• Sanitation nuisances (raw sewage surfacing): 96 hours to correct
• If you don't comply, the county files a criminal complaint with the local justice of the peace

Penalties: TCEQ administrative penalties can reach $5,000 per day of violation. In documented cases, initial penalties have ranged from $1,250-$5,000 depending on severity. Beyond fines, the county can order professional evaluation of your system (due within 90 days) and require mandatory maintenance contracts.

Comal County Public Nuisance Abatement Order No. 82 gives the county authority to take direct corrective action on properties where owners fail to fix violations, and recover those costs through liens.

What Septic Work Costs in Comal County

A conventional septic system in Comal County runs $6,200-$7,800 for a 3-bedroom home (when soil allows it). Aerobic systems cost $10,000-$20,000. Hill Country installations with drip or mound systems can exceed $25,000.

Here's what homeowners in the New Braunfels and Canyon Lake area should budget:

Item	Cost Range
Conventional system install (3-bedroom)	$6,200-$7,800
Aerobic system (spray or drip)	$10,000-$20,000
Mound or low-pressure dosing system	$12,000-$18,000
Complex Hill Country installation	$16,000-$25,000+
Site evaluation and soil testing	$600-$1,200
Engineering design (complex systems)	$800-$2,000
County permit fee (residential)	$300
Total permit + site eval + design	$1,700-$3,500
Septic pumping (1,000-gallon tank)	$230-$290
Aerobic maintenance (annual)	$300-$500
Typical repair (per hour + materials)	$275-$375/hour
Emergency service call	$465-$675

Costs in Comal County run higher than most Texas counties. The Hill Country geology is the main driver. Shallow limestone, rocky soils, and steep terrain push most properties toward aerobic or specialized systems. If you're building near Canyon Lake, add utility coordination costs: water connections average $5,000-$8,000, electrical setup runs $3,000-$6,000, and the septic system itself typically costs $8,000-$15,000.

For a full breakdown of Texas septic costs, see our septic pumping cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for septic work in Comal County?

Yes, for virtually all work. Comal County does not honor the state's 10-acre exemption. New installations, repairs, and modifications all require a permit from the Environmental Health Department. The county requires three mandatory inspections during installation. Routine pumping does not require a permit. Properties in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone may also need a TCEQ Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan.

How much does a septic permit cost in Comal County?

Residential permits cost $300, and commercial permits cost $510. Budget another $600-$2,000 for site evaluation and $800-$2,000 for engineering design on complex systems. The aerobic maintenance agreement fee is $125 (one-time). Re-inspections cost $150. Total permit-related costs for a new residential install typically run $1,700-$3,500.

Can I use a conventional septic system in Comal County?

Only if your site evaluation shows adequate soil. Most Comal County properties have shallow limestone at 12-24 inches, which rules out conventional gravity drain fields. If your soil supports it, conventional systems cost $6,200-$7,800. But most homeowners end up with aerobic systems ($10,000-$20,000) or specialized alternatives. The site evaluation determines what's possible on your specific lot.

Can I maintain my own aerobic system in Comal County?

Yes, for single-family residences. Comal County allows homeowner self-maintenance of aerobic systems without formal training. But if the county finds your system isn't maintained properly, you have 10 days to fix the issue. Two violations within 3 years forces you into a professional maintenance contract. You're still responsible for chlorine, system monitoring, and keeping the county informed.

How do Edwards Aquifer rules affect septic in Comal County?

Properties in the recharge zone need at least 1 acre, regardless of water source. Setbacks increase to 50 feet from recharge features for tanks and 150 feet for absorption systems. All designs must be professionally engineered. You may need a TCEQ Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan before the county accepts your application. Contact TCEQ's San Antonio Regional Office at (210) 490-3096 for guidance on recharge zone requirements.

---

Last updated: February 4, 2026 Reviewed by: Texas Septic Guide Editorial Team, content verified against TCEQ regulations, Comal County OSSF rules, Edwards Aquifer rules (30 TAC Chapter 213), and 30 TAC Chapter 285

Need septic help in Comal County? Get free quotes from vetted local providers

Sources: Comal County Environmental Health Department; Comal County Environmental Enforcement; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), 30 TAC Chapter 285; TCEQ Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, 30 TAC Chapter 213; Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366; Comal County Public Nuisance Abatement Order No. 82.

Serving Comal County communities: New Braunfels