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

Kaufman County requires 1 acre of usable land for septic permits, and Blackland Prairie clay soils mean most properties need aerobic systems costing $10,000-$20,000.

Kaufman County sits in the heart of the DFW eastern expansion, and growth has been explosive. With a population of roughly 210,000 and a 6% annual growth rate (the second-fastest in the U.S. per 2024 Census estimates), new construction and septic permitting demand keeps climbing. The county became an authorized TCEQ agent in February 2022, taking over septic permitting from the state. If you own property in unincorporated Kaufman County with a septic system, you'll work with the county's Development Services office and need to plan for the Blackland Prairie clay soils that dominate this region.

This guide covers who handles permits, the application process, lot size requirements, Blackland Prairie soil considerations, aerobic system requirements, and enforcement in Kaufman County. Whether you're building new, replacing an old system, or trying to keep your aerobic unit in compliance, the specifics are here.

Requirement	Kaufman County Rule
Permitting authority	Development Services, (469) 376-4127
Minimum lot size	1 acre of usable space
Common system type	Aerobic (clay soils limit conventional)
Permit review timeline	30 days for complete applications
Aerobic maintenance reports	Every 4 months to county
Contract renewal deadline	30 days before expiration
Violation response window	30 days to show progress

Who Handles Septic Permits in Kaufman County?

Kaufman County Development Services issues all septic permits in unincorporated areas. The county became a TCEQ authorized agent in February 2022.

Here's the jurisdictional breakdown. Kaufman County handles permitting in unincorporated areas and most cities within the county. But two municipalities run their own OSSF programs:

• City of Terrell: Has its own TCEQ-authorized OSSF program (since February 2022). If your property is within Terrell city limits, contact Terrell's Municipal Development Department at 201 E. Nash Street.
• City of Oak Ridge: Also operates as an authorized agent. Contact their Public Works department for OSSF permits.

All other cities in Kaufman County, including Forney, Kaufman, Crandall, and Farmersville, fall under county jurisdiction for septic permits. Even if your property is technically within one of these city limits, you'll still work with Kaufman County Development Services.

Contact information:

Detail	Information
Office	Kaufman County Development Services
Phone	(469) 376-4127
Email	publicworks@kaufmancounty.net
Violations email	violations@kaufmancounty.net
Physical address	101 N. Houston Street, Kaufman, TX 75142
Hours	Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The county administers its septic program under authority granted by TCEQ, implementing all provisions of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285.

What Are the Septic Permit Types and Fees in Kaufman County?

Contact Development Services at (469) 376-4127 for current permit fees. Regional averages suggest $300-$600 for new installation permits.

Kaufman County sets its own fees under 30 TAC §285.21. The exact fee schedule isn't published online, so you'll need to call for current pricing. For reference, the City of Terrell (which has its own program) charges $360 for single-family residential OSSF permits and approximately $610 for commercial installations. Other DFW-area counties typically charge $300-$700 for new installation permits.

Expect to pay for these permit-related items:

Item	Estimated Cost Range
New septic installation permit	Contact office
Repair/modification permit	Contact office
State OSSF fee	$10 (required by law)
Site evaluation (by licensed professional)	$600-$1,200
System design (engineering fees)	$500-$1,500
Maintenance contract (aerobic, annual)	$200-$400

Lot size requirements: Kaufman County requires a minimum of 1 acre of usable space per property to support a septic system. The term "usable space" is key. Not all land counts. Areas with shallow bedrock, high water tables, or poor soil composition may be excluded from the usable calculation even if your total lot exceeds 1 acre.

The 10-acre exemption: Under TCEQ rules (30 TAC Chapter 285), properties 10 acres or larger with a single-family home, one septic system, and disposal field setback of at least 100 feet from property lines may not need a county permit. However, Kaufman County's authorization allows it to impose stricter requirements, and you should verify with the county whether your property qualifies for any exemption.

How Does the Kaufman County Septic Permit Process Work?

The permit application must include a site evaluation, system design, and lot plat. The county has 30 days to approve or deny complete applications.

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Verify your jurisdiction. Confirm whether your property falls under county jurisdiction, City of Terrell, or City of Oak Ridge. Properties in Forney, Kaufman, Crandall, and other cities (except Terrell and Oak Ridge) still go through the county.

2. Site evaluation. Hire a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer. They'll evaluate soil type, depth to impervious layers, and depth to groundwater. In Kaufman County's clay-heavy soils, this evaluation often determines whether you can use a conventional system or need aerobic treatment.

3. System design. Based on the site evaluation, a licensed professional develops a system design that addresses your property's specific soil conditions and wastewater treatment needs.

4. Gather documents. You'll need: completed application, site evaluation report, system design drawings, lot plat or land survey showing legal description and lot size, and the application fee. Aerobic systems require a maintenance contract to be in place before the system can be activated.

5. Submit application. Submit to Kaufman County Development Services at 101 N. Houston Street, Kaufman, TX 75142, or inquire via publicworks@kaufmancounty.net or (469) 376-4127.

6. County review. The permitting authority has 30 days to approve or deny the application. If denied, you'll receive a written explanation and can appeal to the Kaufman County Commissioners' Court.

7. Installation by licensed contractor. All installation work must be performed by a TCEQ-licensed installer. The only exception is if you personally install a system serving your own single-family dwelling on property you own, and no one else is paid for any part of the work.

8. Inspections. Visual inspections must occur before components are covered or buried. Aerobic and alternative systems may require operational tests before final approval.

9. Certificate of Compliance. Once all inspections pass, the county issues a Certificate of Compliance authorizing the system to operate.

Why Do Blackland Prairie Soils Make Kaufman County Septic Systems Different?

Kaufman County's Blackland Prairie clay soils often rule out conventional septic systems, pushing most properties toward aerobic treatment units costing $10,000-$20,000.

Kaufman County sits squarely in the Blackland Prairie, the same geological region that affects Dallas, Ellis, and Collin counties. As Bruce Lesikar, Professor and Extension Agricultural Engineer at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, notes in publication L-5227: "A standard drain field cannot be used in a clay soil." Here's what you're dealing with:

The soil characteristics:

• High clay content that restricts water movement
• Texas regulations classify soils into five types (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV), with clay soils as Type IV
• Standard drain fields cannot be used in Type IV clay soils
• Water filters through clay much more slowly than sand or silt, requiring lower hydraulic loading rates

What this means for your septic system:

• Conventional systems often won't work. TCEQ has documented that most soils in Texas, particularly in the Blackland Prairie, cannot properly absorb pollutants through conventional septic tank and drainfield arrangements.

• Aerobic systems are common. Many Kaufman County properties require aerobic treatment units that process wastewater more thoroughly before discharge.

• Alternative designs may be needed. Constructed wetlands, land application systems, or other advanced technologies may be required based on site conditions.

• Cost impact. Blackland Prairie conditions typically push homeowners toward aerobic or alternative systems, which cost $10,000-$20,000 compared to $6,500-$9,500 for conventional systems.

Your site evaluation will determine exactly what's possible on your property. Don't assume you can install a conventional system in Kaufman County without professional soil testing first.

What Are the Aerobic System Requirements in Kaufman County?

Kaufman County aerobic systems require annual maintenance contracts renewed 30 days before expiration, with reports filed every 4 months.

Given the clay soils, many Kaufman County homeowners end up with aerobic treatment units. The county has established specific requirements that exceed state minimums:

Maintenance contracts are mandatory. You must maintain a valid contract with a licensed maintenance provider continuously. Kaufman County specifically requires:

• Annual maintenance contracts
• Contract renewal submitted to Development Services 30 days before the previous contract expires
• Copy of current contract on file with the county

Initial contract term: New aerobic systems typically come with a two-year manufacturer service contract included in the purchase price. After those initial two years, you must establish your own maintenance contract.

What the maintenance contract must include:

• Items covered by the maintenance arrangement
• Timeframe for the provider to respond to complaints
• Name of the individual certified to perform maintenance
• Frequency of routine maintenance and required testing
• Identification of who maintains the disinfection unit

Reporting schedule: Your maintenance provider must submit reports to both Kaufman County and you at least every 4 months. Systems with electronic monitoring may report every 6 months instead. All test results must be submitted to the county within 14 days after testing.

What the maintenance provider checks:

• All system components for proper operation
• Chlorine residual levels
• Biochemical oxygen demand
• Total suspended solids
• Disinfection unit (chlorine tablets must be EPA-certified calcium hypochlorite for wastewater, never pool chlorine)

Provider requirements: Licensed maintenance providers must hold either an OSSF Installer II license, a Class C or higher Wastewater Operator license, or have completed three years as a registered maintenance technician, plus completed TCEQ-approved Basic Maintenance Provider and Advanced Aerobic System courses.

Service record tracking: The provider must install an identification tag on the system at the start of each contract, then punch or mark the tag at each visit as a visible service record.

Budget $200-$400 per year for a standard aerobic maintenance contract.

What Happens If You Violate Septic Rules in Kaufman County?

Kaufman County gives property owners 30 days to make progress on septic violations before the county can file criminal complaints with the local justice of the peace.

The county's enforcement process follows TCEQ guidelines:

What triggers enforcement:

• Operating without a required permit
• Installing or repairing a system without a licensed contractor
• Failing to maintain required aerobic system maintenance contracts
• Expired or lapsed maintenance contracts
• Sewage discharge onto ground surface or into surface waters
• Inadequate pumping or maintenance of conventional systems
• Improper handling of hazardous wastes that contaminate the system
• Construction or land use changes that violate setbacks

How to report violations: Property owners can submit online reports through Kaufman County's Violations and Complaints page or email violations@kaufmancounty.net. Select "septic violations" or "environmental violations" when filing.

The enforcement process:

1. County inspector investigates the complaint
2. Property owner receives notification of violations
3. Property owner has 30 days to make substantial progress
4. If not addressed, the county can file a criminal complaint with the local justice of the peace
5. More serious violations can result in greater penalties or liens against the property

Signs your system is failing:

• Standing water near the septic tank or drainfield
• Sewage backing up into sinks, toilets, or showers
• Slow drains throughout the house
• Sewage odors inside or outside
• Wet spots in the yard
• Gurgling sounds from plumbing

Critical warning: Never discharge hazardous wastes, industrial effluent, petroleum products, pesticides, or other chemicals into your septic system. These substances kill the bacteria necessary for treatment and create a direct pathway for contaminants to reach groundwater. This constitutes a serious environmental violation under Texas law.

How Much Does Septic Work Cost in Kaufman County?

Conventional systems in Kaufman County cost $6,500-$9,500 installed, while aerobic systems run $10,000-$20,000 plus $1,100-$2,700 for permits, site evaluation, and design.

Here's what homeowners in Kaufman County should budget:

Item	Cost Range
Conventional system install (3-bedroom)	$6,500-$9,500
Aerobic system (common due to clay soils)	$10,000-$20,000
Site evaluation and soil testing	$600-$1,200
System design/engineering	$500-$1,500
County permit fee	Contact office
Total permit + site eval + design	$1,100-$2,700
Septic pumping (1,000-gallon tank)	$275-$375
Aerobic maintenance contract (annual)	$200-$400
Typical repair (depending on scope)	$500-$3,500
Drain field replacement	$5,000-$15,000

Costs in Kaufman County can run higher than some rural Texas counties because Blackland Prairie soils frequently require aerobic or alternative systems. According to the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee (a joint TAMU/TCEQ initiative), approximately 20% of new homes built in Texas use septic systems, and the rapid DFW growth in Kaufman County has also increased labor rates in the area.

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 Kaufman County?

Yes, almost always. New installations, repairs, and modifications all require a permit through Kaufman County Development Services. The only exception is the 10-acre exemption for single-family homes on large lots with proper setbacks, though the county may impose stricter requirements. Routine pumping does not require a permit. Properties in the City of Terrell or City of Oak Ridge need permits from their respective cities instead.

How much land do I need for a septic system in Kaufman County?

A minimum of 1 acre of usable space is required. This is standard for many Texas counties. Not all land counts as "usable." Areas with shallow bedrock, high water tables, or poor soil composition may be excluded from the usable calculation. A site evaluation by a licensed professional determines what land qualifies for system installation.

Who inspects septic systems in Kaufman County?

Kaufman County Development Services handles inspections. Visual inspections must occur before system components are covered or buried. Aerobic and alternative systems may require operational tests before final approval. Your licensed installer coordinates inspection scheduling with the county. For aerobic systems, your maintenance provider handles ongoing inspections and files reports with the county every 4 months.

Can I install a conventional septic system in Kaufman County?

It depends entirely on your soil. Kaufman County's Blackland Prairie clay soils frequently rule out conventional systems because the heavy clay can't absorb and treat wastewater adequately. A certified site evaluator must test your property's soil before you know what system types are possible. Many Kaufman County homeowners end up needing aerobic systems, which cost more but work better in clay conditions.

What if my aerobic maintenance contract lapses in Kaufman County?

Failing to maintain a current maintenance contract is a violation. Kaufman County requires aerobic maintenance contracts to be renewed 30 days before expiration. If your contract lapses, you may face enforcement action. The county can pursue fines, court costs, and additional penalties. More importantly, an unmaintained aerobic system can fail, creating health hazards and potentially costing thousands to repair.

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Last updated: February 7, 2026 Reviewed by: Texas Septic Guide Editorial Team, content verified against TCEQ regulations, Kaufman County OSSF ordinances, and 30 TAC Chapter 285

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Sources: Kaufman County Development Services; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), 30 TAC Chapter 285; Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension OSSF guidance (publications L-5227, SC-015-6.16); U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.

Serving Kaufman County communities: Forney | Terrell