OWTS Construction Permit Required

OWTS Construction Permit Application Process

A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting. The first step of the permitting process is to determine the agency that has permitting authority where the work is being done.

Note: Lagoons serving anything other than a single-family residence fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources. See “Additional Information” below for clarification of DHSS and DNR jurisdiction.

DHSS OWTS permitting falls under one of three authority types: DHSS Onsite Program, Local Authority (contract), or Local Authority via Ordinance. The application process varies by permitting authority. Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption to permitting has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.

Select your county from the list below to determine your jurisdiction and further instructions.

Some cities in Missouri are incorporated and may not fall under the local permitting authority even when an ordinance is in place. If work is being done within one of these incorporated areas, the local permitting authority will defer the permit process back to DHSS. Request a permit application number for an incorporated are by clicking here.

Additional Information

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) regulations cover:

  1. Single-family residential systems including lagoons;
  2. Onsite or cluster systems that treat domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less and disperse the wastewater through soil treatment/absorption systems.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates other wastewater treatment systems in Missouri including:

  1. Lagoons serving anything other than single-family residences;
  2. Systems that treat and discharge into surface waters;
  3. Systems that treat wastewater flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day and disperse wastewater through soil treatment/absorption systems;
  4. Systems that treat industrial (non-domestic) wastewater flows. Contact DNR if there is any question about the type of waste generated at a facility.

DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned.
Developers as well as property owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR regarding their residential housing unit requirements. For more information see Who Regulates Wastewater in Missouri or contact DNR.