Permits, Paperwork, Fees and Licensing
The paperwork protects you. The Certificate of Compliance and the plan of installation are the documents you will want when you sell, insure or repair the property.
25 questions in this section
- What does a septic application cost?
- Is the application fee refundable?
- How long does approval take?
- What happens if my application is incomplete?
- Who signs the application?
- What has to be on the system drawing?
- What if my lot has no civic number?
- How long is an approval valid?
- What is a Notice of Installation?
- Is the three-day notice ever waived?
- What is a Certificate of Compliance?
- What else must my installer give me?
- What is a re-inspection fee?
- How long must my installer keep records?
- Can an approval be revoked?
- What counts as a repair that needs an approval?
- Do I need approval just to investigate a problem?
- What does it take to become a licensed installer?
- When is the installer course offered?
- What is the passing grade for the installer exam?
- Are licences issued to individuals or companies?
- What if the qualified employee leaves the company?
- When do installer licences expire?
- Can an installer's licence be revoked?
- Are all installations subject to audit?
What does a septic application cost?
The application fee is $150.00, and it must be received before an assessment is conducted. This includes multiple applications for the same lot. Payments are made at any Service New Brunswick office or online.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. Application fees will not be reimbursed once Technical Inspection Services has started processing the application, even if you decide not to install the system.
How long does approval take?
Up to seven full business days from the time a complete application is received. An approval or a refusal with comments will be issued in that window, provided all required items have been received and fees paid.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
It will not be processed and will be returned. The application is not complete unless all information is provided, including the system drawing.
Who signs the application?
Both the applicant, who is the licensee, and the current property owner.
What has to be on the system drawing?
An overhead view showing all clearance distances; property dimensions including easements and rights of way; slope percentage and direction; system type, layout, number and length of rows; separation distances to buildings, property lines, all wells and any water bodies within 100 metres; original and finished ground elevations including apron and taper; amount of crushed rock around the pipe or galleys; and materials specifications. Properties of 2,000 square metres or less must be drawn to scale.
What if my lot has no civic number?
Flagging tape or other markings must be clearly visible from the roadside so the inspector can identify the lot.
How long is an approval valid?
Twelve months from the date issued, and it is non-transferable to another party. If the system has not been installed before the approval expires, a new application and fee are required.
What is a Notice of Installation?
Written notice from the licensee to Technical Inspection Services that the system is ready to be covered. It must be submitted at least three full business days before covering, so an inspector has the opportunity to conduct a final audit inspection.
Is the three-day notice ever waived?
Yes, for septic tank repairs or replacements that meet all regulations and do not require an exemption. The Notice of Installation is still required. Any tank repair or replacement needing an exemption still requires the three-day notice and is subject to audit inspection.
What is a Certificate of Compliance?
The document confirming your system was installed in accordance with the approval. The licensee must provide it to you and mail a copy to Technical Inspection Services within ten days after the system is covered.
What else must my installer give me?
Within ten days of the system being covered: the Certificate of Compliance, a copy of the plan of the installation, construction, repair or replacement, and the operating instructions for the system. Keep all three permanently.
What is a re-inspection fee?
$150, payable before each re-inspection, when an inspector finds deficiencies that must be corrected. It is not refundable, and it applies to non-conventional systems as well.
How long must my installer keep records?
A licensee, or former licensee, must keep copies of each application for approval with supporting information, each approval issued, and each Certificate of Compliance issued, for a minimum of seven years.
Can an approval be revoked?
Yes, if the licensee violates or fails to comply with a term or condition of the licence, violates section 24 or 24.1 of the Act or any provision of the Regulation, or makes a false statement in an application, report, return or certificate. Corrections satisfactory to the inspector or Chief Plumbing Inspector are needed for reinstatement.
What counts as a repair that needs an approval?
Relocating a septic or holding tank horizontally or vertically; relocating, repairing or replacing a pump chamber; replacing an apron or taper in whole or in part on any side; any excavation within the limits of the disposal field including apron or taper; replacing the pipe from tank to field; and installing any system meant to augment the tank or field, such as mechanical ventilation.
Do I need approval just to investigate a problem?
Yes. If an investigation is required to determine the scope of repairs, an approval must first be obtained, and the application must describe the planned investigative actions. The approval must then be revised to include the corrective action before repairs proceed.
What does it take to become a licensed installer?
For a conventional licence: submit an application form, successfully complete and pass the New Brunswick On-site Sewage Disposal System course and exam, and pay a $400 licensing fee. For a non-conventional licence: attend the required course and pass the exam, submit an application describing the technology, and pay $350. A conventional licence is a prerequisite.
When is the installer course offered?
Health Protection Services offers the Provincial Installer Course every April, with additional summer or fall sessions if demand warrants. Applicants must pre-register at least three weeks before the start of the month and must specify a language preference.
What is the passing grade for the installer exam?
85 percent. Candidates get three hours and may use the course slides and Technical Guidelines from their handout package. Those who fail may re-write by scheduling with the regional Health Protection Branch office; anyone unsuccessful twice must retake the course.
Are licences issued to individuals or companies?
To a company or business. The business may appoint an employee to fulfil the licensing requirements, but that employee's name does not appear on the licence.
What if the qualified employee leaves the company?
The Department must be notified. The company cannot construct, install, repair or replace systems in the meantime, and must appoint a replacement who meets the licensing requirements within 30 days of the employee's termination date, or the licence is revoked.
When do installer licences expire?
March 31st of each year.
Can an installer's licence be revoked?
Yes, for non-compliance with the Public Health Act, Regulation 2009-137, the Technical Guidelines, or an approval to install. Reinstatement means starting over: new application, fee, course and exam.
Are all installations subject to audit?
Yes. Because a licensee must follow the normal procedure for both conventional and non-conventional installations, all on-site sewage systems are subject to a full audit of the installation process.
Have a question about your own property? General answers only go so far — your soil, slope, water table and setbacks are specific to your lot. Call (506) 233-6272 or send us the details.
Ready to talk about your septic system?
Serving homeowners, builders, and property owners throughout Greater Moncton and southeastern New Brunswick.