Postcard advertising Septic inspection schedules

Ever wonder how inspections are scheduled for the county’s approximate 20,000 septic systems? For routine operation inspections (otherwise known as Operation Permits), Clermont County Public Health plans its inspections based on a schedule that moves township by township.

Our staff members run daily reports to determine which systems they will be inspecting that day. The goal is to maximize efficiency of time and resources. This usually means scheduling an entire road’s due inspections, meaning you could see an inspector going door to door down a single street. 

Spring 2026 Inspections:
Stonelick Township
Batavia Township
Union Township
Pierce Township

Frequently Asked Questions

You will receive a postcard in the mail approximately 90 days before we visit your township.

Postcard advertising Septic inspection schedules
  • Make sure all electrical components are working.
  • Ensure the discharge pipe is not blocked.
  • Check your filters to make sure they aren’t clogged.
  • Ensure your system is free from trees and shrubs.
Under Ohio law, Public Health has the authority to check septic systems to make sure they are working and not polluting the environment.
Staff wear photo ID badges and drive white vehicles with the Clermont County Public Health logo. Staff will walk your yard to assess your septic system and check system components.
Staff will knock on your door before checking your system. If no one is home, they will leave a door hanger. You will receive a bill in the mail.
Many people watch the technician and wonder, “What on earth are they looking for?!”

For background, the Clermont County Board of Health has authority under the Ohio Administrative Code to conduct inspection of septic systems. Rule 3701-29-23 verifies compliance and enforcement. When visiting your home for an inspection, our inspectors will drive vehicles marked with the Clermont County Public Health logo and wear photo ID badges.

First and foremost, the technician is looking for obvious signs of failure, which is sewage or gray water on the surface of the ground. If these problems aren’t found, then the technician moves on to assess how the system is operating and if all the components are in good working condition:

  • If possible, the tank is located as well as other parts of the treatment system.
  • Electrical components are assessed and engaged if possible.
  • Lids and risers are checked for structural integrity.
  • The inlet and outlet baffles are checked if access is available to look at them.
  • Discharge pipes for effluent or curtain drains are checked to be sure they are free flowing.
  • Chlorinators are assessed for proper operation and structural integrity.
Click here for examples of septic system failures and code violations.

If the home has an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU), there are several other items to check:

  • ATUs frequently have gravel filters following the main tank. These filters are assessed.
  • If sewage is bypassing the filter, the owner is directed to have the filter pumped and cleaned. Most manufacturers recommend doing this every six months and Public Health recommends having it done at least annually.
Click here for examples of ATU failures and repairs.

Sometimes it seems as though the technician conducting your assessment is wandering aimlessly around your property, but they are hard at work! 

They will walk your yard looking for discharge that may be escaping your system. For instance, gray water discharge that should go into the system would be laundry, sink, or shower water. These illicit discharges are usually nowhere near the on-site septic system, and there is a good possibility that the owner doesn’t even know they exist.

If it is the first time your system is being assessed, there is the possibility that the technician is looking for your system components. Past experience has taught us where to start looking, but your help is always welcome as a timesaver. Please don’t be afraid to ask the technician if you can help them! They appreciate your help when it’s available. Sometimes, even with your help, the technician still won’t be able to find all the components of your system. In these cases, as long as they don’t find any problems, your system will be considered to be operating correctly.

Operation Permit fees are applied to the property on which the septic system is installed. Fees stay with the property regardless of property sales or transfers. 

Operation Permit fee invoices are mailed to the property owner 1-3 business days after the inspection. The property owner has 30 days to pay the amount in full. After 60 days, late fees will be applied to the property. After 90 days, outstanding fees will be placed as a tax lien on the property, and additional late fees will apply. Tax liens must be disputed in writing within 30 days of receipt of notice of lien.

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3709.091, if you file a written objection, the matter will be referred to the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office to file suit in the Court of Common Pleas for the collection of the fees. Once the County Prosecutor initiates litigation to collect the unpaid fees, the property owner will be responsible for all court costs unless the owner prevails in litigation.

Payments will be accepted by Clermont County Public Health at any point in the collection process; however, once the lien has been placed with the Clermont County Auditor, fees must be paid directly to the Clermont County Treasurer’s Office.

If you have questions regarding fees, please contact Clermont County Public Health, c/o Tyler Braasch, 2275 Bauer Road, Suite 300, Batavia, OH 45103.