Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the Goochland Health Department at 556-5843. Depending on the age of your house, the Health Department may have record of the septic installation or any modifications/changes to your septic system. A local certified onsite soil evaluator or onsite sewage disposal system installer/operator may also be contacted to conduct a site evaluation for assistance. Additional information including a list of AOSE may be viewed at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/

Contact the Goochland Health Department at 556-5843 or a local certified onsite sewage evaluator. Most perk tests for Certification letters to prospective buyers or sellers of property to certify that the lot has a site for an onsite sewage disposal system are now required to be conducted by the private sector. Additional information including a list of AOSE may be viewed at  http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/

A new septic construction permit is issued during the building permit process. A building permit must be applied for at the Building Inspection Department before the Health Department will review the septic construction permit. Please contact the Community Development Customer Service Center at 556-5860 or visit the Building Inspection website at http://www.goochlandva.us/168/Building-Inspection

There are two options for obtaining a septic construction permit.

Hire a private Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE) to determine the location and type of septic system. The AOSE will provide engineered septic construction plans to submit with your building permit. Please note that your septic must be designed to either meet or exceed your planned number of bedrooms. AOSE construction plans are required for lots in subdivisions and will expedite the Health department review. AOSE construction plans are valid for eighteen (18) months and are transferrable to a new owner.  Additional information including a list of AOSE can be found at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/.

Apply for a “bare” septic application. A representative of the Health Department will visit your property to conduct a site and soil evaluation to determine its suitability for an onsite sewage disposal system. “Bare” septic applications can only be processed by the Health Department if a building permit is also being applied for and if the site is for the property owner’s principal place of residence. If an area is suitable, it will be identified, and a construction permit will be issued. The approval will include the permit to construct a well, if desired. This permit is valid for 18 months and is transferable to a new owner. If an onsite sewage disposal system area has been previously approved under a subdivision review, or previously issued a permit, and a different location is requested, the applicant must hire an AOSE or soil consultant to designate a new site and submit the appropriate paperwork. Use of AOSE’s is encouraged and may result in a faster processing time for Construction Permits. Additional information including a list of AOSE can be found at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/.

Please click here for the Frequently Asked Questions on wells.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions here on underground storage tanks.