Resident permit, septic

So this bext year I'm going to try to complete the residence permit (I think that is what it is called in arizona) and this includes the septic permit.

Has anyone been approved for a homeowner built septic, or alternative system in low building code states like Arizona. Any tips are welcome. Also of people are interested in a work stay let me know.

How would they know if you built the septic or a contractor did? There aren’t many regulations where I’m from when you own “x” amount of acres. I can’t remember but every place I’ve had has been over. I’ve installed 2 septics myself. Here and I’m sure everywhere septic contractor are absurdly high. 10k+. I literally did this in one day by myself. The first one half a day with couple people helping.

Last one cost under 3k and would’ve been less but I kept the backhoe all day to do other projects.

I’m interested in others with experience where big brother is more involved. I hope there’s someone that has a good experience getting this done yourself so you don’t throw away tons of money on a contractor.

I’m rereading. Do you get the permit first or do they come inspect when the work is complete?

That is really interesting. Texas and Arizona have very similar laws for building and zoning. I believe Arizona does have that same law for properties that are above a certain acreage. I believe it is called the "agricultural exemption."

From what I have researched, permits are required for properties that do not have this type of exemption. There are also some individual counties that have the "opt-out" option for any building regulations. But I am not in one of them.

Also, you can did your own well in Arizona, with no permit at all. The well just has to be under a certain flow rate.

I have heard that Arizona is not strict with their rules though. They will often allow outhouses (as an alternative system), and allow for homeowner built septic systems.

I think part of the reason that you find places with strict requirements is because issues have been run into already. It is kind of like a silly warning on the back of things you purchase at the store. You know the company put it on there because somebody has done it!

This shouldn't detract you from trying to tackle the project yourself but perhaps make you consider the importance of the steps that go into a functioning septic system.

I think first steps are to look at where you would want to place the septic system on your homestead. You really want to consider where your water is being pulled in from and how to place the system to minimize disturbances to not only your homestead plan but also to minimize the potential of a contamination event. I think the following step after you figure out where you want to place the system is to get a percolation test done to consider the feasibility of what system will work for you.

I always like to build above minimum specs if it will still function as I intend.

Do you have an idea of where you want to place the system yet?

Having an engineering background myself. There is really only one consideration for these types of civil/environmental engineering projects, and that is to follow "Best Practice." What you want out of your system is completely irrelevant, in the eyes of the regulators.

Yes you should certainly familiarize yourself with the concepts of septics before tackling the job. It could vary from the system I needed after reviewing your perc test. However to the warnings etc you mention. Both houses I was replacing systems that were installed by “professionals” that had so many things incorrect it was easier to start over.

These contractors will send 2-3 low wage workers to do this and never show his face on the job. Sign off like it was installed by a pro and laugh all the way to the bank after spending only 1day on your job.

New septic work is very easy. Troubleshooting or repairing old septic…guys probably worth the money for well pretty obvious reasons

I did some light googling and they offer a class to get certified. Don’t know if there was any prerequisite certain or anything needed. They also had a section for alternative septics but I didn’t read into that so if you’re interested in that they can spell out what’s acceptable.

The main thing is you want it to meet general standards in case you were to need to sell.