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Massachusetts Septic Records & Permits

Search septic permits, as-built drawings and pumping reports filed with county environmental health departments across Massachusetts. Each record links to the county’s official document.

State agency: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) - Title 5 Governing rule: 310 CMR 15.000 (Title 5)
14 Counties in Massachusetts
0 With digital permit search
50 ft Required well setback
$0 Public records access fee
Massachusetts Title 5 & Municipal Board of Health Governance Notice:

In Massachusetts, county government was abolished across eight counties (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Worcester, and Hampden). Onsite septic systems are governed statewide under Title 5 of the State Environmental Code (310 CMR 15.000) overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). All local installation permits, percolation tests, and mandatory Title 5 official inspection reports (required prior to any property transfer or sale) are administered and archived directly by local Municipal Boards of Health across Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns, rather than county health departments.

Select a county in Massachusetts

14 counties available by records request
County Records Availability Action
Barnstable County Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment (Cape Cod)
By Public Request
Permits
Berkshire County Berkshire Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Bristol County Bristol Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Dukes County Martha's Vineyard Boards of Health & Dukes County Administration
By Public Request
Permits
Essex County Essex Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Franklin County Franklin Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Hampden County Hampden Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Hampshire County Hampshire Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Middlesex County Middlesex Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Nantucket County Town and County of Nantucket Health Department
By Public Request
Permits
Norfolk County Norfolk Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Plymouth County Plymouth Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Suffolk County Suffolk Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits
Worcester County Worcester Municipal Boards of Health & MassDEP Title 5 Division
By Public Request
Permits

Massachusetts Septic Rules & Setback Standards

All subsurface sewage disposal systems in Massachusetts are governed by 310 CMR 15.000 (Title 5). Authorized systems must maintain strict minimum horizontal clearance:

Private Drinking Well
50 feet min.
Property Line
10 feet min.
House Foundation
10 feet min.
Water Body / Stream
50 feet min.