Permits and hiring tips
Who issues septic permits around New Bern, which towns run their own sewer, and how to vet a septic contractor.
Septic permits in Craven County
Craven County Environmental Health runs the county’s On-Site Water Protection program. It handles site and soil evaluations, permits to build a system on a lot, construction approvals, operation permits after inspection, approvals of existing systems, and repair permits for failing systems.
- Office: 2818 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28561
- Septic line: 252-636-4936
- Email: envhealth@cravencountync.gov
- Craven County septic systems page
A new system starts with a site and soil evaluation. The county asks for a survey or plat with the application, or a tax map if there isn’t one.
Jones and Pamlico counties
- Jones County Environmental Health: 418 Hwy 58 N, Unit C, Trenton. 252-448-9111 ext. 3001, call or text 252-497-8989, osww@jonescountync.gov.Jones County environmental health
- Pamlico County Environmental Health: 202 Main St, Bayboro. 252-745-5634, pceh@pamlicocounty.org.Pamlico County environmental health
When a permit is usually needed
- Installing a new system on a lot
- Repairing or replacing a failing system, including the drain field
- Adding bedrooms or otherwise expanding a home beyond what its septic permit allows
Routine pumping and simple parts replacement usually don’t need a permit. When in doubt, call Environmental Health before work is scheduled.
North Carolina’s septic rules
Septic systems in North Carolina are governed by the state rules in 15A NCAC 18E, which took effect January 1, 2024, and are carried out by county health departments.
Sewer contacts around New Bern
- City of New Bern: water and sewer for the city and Trent Woods. The 24-hour Water Resources Maintenance line is (252) 639-7541.
- New Bern S.T.E.P. customers: these homes have a septic tank, pump tank, pump, and alarm panel, and send effluent to city sewer. For pump, panel, or line problems, call the city at (252) 639-7541.S.T.E.P. information
- Havelock: city-owned sewer system and wastewater plant.
- Vanceboro: town-owned sewer system and wastewater plant.
- Pollocksville, Trenton, and Maysville: each runs its own town sewer system.
- Oriental: served by the Bay River Metropolitan Sewer District.
If your home isn’t connected to one of these systems, it’s on septic, and the county permits apply.
Call 811 before digging
North Carolina asks for a call to NC 811 at least three full business days before digging, so utilities can mark their lines. Drain field and tank replacement involve digging, so a professional crew should submit the request. Private lines, like wiring to a shed or an irrigation line, aren’t marked, so point them out.
Hiring a septic contractor
- Ask for proof of general liability insurance
- For repairs or installation, ask for the contractor’s North Carolina septic certification
- Get the price in writing, including locating and uncovering the tank lid
- Ask whether the job needs a county permit, and who will pull it
- Be cautious of anyone who says you need a new drain field without explaining why