Sewage and Land Development
Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) issues building permits (“Sewage Permits”) for on-site sewage systems and performs related inspections required by the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code. The section of the Ontario Building Code that outlines the requirements for on-site sewage systems is Part 8.
NWHU also responds to complaints about malfunctioning sewage systems and consults with municipalities and other governing bodies about minor variance/zoning by-law amendment applications and land severances.
All sewage system installations and alterations require a sewage permit except for Class 1 systems (e.g., outhouses and privies).
A licensed sewage system installer with a valid BCIN Installation must install a sewage system unless the property owner wishes to install their system personally.
You should note that NWHU is not permitted to design sewage systems; the services of a licensed sewage designer or installer should be obtained if a property owner requires assistance with sewage system design.
What we do and our services
Some of our services that relate to sewage and land development include:
- Sewage systems that require permits
- Land development inspections
- Sewage System Performance Level Review
- Investigating complaints
- File searches and lot inspections
Sewage systems that require permits
4 classes of sewage systems require a permit from NWHU before construction. For more information about each class of system and the application and approval process, please review our Part 8 Backgrounder and Guide.
NWHU is the principal authority for on-site sewage systems with a daily design sewage flow of less than 10,000 L/day. The Ministry of the Environment regulates systems exceeding this amount.
Instructions about the permit submission process are included on the first page of each class of sewage permit application. You can submit the permit application in person or via email at permits@nwhu.on.ca.
You can make your payment via cash or cheque at any NWHU office, by credit card (phone-in option available), or by debit at the following NWHU offices:
Installers can find technical requirements and instructions on our For Sewage and Land Development Professionals page.
Class 2 sewage system (greywater pit)
Class 2 systems can only accept grey water. Class 2 systems have limited application and are intended for use with minimal plumbing on sites with favourable soil and groundwater conditions. Typical plumbing includes a kitchen sink, a single bathroom sink, and a shower or tub.
Class 3 sewage system (cesspools)
Class 3 systems are cesspools. Class 3 systems are used exclusively for composting toilet overflow waste or the disposal of the contents of other class 1 systems (i.e., pail privies, and chemical toilets).
Class 4 sewage system (leaching bed systems)
Class 4 systems are leaching bed systems. Class 4 systems are designed to accept both toilet waste and greywater. Class 4 systems are the most common class of sewage systems.
Class 5 sewage system (holding tanks)
Class 5 systems are holding tank systems. Class 5 systems have limited application, require a maintenance contract with a licensed sewage hauler, and are only appropriate in the following circumstances:
- For a temporary operation, not including seasonal recreational use, not exceeding 12 months in duration. (i.e., construction trailers at temporary industrial sites)
- To remedy an unsafe existing sewage system where the remediation of the unsafe condition by the installation of a Class 4 sewage system is impractical.
- To upgrade a sewage system serving an existing building, where upgrading using a Class 4 sewage system is not possible due to lot size, site slope, or clearance limitations.
- As an interim measure where municipal sewer service will soon be available.
Land development inspections
Some of our services that relate to land development inspections include:
Minor variance and zoning by-law amendment applications
NWHU works with local municipal and provincial government agencies to review applications for minor variances and zoning by-law amendments for properties with private sewage systems.
See Schedule A – Classes of Sewage Permits and Fees for a list of fees associated with these approvals. Call 1-800-830-5978 or email permits@nwhu.on.ca for more information.
Land severances
NHWU works with local municipalities and provincial government agencies to review land severance applications. Our role in this process is to determine whether the new and remaining lots will be able to accommodate a full private sewage system
See Schedule A – Classes of Sewage Permits and Fees for a list of fees associated with these approvals. Call 1-800-830-5978 or email permits@nwhu.on.ca for more information.
Sewage System Performance Level Review
When you apply for a building permit for renovations to your house or other alterations to your property (i.e., adding a garage, pool, or guest house/bunkie), you may be asked by your municipality to obtain a sewage system performance level review.
A sewage system performance level review determines if your sewage system can accommodate the change or if it will need to be upgraded or altered.
To apply for a performance level review, submit the required fee along with a completed copy of the Private Sewage System Performance Level Review Application.
You can submit the application in person or via email at permits@nwhu.on.ca.
You can make your payment via cash or cheque at any NWHU office, or by credit card (phone-in option available) or debit at the following NWHU offices:
Installers or contractors can get technical information and instructions on our For Sewage and Land Development Professionals page.
Investigating complaints
NWHU investigates complaints about malfunctioning sewage systems. You can call 1-800-830-5978 or email permits@nwhu.on.ca for more information or to submit a complaint.
File searches and lot inspections
NWHU can conduct a search to check if we have any records of sewage systems on file for a specific property.
NWHU keeps sewage permit records on file for a period of 35 years from the date of the certificate of approval.
You can submit the Request for Sewage Permit Search in person or via email at permits@nwhu.on.ca.
You can make your payment via cash or cheque at any NWHU office, or by credit card (phone-in option available) or debit at the following NWHU offices:
See our Schedule A – Classes of Sewage Permits and Fees resource for the fee amount for this service.