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Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems
SSTS Standards
The Zoning and Environmental Services Office administers Carlton County Ordinance #30 - Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems county-wide.
Compliance inspections are required for subsurface sewage treatment systems at point-of-sale or permit application in shoreland areas.
Permits Required
A permit shall be obtained whenever any Subsurface Sewage Treatment System in Carlton County is installed, replaced, altered, repaired, or extended. Installation, replacement, alteration, repair, or extension of a Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) shall not begin without first making an application for a permit and obtaining said permit from the Department for each specific installation, replacement, alteration, repair, or extension. A permit shall not be required for the work identified under Article 6, Section 2, Subdivision B (Page 18) of Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance #30. Such permits shall expire 12 months after date of issuance.
Permits Not Required
Permits are not required for repair or replacement of pumps, floats or other electrical devices of the pump or baffles in a septic tank.
Welcome to GeoPermits Online Application
Our web-based permitting and application submittal system allows you to apply and pay for licenses and permits applications all online with 24/7 access. This system allows our office to process permits and zoning approvals consistently, efficiently, and transparently, with a step-by-step process that is user-friendly and gives the applicant consistent communication throughout the process.
The following link to GeoPermits is for the Carlton County Zoning & Environmental Services Office and offers the following services:
- Apply for zoning approvals (zoning permits, septic permits and addresses)
- Submit drawings, pictures, and other documents that correspond with the application
- Pay for the applicable fees
- Confirm parcel information through automated data entry (autofill)
- 24/7 access to zoning applications and the ability to review and edit applications
To access GeoPermits, you must set up an initial account via your email. Once the account is registered, you will be able to apply for zoning permits, contractor licenses, and zoning approvals, as well as pay online, now and in the future. You will also be able to review your account to track completed applications and permits, payments, license updates and renewals, and any other transaction made through the system. This online service will provide applicants expedient and efficient service, which can be conducted from any location with internet access!
Carlton County GeoPermits ←Click here to start online applications!
Contractor Registration with GeoPermits
Welcome to GeoPermits! Our office is transitioning to the online permitting system, GeoPermits, which allows for online permits, payments, etc. This also includes septic contractor registrations.
Septic contractors can now register with our department, and once confirmed, will be added to a contractor list available within the online permit application. This list will bring ease and efficiency to the permitting process for both the applicant and contractor.
There are two (2) contractor registrations – one for septic designers and one for septic installers. Your state license information will be required.
To begin, click HERE to be taken to the Carlton County GeoPermits homepage and select the appropriate contractor registration.
Subsurface Sewage Treatment Information
Search septic professionals currently licensed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This site includes contact information for designers, installers and service providers. A septic contractor must be licensed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to design, install, repair or service a septic system. The license search can be found here MPCA Licensed Business and Certified Individual Search.
Outhouses
Looking to construct an outdoor toilet (privy, outhouse)? A fact sheet for the rules can be found here Outdoor Toilet Fact Sheet (PDF).