Environmental Health

Environmental Health
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
227 Cedar Street, Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865.429.1766 Fax: 865.429.1965
envirhealth@seviercountytn.gov

NOTICE

Due to ongoing staffing issues and a continued increase in the septic permit applications, the processing time for new applications will be 3 weeks.

In addition, if any application has incorrect or missing information or should multiple visits be required, then the process will take longer.
We appreciate your continued patience through this time.

Getting a septic permit

  1. Apply

    Online at mgoconnect.org, in person at 227 Cedar Street, or by mail. The office suggests calling (865) 429-1766 first so you choose the right application.

  2. Pay

    $300 for a septic permit, in cash or by check to “Sevier County Health Department,” in person or by mail. Your time starts once payment and everything required are in.

  3. Allow three weeks

    That is the processing time for a new application. It runs longer when information is missing or more than one visit is needed.

  4. Final inspection

    If the system fails, the County tells the installer what to correct. A Re-Inspection Application and a $100 fee follow, and the installer calls between 8 and 9 a.m. to reschedule.

As of October 6, 2026 any proposed Planned Unit Developments (PUD) served by individual septics must read the following letter about the requirements for evaluation.

Effective June 1,2024
Sevier County Environmental Health will initiate a $100 re-inspection fee for final inspections that failed the initial inspection. See the Resolution
The re-inspection process will be as follow:

  1. A written or verbal communication to the installer regarding failure of inspection and what should be corrected.
  2. Fill out the Re-Inspection Application and pay the $100 fee.
  3. After submission of application and payment, installers must call between 8a-9a to get re-scheduled for the inspector to come back out.

Please feel free to contact our office with any questions.

See letter about engineered plans for large conventional systems

See this document for minimum lot size and the home sizes for one and two bedroom homes Effective August 14th, 2023 - 1 BR-1200 sq ft and 2 BR-1500 sq ft

Sevier County Environmental Health will start accepting online applications starting March 4, 2024 through www.mgoconnect.org . The following applications will be available to submit online:

  • Septic Permit Application
  • Repair Permit Application
  • Well Water Test Application
  • Inspection Letter Application
  • Site Evaluation Application

*Payments will still be required to be paid either in person or by mail. (Online payment is in the process) Your time will not start until payment is received and everything required is turned in.

All other services will need to be applied for in person. (S/D applications, large conventional systems, etc.) In-person applications will still be accepted. You may contact our office at (865) 429-1766 with any questions regarding applying online.

All applications for the following subdivisions are required to have current surveys:

  • Shagbark
  • Sky Harbor
  • English Mountain

All surveys turned in must be originals printed by the surveyor. The survey has to be either a 1”=50’ or 1”=100’ scale. At any point in time an inspector can request a survey to be done on a property if lot lines are in question about the actual location or if a property has not been surveyed in some time.

Instructions:

  • To ensure you apply for the correct service, we suggest calling the office before filling out an application.
  • Select the appropriate application from the list below.
  • Please fill out all fields completely, then print and sign the finished application.
  • Make checks payable to: “Sevier County Health Department”
  • Applications will need to be submitted in person or via U.S. Mail with appropriate payment (No cards accepted at this time)

Fees:
Septic Permit - $300
Repair Permit - $75
Inspection Letter - $100
Water Sample - $100
Subdivision Evaluation - $75 per lot + $75 per existing home

Services Provided:

Who Needs an Application?
Anyone who proposes to land dispose of domestic septage from septic tanks or other sewage treatment or disposal facilities must obtain a domestic septage disposal site permit.

What Information Must I Provide?
Applicants must submit the following information:
Division of Environmental Health Application Domestic Septage Disposal Site Permit Form.
The application includes the following information: The owner of the property, address and telephone number, applicant’s name, address of the property, number of bedrooms, square feet of home, and water supply.
A high-intensity soil map of the proposed disposal area prepared per Department Rules
A plat with the seal and signature of a registered surveyor. If not on file in the office

How Will My Application Be Processed?
Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Sevier County Environmental Health Dept office. A detailed review of the application is then conducted.

Permits expire 3 years from the issue date. Permits are not renewable, and the application process must be restarted. Permits are transferable.

What Are My Rights and Responsibilities After the Permit is Approved?
The applicant has the right to proceed with the activities outlined in the approved permit. They must notify the Department of any changes to application information. The applicant is responsible for following all applicable state/county statutes and regulations. Applicants have the right to appeal a permit that has been denied, suspended, or revoked.

What Are the Division’s Rights and Responsibilities After the Permit is Approved?
The Division has the right to inspect proposed sites before permitting as well as after a permit has been granted. The Division has the right to revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance of a permit to any applicant who violates the state/county statutes or departmental regulations. Any person who violates or fails to comply with the state/county statutes, rules, or regulations may be subject to civil penalties.

What not to flush down the drain

Staff:

Gary Loveday: Director of Environmental Health
Brenda Rhea: Assistant Director of Environmental Health

Aly Almeraz: Environmental Administrative Assistant
Nickie Rose: Environmental Secretary
Brad Bowers: Environmental Specialist
Matt Reece: Environmental Specialist
Mike McElhaney: Environmental Specialist
Adam Jones: Environmental Specialist

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