Building a custom home on your own land in Chatham County, North Carolina offers incredible freedom and flexibility—but it also comes with important site development steps, especially if your land does not have access to public water or sewer. This means you’ll need to plan for a private septic system and well, which require proper permitting through the county.
At Travars Built Homes, we help guide you through this process—unlike some home builders who leave it up to the homeowner to figure it out alone.
Septic System Requirements in Chatham County
When public sewer isn’t available, an on-site septic system must be permitted and approved. In Chatham County, there are three primary permitting options:
1. Public Permitting Option
Through the Chatham County Environmental Health Division, this process involves submitting an application, fee, and site plan. A county inspector visits the site to determine soil and layout suitability. If the application is approved, an Improvement Permit (valid for five years) is issued. The applicant must obtain a Construction Authorization before beginning installation.
2. Private Permitting Option
You can also work with a licensed engineer or Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) to design your system. This option can streamline timelines and provide design flexibility, while still meeting state regulations.
3. Hybrid Permitting Option
This approach combines public oversight with a private soil consultant and can offer a great fit for certain site conditions.
Well Installation Requirements in Chatham County
If there’s no public water access, a private well must be drilled and permitted. Chatham County requires:
- A completed application and fee submitted to Environmental Health
- Site evaluation to ensure setbacks from buildings, septic systems, and potential contaminants
- Post-installation testing to ensure safe, potable water
Typical setback requirements include:
- 100 feet from potential contamination sources
- 50 feet from ponds, lakes, and surface water
- 100 feet from potential contamination sources
- 50 feet from septic systems
- 25 feet from structures with termite treatment
We Work Across 12 Central North Carolina Counties
While these requirements apply to Chatham County, Travars Built Homes builds on your lot across a 12-county area in central North Carolina. From Orange to Johnston, Alamance to Lee—and everywhere in between—we’re familiar with the permitting processes, health department regulations, and land development practices across the region.
Whether your property is in Chatham or beyond, we bring deep experience and local insight to ensure your custom home journey is smooth and informed.
Travars Built Homes Supports You Through the Entire Process
From day one, we work alongside you to coordinate permitting, schedule evaluations, and consult with licensed soil scientists and engineers. Our goal is to remove guesswork and make sure your land is fully prepped and permitted for construction—so your home can move forward with confidence.
We don’t leave you on your own. We help with it all.
Important Disclaimer
Local health department requirements for septic and well systems can change based on county and state updates. This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your builder and local authorities for the most current information for your specific property and location.