Dare County septic permits (and Corolla’s ARHS permits)
Reason to call today: Duck offers a free inspection pilot (details) and Nags Head offers free inspections plus a $250 pumping credit (details). For paid work across the Outer Banks, we connect you with a licensed local contractor.
Before any septic replacement or major repair, the health department issues a permit. Here is who does what on the northern Outer Banks, and how a licensed installer can handle it for you.
Call (252) 555-0100 Get a free quote
- Licensed local contractors
- Free, no obligation
- Dare & Currituck counties
Who issues the permit
Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head are in Dare County, where septic permits come from Dare County Environmental Health, (252) 475-5080. Corolla is in Currituck County, where wastewater permits and inspections come from Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS), Currituck office (252) 232-6603.
Dare County Environmental Health’s Nags Head Campus is at 2514 S. Croatan Hwy, open Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
New systems: four steps
- Application and site evaluation (fee required).
- Improvement permit with a scaled survey of planned improvements (fee required).
- Construction permit: approved water source proof, improvement permit and two sets of house plans (no fee).
- Operations permit after a final site inspection.
Repairs
For a malfunctioning system, 15A NCAC 18E .1306 requires repair within 30 days of a written NOV unless the NOV sets another timeframe; the owner applies for a repair permit. Expanding a home’s footprint or occupancy in Duck usually needs Environmental Health review too, per the town.
Dare County publishes repair-permit records online from January 2005. See how to search them.
Corolla (Currituck County) fees
ARHS lists: site evaluation/improvement permit $225; existing system inspection $60; construction authorization for repair $60.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Town of Duck issue septic permits?
No. The town says Dare County Environmental Health handles all septic permits; the town handles building permits.
How much is a Dare County septic permit?
Dare County’s how-to page says fees apply but does not list amounts. Call (252) 475-5080 for current fees.
Are you a septic company?
No. We are an independent referral service. We pass your request to an independent, licensed local contractor who may pay us a referral fee. You get the quote directly from them and decide.
Other services
Failed or undersized system? Full tank and drainfield replacement, including the repair permit.
Soggy yard, odors or slow drains after rain: drainfield diagnosis, repair and replacement.
Home purchase, listing or peace of mind: inspection by a state-certified inspector.
Routine pump-outs and rental-season maintenance across the northern Outer Banks.
Backup, alarm or sewage surfacing? Get a local pro on the phone fast.
Towns we cover
Septic in DuckSeptic in CorollaSeptic in Southern ShoresSeptic in Kitty HawkSeptic in Kill Devil HillsSeptic in Nags Head
Sources: Dare County – How do I apply for a septic permit? · Dare County Environmental Health · Dare County – Wastewater Repair Permits Search · Town of Duck – Water & Septic · 15A NCAC 18E .1306 – System malfunction and repair · ARHS – Application for Environmental Services (fees). Cost figures are typical ranges from the cited sources, not quotes. Checked November 2026.
We are an independent referral service, not a septic contractor. How it works.