Septic Search Request

The Environmental Services Department maintains records of existing septic systems for 20 years. Please Note: Property Owners are responsible for keeping accurate records of the septic system location and maintenance for the life of the septic system.

Onsite systems with a failing septic tank or disposal area will require an Alteration Permit.

As of November 1, 2009, the Onsite Wastewater Program will implement fees that are authorized by the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code for septic system records searches (septic searches). The Department will also require customers to request a septic search prior to submitting a request for a septic system Alteration, Abandonment, Minor Plan Review or Notice of Transfer.

There are two types of septic searches:

• Non-commercial Purpose -  
• Commercial Purpose -  

Definitions:

Non-commercial Purpose: Non-commercial searches are those search requests submitted directly by the owner of the property parcel referenced in the request. All other search requests shall be considered commercial.
Commercial Purpose: All search requests that do not fit the definition of non-commercial purpose. From the Arizona Public Records Act, ARS 39-121.03(D), “…for any purpose in which the purchaser can reasonably anticipate the receipt of monetary gain from the direct or indirect use of the public record.”

Fees:

Commercial septic searches will be charged a flat fee of $30 which must be paid prior to the release of records. If no record is found, no fee will be charged for the search. Non-commercial septic search requests will be charged a reproduction fee of $0.50 per page.

Procedures:

To request a septic permit search, use either the Non-Commercial Purpose form or the Commercial Purpose form.

Non-commercial purpose requests can be faxed, mailed, or hand delivered to the program. The requestor will be contacted when the search results are found.
Commercial purpose requests can be faxed, mailed, or hand delivered to the program When records are found, the requestor will be contacted for payment arrangements. Search results will be faxed, mailed or picked up according to the instructions given on the request.