Individual Sewage Treatment and Disposal

Program Goals

Picture of a contractor is shown installing an Individual Sewage Treatment System.

A contractor is shown installing an Individual Sewage Treatment System. An absorption trench has been dug and left open for inspection by Monroe County Department of Health personnel.

To minimize potential health hazards and the contamination of surface and ground waters by ensuring that individual sewage disposal systems are properly designed, constructed, and maintained pursuant to and enforced by Article IIA and Article III of the Monroe County Sanitary Code.

Program Highlights

Witness field testing (percolation tests and deep holes).
Review plans and issue approvals for individual sewage treatment systems.
Consult with engineers, homeowners, and contractors.
Perform construction inspections of new on-site sewage treatment systems and repairs.
Investigate and abate individual sewage disposal complaints.
Review and approve plans for the proper arrangements to furnish an adequate and satisfactory water supply and sewage treatment facilities.
Enforce Article II-A and Article III of the Monroe County Sanitary Code.

Permit/Inspection Information

The construction of all residential on-site sewage treatment systems.
The alteration or repair of any existing residential on-site sewage treatment system.

Application Procedure

Application is made by submitting a completed “San-72 form” for new developments or the “Application for a Construction Permit for the Installation or Repair of an Individual Sewage Disposal System.” Copies of these forms are available on this website or from the Monroe County Department of Health, Bureau of Public Health Engineering, Individual Sewage Treatment and Disposal Section, Room 938, 111 Westfall Road, PO Box 92832, Rochester, New York 14692.

What You’ll Need

Before an on-site sewage disposal system can be constructed, the applicant is required to provide a plan showing placement of the existing system on the property. For repair applications, this plan may be prepared by the contractor. For new development, the applicant will be required to submit the same plan as that submitted to the municipal planning board. A licensed professional engineer, exempt land surveyor or architect must prepare the plan.

Application Fees

Repair/Alteration:
$165 per Lot*
New Development:
$270 first Lot
$190 each additional Lot

Other Information

Further information is given in the publication ISD Design Manual-Monroe County, which is available from the Monroe County Department of Health for a fee of $30.

Inspection Requirements

A Monroe County Department of Health representative must perform construction inspections of the installation of sewage treatment facilities for both new development and repairs prior to backfill. Call 585 753-5060 to schedule an inspection.