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Inspections

Inspections

This chapter outlines the regulations and procedures for the inspection of private sewage disposal systems.

1201 — General

1201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the inspection of private sewage disposal systems.

1202 — Inspections

1202.1 Initial inspection procedures. All private sewage disposal systems shall be inspected after construction, but before backfilling. The code official shall be notified when the private sewage disposal system is ready for inspection.

1202.2 Preparation for inspection. The installer shall make such arrangements as will enable the code official to inspect all parts of the system when a private sewage disposal system is ready. The installer shall provide the proper apparatus and equipment for conducting the inspection and furnish such assistance as is necessary to conduct the inspection.

1202.3 Covering of work. A private sewage disposal system or part thereof shall not be backfilled until such system has been inspected and approved. Any system that has been covered before being inspected and approved shall be uncovered as required by the code official.

1202.4 Other inspections. In addition to the required inspection prior to backfilling, the code official shall conduct any other inspections deemed necessary to determine compliance with this code.

1202.5 Inspections for additions, alterations or modifications. Additions, alterations or modifications to private sewage disposal systems shall be inspected.

1202.6 Defects in materials and workmanship. Where inspection discloses defective material, design or siting or unworkmanlike construction not conforming to the requirements of this code, the nonconforming parts shall be removed, replaced and reinspected.

Worked example

Scenario: A new residential property is being constructed with a private septic system due to the lack of municipal sewer access.

Explanation: After the septic tank and drain field components are installed, but before any soil is placed back into the trenches, the contractor or architect must contact the local code official to schedule the required inspection as per Section 1202.1.

Frequently asked questions

What type of systems does Chapter 12 govern?

Chapter 12 governs the inspection of private sewage disposal systems.

When are private sewage disposal systems inspected during construction?

Private sewage disposal systems must be inspected after construction is complete, but before any backfilling occurs.

Who must be notified when a private sewage disposal system is ready for inspection?

The code official must be notified when the private sewage disposal system is ready for inspection.

Where verbatim source text is shown, it is reproduced from the code as adopted into law by the jurisdiction, sourced from public.resource.org under the government edicts doctrine (see Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, Inc., 590 U.S. 255 (2020)). This material reflects enacted law and is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect local amendments or the most recently adopted edition. Always verify requirements with the authority having jurisdiction.