The following are a list of questions by department section commonly asked. To expand the question, simply click the + or the question heading.
This FAQs are under construction. We are working diligently to update this site with the recent changes to the food code. We appreciate your patience. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out directly to: 574-971-4600
See the Septic System Permit page.
An onsite evaluation/soil boring is an actual physical visit to the lot or location where an onsite sewage disposal system is proposed. An Environmentalist or Soil Scientist will provide direct detailed soil analysis to be reviewed by ECHD staff for the purpose of providing minimum requirements for the proposed system.
Each State and local Ordinance requires certain minimum criteria to be satisfied prior to a permit being written or an onsite sewage disposal system being installed. This information is conveyed in writing to the owner/applicant. The system type, size and location criteria is provided in a format relative to the number of bedrooms in the home. See Elkhart County Ordinance 2012-153.
Onsite evaluation request forms are available at our office or you may print an onsite evaluation (see onsite evaluation form) and fax a completed form to our office. There is no cost involved in requesting an onsite evaluation/soil boring. Flags or other markers you specify on the evaluation form must be placed on the property in the proposed system location and at the county road or curb to identify the parcel or lot. You will be notified when the results of the onsite evaluation/soil boring are ready, usual processing time is 3-5 business days.
Septic inspections may be called in to our office Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. All inspection requests received during this period will be inspected that same day. Please provide the permit number and a phone number where you can be reached and an approximate time the system will be ready for inspection. Inspections are worked into an efficiency schedule for each Environmentalist. Requested times for inspection by the installer may not be possible, however we will make every effort to accommodate the inspection times provided as workload allows.
Homes constructed prior to 1967 were not required to obtain a septic permit. There are no diagrams available for these homes, please contact a septic installer/contractor to locate your septic system. All other inquires should be requested on an Elkhart County Septic Look-Up Request Form.
You may request an onsite evaluation through ECHD.
You may contact a septic installer/contractor to help you locate your system.
Study material is available at the ECHD, Environmental Health Division Office or may be obtained by viewing/printing them on line. There is a yearly $35.00 registration fee renewable prior to June 30 each year. Testing hours are between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Contact the ECHD Environmental Health Division Office and advise us of any changes you are proposing to make and to ensure that the installer is registered in Elkhart County.
See Suggestions for the Home Owner to improve septic design.
New Construction and Repair/Replacement: Give a copy of the results to your building and/or septic contractor. They will need the information contained on the form to aid in the design of your septic system.
Yes. See "Do It Yourself" System Installation.
Any suspected unlawful installation must be brought to this office's attention for enforcement action to be possible. Information we will request is: name and address of location, name of contractor/person installing system, materials being used, pictures to document installation and any other information you may have (license plate - DOT number of equipment).
Refer to the Environmental Health Services Fee Schedule.
New Construction: 2 years
Repair/Replacement: 1 year
Contact our office at (574) 971-4600 to make an appointment to take the test.
Visit the Commercial Swimming Pool page of this website and download the State Pool Rule, State Pool Construction Rule, and the Elkhart County Swimming Pool Ordinance.
The new person must take the test within one week of the change. Someone must pass the test within three weeks of the change.
You must contact our office prior to the change of ownership, apply for a new pool service license (licenses are not transferable from person to person or location to location), and schedule a change of ownership inspection and Person in Charge test, which must be completed before a new license to operate will be issued. Changing ownership without completing these steps will result in increased license fees and the closure of your pool until full compliance is achieved.
Contact our office to schedule an inspection and test and apply for a license.
Refer to the Environmental Health Services Fee Schedule.
Refer to the Environmental Health Services Fee Schedule.
At least 2 weeks, they are done on a first come first serve basis. All required information must be received before the plan review can be started. Incomplete or inadequate plans will delay the plan review process.
After you have received a satisfactory water sample and a passing inspection from the Health Department.
Refer to the Elkhart County Swimming Pool Ordinance and the State Pool Construction Rule on the Commercial Swimming Pool page of this website.
Pool licenses must be renewed by April 30th every year.
Only clean wood products from your yard (i.e. leaves, twigs, brush) may be burned. Wood products coated with stain, paint, glue, or other coatings are not safe to burn. No household waste may be burned.
For more information, click here.
According to State Law 326 IAC 4-1 and IC 13-17-9 no commercial business may open burn materials of any kind.
You can contact our office at (574) 971-4600 or the Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management (IDEM) at 1-800-451-6027 extension 3-0178.
You can get information from IDEM or our office or by clicking here.