Septic Tank Permits
A permit is required before commencing Alterations or Installation of any Onsite Wastewater Management Systems (OWMS), commonly referred to as Septic Systems.
Do I need a permit?
Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 the Mornington Peninsula Shire is responsible for assessing and approving A20 OWMS permit applications. A permit will be required to construct, Install or Alter an OWMS with a design or actual flow rate of sewage not exceeding 5000 L on any day within un-sewered areas of the Mornington Peninsula.
If the OWMS will treat more than 5,000 Litres per day, please contact the Environment Protection Authority.
To find out if sewer is available to your property, please contact South East Water.
How to apply for a Permit
Please allow up to 42 working days for the processing of a permit application to Alter or Install a Septic Tank System.
The current fees for an application to Install or Alter a septic system are in the Shire's Environmental Health Fee Schedule(PDF, 111KB).
These fees are statutory and set by the EPA - $783.60 for new installation and $597.90 for minor alterations. The base fee for a new application is 8.2 hours of officer time. A fee of $92 will apply for each additional hour of processing time after 8.2 hours.
Please note, no payment is required at time of submitting your application. An Officer will review your application and confirm the applicable fee.
Application to Install a Septic System
Apply online below to Install a new Septic System for a proposed development.
Apply Online to Install
Application to Alter a Septic System
Apply online below to upgrade an existing septic system or connect to an existing septic system. Alterations can include addition of a macerator pump station, additional tanks or upgraded/extended disposal system.
Apply Online to Alter
Request a Final Inspection
The Permit to Install does not allow the Septic Tank System to be used. After the installation has been completed, a final inspection needs to be conducted by an Environmental Health Officer prior to issuing the Permit to Use. Once the Permit to Use has been issued, the septic tank can be used. To organise a final inspection of a Septic Tank, complete the form below:
Request a Final Inspection Online
Illegal use of a Septic Tank System (i.e. without a Council permit) may result in enforcement action. It is also a requirement that a Permit to Use a Septic Tank System must be issued prior to a Building Surveyor issuing a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Final Inspection, as governed by the Building Act, 1993.
Installation Requirements
The installation or alteration of an Onsite Wastewater Management (Septic) System must comply with relevant legislation and guidance.
The Shires Wastewater Management Installation Guidelines and Wastewater Management Policy provide guidance on the Installation and management of an OWMS.
Download: Wastewater Management Installation Guidelines Updated 2023(PDF, 2MB)
Waste Water Management Policy
Further information can be found on the Environment Protection Authority website:
Commercial Premises
If the wastewater system will discharge less than 5,000 Litres per day, please contact the Environmental Health Team on 5950 1373 or email septics@mornpen.vic.gov.au.
If the wastewater system will discharge more than 5,000 Litres per day, please contact the Environment Protection Authority.