Guides · Updated October 27, 2026
Your operation permit
Ohio's rules require a valid operation permit to run a household sewage treatment system, and the owner has to follow the permit's terms (OAC 3701-29-09). In Butler County, the Butler County General Health District issues and tracks these permits.
BCGHD's Operation and Maintenance section publishes three documents: an Operation and Maintenance Assessment Report, a list of septic system do's and don'ts, and the Operation Permit Terms and Conditions. Read the terms for your own system. They spell out what maintenance applies to you.
Keep your paperwork
Under Ohio's O&M rule, owners can often show required maintenance with service records instead of a board inspection. Keep every pumping receipt and service report with the date, what was done, and who did it. Records from an O&M inspection are due to the board of health within 60 days (OAC 3701-29-19).
Use a registered service provider
BCGHD requires anyone doing sewage work in the county to be registered with the district. Check the district's current registered-professionals list before you hire anyone for pumping, servicing, or repairs.
Sources
Rules, programs, and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the Butler County General Health District before acting on them.