Peterborough, ON onsite wastewater guide

Septic systems in Peterborough: permits, records, inspections and property checks

The City of Peterborough says it is now responsible for receiving and reviewing new septic applications.

First questionSewer or onsite?
Local lensEastern Ontario
Before buyingRecords + condition
Before workLocation + capacity

First, confirm this property’s wastewater service

A city-area guide cannot tell whether a specific parcel is connected to sewer or has an onsite system.

Local septic / permit route

Use the local authority route below for septic approvals, permits or records. Confirm sewer connection separately with the municipality or utility.

Open local septic / permit page →

Onsite system confirmed

Find the parcel’s system approvals and verify current rules with the responsible local authority before work.

Start with provincial guidance →

Service unknown

Check utility bills and permit records; ask the local authority to confirm current service before planning an onsite inspection or repair.

How to confirm service →
Provincial rule: In Ontario, most onsite sewage systems with design capacity at or below 10,000 litres per day are regulated under the Building Code Act. Permits are typically issued by the local municipality or, in some areas, a health unit; larger systems may require provincial environmental approval. Open provincial / regional onsite-wastewater authority →

Peterborough now receives septic applications

The City of Peterborough says it is now responsible for receiving and reviewing new septic applications. A repair, expansion or new system needs a septic building-permit package; the City lists the application and Schedule 2 installer form, site plan showing structures, components and distances to lot lines, wells and water sources. Submit to its residential-permits address.

Peterborough says the septic application should be submitted before or alongside a new dwelling, addition, renovation or replacement building application. This city routing matters because an older provincial or health-unit contact may send owners to the wrong office. Ask the City for the property’s prior file and whether a smaller repair has the same documentation route. Peterborough septic systems.

Peterborough — septic building permit application information →

The City’s current septic application information says Part 8 systems on the same parcel and at or below 10,000 litres per day fall within its permit process. The application package calls for floor plans and a detailed site plan, and the City’s inspection guidance calls for two test holes at least 5 metres apart in the proposed leaching-bed area before the first visit. The City also requires an as-built layout during the permit process. Those requirements make the existing property file particularly useful when an owner is expanding or repairing a system.

Peterborough’s current application has real site-evidence requirements

Who approves septic work around Peterborough?

Ontario regulates most residential onsite sewage systems under Part 8 of the Building Code. Systems with a daily design flow of 10,000 litres or less are generally administered by a municipality, health unit or conservation authority; larger systems fall under the environmental approval regime.

Confirm the exact Part 8 authority before applying. New systems, replacements, major repairs, additions or changes that increase design flow can require permit review, site/soil information, design calculations and inspections before covering.

Peterborough verified local route: Peterborough now receives and reviews septic applications for repair, expansion and new installation and publishes the application documents required for a septic building permit. Open the official septic/permit source →

Official sources for this guide

If sewage is backing up or surfacing, stop using affected fixtures and contact a qualified professional or the responsible authority. Never enter a septic tank.

Where to verify records and approvals

Last verified: September 28, 2026. Local source and provincial framework checked; confirm current requirements for the exact parcel.