Planning a remodel in Garden Ridge and your home uses a septic system? A great renovation can go sideways fast if your project bumps into septic rules you did not plan for. You want to protect your budget, your timeline, and your property’s long‑term value. Here is what you need to know about permits, design changes, Edwards Aquifer rules, costs, and the exact steps to take before you start. Let’s dive in.

Who regulates septic in Garden Ridge

Comal County administers septic permitting for Garden Ridge under an interlocal agreement. For permits, records, and inspections, you work with the Comal County Environmental/Engineer’s Office, not the city building office. Start with the county’s OSSF program resources on the Comal County Environmental/Engineer’s Office site.

If your remodel also needs a city building permit, contact Garden Ridge Building Inspections for structural or code questions. The septic permit still runs through Comal County.

When a remodel needs a permit

Under Texas rules, most remodels that change sewage flow or alter the approved system need a permit and updated planning materials.

Common triggers include:

• Adding a bathroom or bedroom that increases daily design flow. See the state definitions of an “alteration” in 30 TAC Chapter 285.
• Converting a room into a bedroom or adding an accessory dwelling that shares the system.
• Changing how wastewater enters the system or modifying approved plans.
• Expanding or relocating tanks, trenches, or other system components.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality explains permitting requirements on its OSSF permits page. Very limited exemptions may apply, so confirm with Comal County before you design or demo.

Edwards Aquifer checks

Parts of Comal County lie in Edwards Aquifer regulated zones. If your parcel falls in a regulated area, additional siting limits and stronger safeguards apply, and some disposal types may be restricted. Check your address early using the TCEQ Edwards Aquifer program.

If your property is in a regulated zone, build extra time into your schedule. Your designer may need to adjust the system type or location to meet aquifer protections.

Permit process and timeline

Here is a simple path to stay compliant and on schedule:

1. Find your current system. Locate the tank, distribution box, and drainfield. Use old records or the county’s septic record search.
2. Call Comal County OSSF. Confirm whether your scope is an alteration and which application type you need. Start with the county OSSF page.
3. Get a site evaluation. Hire a TCEQ‑licensed site evaluator or a professional engineer as required. Roles are licensed by the state; see TCEQ licensing guidance.
4. Have planning materials prepared. A registered sanitarian or professional engineer typically prepares the design for county review.
5. Submit for permit. TCEQ rules require the authority to approve or deny within 30 days of a complete submittal, but allow extra time for revisions or aquifer review. See the TCEQ OSSF permits overview.
6. Install and inspect. A licensed installer completes the work and the county inspects per the permit.

Setbacks, sewer, and site limits

Expect minimum separation distances from wells, property lines, creeks, and water bodies. Local rules can be more restrictive than state minimums, especially near the Edwards Aquifer.

Also check for nearby public sewer. Many authorities prohibit new or expanded septic service if public sewer is within 100 feet, unless service is denied or infeasible. See general guidance on the 100‑foot rule in this reference on organized sewer proximity.

Protect your drainfield during construction. Heavy equipment, soil compaction, and excess fill can permanently damage a leach field. If crews must cross it, plan protective measures or a temporary route.

Costs and budgeting

County fees are a small part of the budget. Comal County lists a remodel septic permit at $110 on its fee schedule. Confirm current fees when you apply.

System work varies widely by site and design:

• Minor repairs or partial field work can run a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Full conventional replacements often start in the low thousands and can reach $10,000 or more.
• Engineered or aerobic systems, mounds, or drip dispersal for difficult soils commonly range $10,000 to $30,000+ according to Texas cost references.

Key cost drivers include soil and rock conditions, required system type, design flow based on bedrooms and square footage, access for equipment, and restoration after construction.

After the remodel: maintenance

If your remodel increases flow, you may need an upgraded system. Aerobic and advanced systems usually require a maintenance provider and regular reporting. TCEQ requires maintenance reports at least every four months unless electronic monitoring qualifies for a reduced schedule. Review the state’s maintenance guidance.

For conventional tanks, routine inspections and pumping every 3 to 5 years are commonly recommended. Follow your installer’s guidance and keep records for future buyers.

Quick checklist for Garden Ridge

• Confirm your scope with Comal County OSSF before you design.
• Pull septic records and locate the system on site.
• Check Edwards Aquifer maps and note any special restrictions.
• Hire licensed pros for evaluation, design, and installation.
• Protect the drainfield during construction and plan access routes.
• Build time for permit review and any design revisions.
• Update your maintenance plan if your system type changes.

Remodels can add real value when they are done right. If you want a local perspective on how septic permitting, costs, and resale value fit together in Garden Ridge, connect with Melissa Boehringer for appraisal‑informed guidance tailored to your home and goals.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to add a bathroom in Garden Ridge?

• Yes in most cases. Adding plumbing or bedrooms usually increases design flow and counts as an alteration under state rules, which requires a permit and updated planning materials. See 30 TAC 285 definitions and confirm with Comal County OSSF.

Who issues septic permits for Garden Ridge homes?

• Comal County’s Environmental/Engineer’s Office administers septic permitting for Garden Ridge under an interlocal agreement. Start on the county OSSF page.

How long does septic permit review take in Comal County?

• State rules require approval or denial within 30 days of a complete submittal, but allow extra time for revisions or aquifer review. See the TCEQ OSSF permits overview.

How do I check if I am in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone?

• Use the TCEQ Edwards Aquifer program to review regulated zone maps or ask Comal County to confirm for your parcel.

Can I maintain my aerobic system after remodeling in Comal County?

• Texas allows some homeowner maintenance after the initial two‑year period, but ongoing reporting is required and local authorities can require a contract if maintenance is not performed properly. Review TCEQ maintenance guidance and confirm local requirements.

What is the remodel septic permit fee in Comal County?

• Comal County lists a remodel septic permit at $110. Verify current fees on the county’s OSSF fee schedule.

Can I remodel if public sewer is nearby?

• Often you must connect if an organized sewer is within 100 feet and service is available. See a general reference on the 100‑foot rule here and confirm availability with local utilities and Comal County.