When is Suffolk County Department of Health required

Suffolk County Department of Health requires a new septic system for new dwellings, any major renovation regardless of bedroom count, and/or when additions or alterations result in changes according to the following criteria according to SCDHS Guidance Memorandum 19:

1. The following rooms will be considered as an integral part of the structure and will not add to the overall bedroom count for the house:

•  Kitchen
• 1 – Living room
• 1 – Dining room
• 1 – Family room (or another room such as a Den, Study, or Office may be substituted in its place)
• Bathrooms
• Open Basement/Utility room/laundry room/mudroom
• Foyer
• Garage

2. The following rooms will be counted as potential bedrooms and will be added to bedroom count for sizing of the sanitary system:

• Bedrooms
• Studies
• Offices
• Play rooms
• Media rooms
• Any other room not listed in section 1 above
  

• Sizing of the sanitary system shall be in accordance with the Standards for Approval of Plans and Construction – Sewage Disposal Systems for Single-Family Residences