Welcome to Alan Clapp LSS PLLC

An Improvement Permit (IP) determines whether a property is suitable for a septic system based on the proposed building location, number of bedrooms (or occupancy), and expected wastewater flow. It is commonly referred to as a "perc test" or "perk test."

A Construction Authorization (CA) provides the approved septic system design for a property that already has an Improvement Permit. Both an Improvement Permit and a Construction Authorization are typically required before a building permit can be issued. The Construction Authorization remains valid only while the associated Improvement Permit is active.

An Operation Permit is issued after the septic system has been installed and inspected. It confirms that the system was installed according to the approved design and is approved for use.

A Preliminary Soil Evaluation is performed to help determine whether a property may be suitable for future development. Unlike a septic permit evaluation, it: • Is commonly performed during a property's due diligence period. • Does not require a proposed house location. • Is for planning and informational purposes only. • Is not a permit. • Does not expire. Local health departments generally do not perform Preliminary Soil Evaluations.

An Engineer Option Permit (EOP) is a private permitting process that allows qualified professionals to complete the evaluation, design, and installation of a septic system without the local health department managing the permitting process. An EOP typically involves: • A North Carolina Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) • A North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist • A North Carolina Registered Septic Installer The local health department's role is generally limited to maintaining the official records.

An Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) Permit allows certain qualified professionals to perform private septic permitting. An AOWE Permit is completed by: • A North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist who is also an Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) • A North Carolina Registered Septic Installer This process allows the evaluation, design, and installation to occur privately, with the local health department serving primarily as the record keeper.

An AOWE Hybrid Permit combines private permitting with local health department involvement. Under this process: • A North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist who is also an AOWE issues the Improvement Permit (a2) and Construction Authorization (a5). • The local health department performs the final septic inspection and issues the Operation Permit. If only an a2 Improvement Permit is needed, a qualified North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist may issue that portion without completing the full hybrid process.

We proudly provide soil evaluations, septic permitting, septic system design, seasonal high water table determinations, and related consulting services throughout the following North Carolina counties: Alamance County Davie County Durham County Forsyth County Guilford County Orange County Person County Randolph County Rockingham County Stokes County Surry County Yadkin County