How to Find Septic Records in Jackson County, Oregon

Many septic owners in the Rogue Valley have never seen the permit for their own system. That record is worth finding: it can show where the tank and drainfield are, the tank size, what kind of system was approved, the design bedroom count, and any repairs since. It is useful before pumping, essential before buying or selling, and the first thing a contractor will want before a repair.

Who holds the records

In Jackson, Josephine and Curry counties, Oregon DEQ handles residential onsite septic permitting from its Medford office. DEQ maintains onsite records for those counties and publishes a page called "Locating Onsite Septic System Records Online."

What you need: your parcel number

DEQ's search works by parcel number, which in Oregon is built from township, range, section, quarter section and tax lot. You can find it on your property tax statement or through the county's property information tools. Write it down exactly as shown; formatting matters in the search tool.

Searching

1. Go to DEQ's onsite records page (oregon.gov/deq, Residential, onsite records).
2. Follow the link to the records management search tool.
3. Enter the parcel number components and search.
4. Open any documents returned, such as permits, site evaluations, completion certificates, repair permits and drawings.

What to look for in the file

• The as-built drawing. Often a sketch with distances from the house to the tank and drainfield. Handy for finding buried lids.
• Tank size and compartments. Helps estimate pumping frequency and cost.
• System type. Determines whether a service contract is required; see system types.
• Design flow or bedroom count. Compare with the house today.
• Repair or alteration permits. Show the system's history.
• Replacement area. If one was designated, keep it clear.

If nothing comes up

Older systems, especially those installed decades ago, may have thin or missing records. Check that you entered the parcel number correctly, and try any previous parcel numbers if the lot was split or merged. If there is still nothing, a septic professional can locate the components and document the system. DEQ's homeowner guide recommends an existing-system evaluation if you do not know where your tank, lines and drainfield are.

Keep your own file

Add pumping receipts, service reports and any contracts to a folder with the DEQ printouts. Oregon's seller disclosure asks whether and when the tank was pumped, so the folder pays for itself when you sell. Planning a purchase? See our buyer's guide.

Using records to find your tank

Measure from the points on the drawing, then probe gently. Better yet, schedule a pump-out and have risers installed so you never have to search again.

Records for Josephine and Curry counties

The same DEQ search covers Josephine and Curry counties. Grants Pass-area owners can also contact Josephine County's On-Site Septic System Program; see our Grants Pass page. If you are working on a sale, records help the inspector, too: they show what to look for and where.

Sharing records with a contractor

Send copies of the permit, drawing and any repair history when you book service. A technician who knows the system type and layout in advance arrives with the right equipment and spends less time locating components.

Common questions