Thinking about adding a bedroom to your Huntington home? Before you frame a wall, your septic and well setup may determine what is allowed and when permits are needed. It is a common surprise for homeowners and buyers, especially on rural properties that rely on private wells and on‑site sewage systems. In this guide, you will learn how Indiana defines “bedroom,” how septic capacity is calculated, when Huntington County permits apply, and what steps keep your project on track. Let’s dive in.
Why bedrooms affect septic capacity
Adding a bedroom increases the expected water use for the home. Indiana’s on‑site sewage rule sets a “design daily flow” of 150 gallons per day per bedroom, which local health departments use to size systems and determine upgrades. You can see this “DDF” standard in the state rule that defines design daily flow at 150 gpd per bedroom. Review the DDF definition here.
Indiana bedroom definition
Bedroom count is not just what you call a room. Under the rule, a bedroom is a room that meets size and egress criteria, and for new construction includes a closet. The rule also allows owners to record an affidavit to limit the number of bedrooms that will be used for sleeping. This matters because bedroom count drives septic sizing. See the state bedroom definition.
What local officials look at
Huntington County’s Health Department checks whether the existing tank and absorption field meet the required capacity for your updated bedroom count. They review the site, soils, setbacks, and the original permitted design. If the system was sized for fewer bedrooms, an expansion or replacement can be required before you occupy the new space. Start with the county’s septic program to understand the process and contacts. Visit the Huntington County septic page.
When permits are required in Huntington County
Any work on a septic system in Huntington County requires a permit before construction. The Residential Onsite Sewage System Application asks for bedroom count, jetted tubs, garbage disposals, seasonal use, and water source, and it requires an on‑site soil evaluation. Download the county septic application.
Possible outcomes after review
- No change if the existing permitted system already meets the new design flow and all setback and condition requirements.
- Upgrade or replacement of the tank and/or absorption field if the system is undersized or fails inspection.
- Alternative or engineered treatment if soils, high water tables, or site constraints prevent a conventional field. The county and state provide approved design paths for these systems. Start with the county septic program page.
Well permits and safe setbacks
If your project involves a new or relocated private well, Huntington County requires a Well Location Permit with a simple site plan that shows distances to lot lines and wastewater features. After drilling, the well driller must submit a well log to the county. See the Huntington County wells page.
Indiana also sets minimum separation distances between wells and septic systems. For most private residential wells, the common minimum is 50 feet from septic tanks and soil absorption fields. These setbacks can affect where you place a new well or an expanded drainfield. Review the separation distances table.
Step‑by‑step: Add a bedroom the right way
- Contact the Health Department early. Request the property’s septic records and ask about permits and the county’s “Septic Process” packet. Use the county septic program page.
- Confirm lender requirements. If a loan is involved, ask whether a septic or well evaluation is required and schedule it.
- Get a soil evaluation and DDF check. Have a qualified installer or soil scientist evaluate soils and calculate design flow at 150 gpd per bedroom. Compare with the permitted system.
- Plan for well and septic setbacks. For any new or relocated private well, apply for the Well Location Permit and confirm all minimum distances. Start with the county wells page.
- Hire licensed pros and keep records. Use approved installers and drillers, obtain permits before work, and retain copies of permits, well logs, and final approvals. The county application lists documentation requirements.
Fees and timing to expect
Huntington County posts the following fees: septic application $150, septic permit (new or replacement) $50, and well permit $15. Always verify current fees with the county when you apply. Check the posted county fee schedule.
System design details, including minimum septic tank capacities, are set in Indiana’s on‑site sewage rule. Your installer will size the tank and field based on the approved design. See the rule section on tank capacities.
Buyer and seller tips in Huntington
If you plan to market a home with additional bedrooms, make sure the septic system records support that count. Lenders often require septic and well evaluations, and the county recommends obtaining records and inspecting systems if documentation is incomplete. Doing this early can prevent delays, renegotiations, or last‑minute repairs during a sale. Find county contacts and forms here.
Work with a local advisor
Adding bedrooms on a septic and well property touches design, permits, and resale. A clear plan protects your budget and your timeline. If you are weighing a renovation or preparing to sell, we can help you navigate due diligence, pricing implications, and timing so you move forward with confidence. Connect with Morken Real Estate Services, Inc. for a friendly, data‑driven conversation about your next step.
FAQs
Septic upgrade when adding a bedroom in Huntington County
- Not always; it depends on whether your existing, permitted system meets the increased design daily flow of 150 gpd per bedroom and passes the county’s site and condition review.
Indiana definition of a bedroom for septic sizing
- Indiana defines bedroom criteria in the on‑site sewage rule, and owners can record an affidavit to limit bedroom count, which affects septic sizing.
Permits for a new private well in Huntington County
- You need a Well Location Permit with a site plan before drilling, and the driller must file the well log with the county after construction.
Required setback between a private well and a septic system in Indiana
- The common minimum is 50 feet between a private domestic well and septic tanks or soil absorption fields, which can influence siting.
Huntington County septic and well permit fees
- The county posts septic application $150, septic permit $50, and well permit $15; confirm current amounts when you apply.
Lender requirements for septic and well during a home sale
- Many lenders require septic and well evaluations; Huntington County also recommends obtaining records and inspection when documentation is incomplete.
