Southfield · Oakland County · Michigan

Septic in Southfield, MI

Southfield residents with septic should treat Oakland County Environmental Health Services as the permit office. The county's code sets 50 feet between a well and the tank or field, with room for the Health Officer to adjust.

Residents: 76,025
Homes built before 1980: 80.1%
Median home value: $226,900

Census figures: ACS 2023 five-year estimates (B01003, B25034, B25077).

Written by the SepticMatch editorial teamLast reviewed Oct 19, 2026

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Oakland County sets the septic rules

Septic permits, sale inspections and installer rules are set by the county health department, not by the city. Installer licensing, and operating permits for alternative systems.

Who permits septic systems: Oakland County Health Division, Environmental Health Services
Inspection at sale: No rule found in the county's published code
Permit steps: Apply online or at the counter for new residential, replacement or repair permits; construction and final inspections follow. Application valid 1 year; permit valid 2 years; engineer plans can be required.

See the Oakland County septic rules

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Sewage backing up right now? Send an emergency request

Stop running water, keep people and pets away from the backup, and call your local health department. EPA's advice for a backup into the house is to avoid contact, keep the area unused until it is completely dry for at least 24 hours, and disinfect with 90 percent water and 10 percent household bleach. Then use the form and tick Backup, right now.

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Sources on this page

Oakland County Sanitary Code, January 2026 (PDF) Read Oct 19, 2026.
Oakland EH Fee Schedule (PDF) Read Oct 19, 2026.
Onsite Sewage Disposal System (Septic) - Oakland County Read Oct 19, 2026.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2023 five-year estimates (tables B01003, B25034, B25077) Read Oct 19, 2026.
Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency: Michigan Population by County, 1990-2024 (Census data) Read Oct 19, 2026.