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What Wayne County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Wayne County Environmental Health (Public Health), Wayne, Michigan
Governing code Wayne County Sanitary Code; On-Site Sewage Disposal System Evaluation and Maintenance Ordinance No. 99-527 (effective September 1999)
Inspection at sale Required outside the City of Detroit, per the county page and a 2017 brochure; confirm the wording with the department. A failed system can close with assurance of correction; escrow may be required.
Permit steps A valid permit comes before installation; the county asks for a form, proof of a street address, the 10-digit parcel ID, a survey and legal description for new construction, a plot plan and fees. Permits last one year, per the county's page; confirm with the department.
Installers and evaluators Registered evaluators for time-of-sale work, $150 a year (2024 schedule). No county installer license found.
Published fees Site evaluation, under 1,000 gal/day: $300 (Schedule effective Jan 16, 2024); Septic permit, under 1,000 gal/day: $471 (Same schedule); Septic repair permit: $325 (Same schedule); Health department sale evaluation: $358 (Same schedule); "Transfer evaluation" (the schedule does not explain the term): $161 (Same schedule)
Records Ask Wayne County Environmental Health how to request the permit file for your address.
Checked 2026-10-19 Wayne County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Oakland County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Oakland County Health Division, Environmental Health Services
Governing code Oakland County Health Division Sanitary Code, Article III (septic tank sewage disposal systems) and Article XI (installer licensing), January 2026 compilation
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. We searched the January 2026 Sanitary Code for sale, transfer, real estate and point-of-sale language and found no time-of-sale rule. That is absence in the published text, not a county statement.
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.
Installers and evaluators Unlawful to install, alter or repair a system without a county license ($50 class and exam, $100 a year).
Published fees New residential permit, vacant land: $325 (Effective Oct 1, 2026); Repair or replace, residential: $221 (Same schedule); Alternative-system technology review: $360 (Same schedule); Installer class: $50 (License is $100 a year)
Records The county page offers a Maintaining Your Septic System guide.
Checked 2026-10-19 Oakland County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Macomb County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Macomb County Health Department, Environmental Health Services Division, Mount Clemens
Governing code Macomb County regulation on property transfers (in effect for contracts on or after Aug 1, 2002); the county pages do not name the septic code
Inspection at sale Required before closing. Owner responsible; report to the health department at least 5 days before closing; valid 1 year. A failed result needs a corrective plan and escrow, repairs within 180 days of plan approval.
Permit steps Soil evaluation first (online application, site plan, MISS DIG ticket, backhoe from the applicant), then the septic permit application with parcel ID, legal description and a professionally prepared site plan.
Installers and evaluators County registers property-transfer evaluators ($220). No county installer or pumper license found.
Published fees Soil evaluation: $243 (2026 schedule); New septic permit: $489 (2026 schedule); Repair permit: $150 (2026 schedule); Health department transfer evaluation: $384 (Excludes pumping); Evaluator registration: $220 (Registered evaluators set their own fees)
Records A homeowner pamphlet revised Nov 2023 lists failure signs.
Checked 2026-10-19 Macomb County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Kent County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Kent County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, 700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids; (616) 632-6900
Governing code Sewage Disposal Regulations for Kent County (effective March 27, 1995; posted copy amended 2002)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. The regulations text names no sale requirement. The county's page says a real estate evaluation is often required before selling an existing building, and charges $295 for septic and well.
Permit steps A permit is needed to construct, repair, enlarge or relocate a system; it is valid two years unless extended and is not transferable as to holder or property. A city, village or township may not issue a building permit for a new structure needing a system until the sewage permit exists.
Installers and evaluators The county posts an excavator and septic installer list; the regulations text sets no installer registration.
Published fees Septic and well evaluation: $295 (County application form, 2025); Septic evaluation, municipal water: $250 (Same form); Well evaluation, connected to sewer: $295 (Same form); Missed appointment: $75 (May be charged); Cancelled application, before field work: $50 (Processing fee)
Still to confirm with the county The permit fee schedule, and whether the regulations have changed since 2002, are not in the pages we have. Call Kent County Environmental Health at (616) 632-6900.
Checked 2026-10-19 Kent County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Genesee County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Genesee County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, Flint
Governing code Genesee County Environmental Health Regulations (Chapter VI Sewage Disposal; Chapter VII installer licensing; updated Oct 2025) and Sewage Disposal Construction Standards (changes effective Apr 15, 2026)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No time-of-sale evaluation requirement found. The county sells a records search for realtors, buyers and sellers. Absence in the pages read, not a county statement.
Permit steps Perc test (Part A, valid 5 years; owner supplies backhoe and operator), then septic permit (Part C) with a scaled site plan; permit valid 1 year; health department inspects before backfilling; certificate of inspection before occupancy.
Installers and evaluators Installers must be licensed by the county: written test, application, $35,000 surety bond, $220 a year. Owners may install under Environmental Health supervision.
Published fees Perc test, residential: $220 (Effective July 1, 2025); Septic permit, residential: $220 (In addition to the perc fee); Full replacement permit and inspection: $400 (Tank-only replacement is $100); Records search: $5 (Per address, non-refundable); Installer license: $220 (Per year)
Winter limits Septic field installation barred Dec 15 to Apr 15 without written consent of the health department.
Records Records on written request, up to 5 business days; not available for every property; $5 per address.
Checked 2026-10-19 Genesee County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Washtenaw County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Washtenaw County Health Department, Environmental Health (septic systems pages)
Governing code Rules and Regulations Governing the Supply of Groundwater and the Disposal of Sewage and Human Excreta; Time of Sale regulation
Inspection at sale Required. No sale, transfer or conveyance until the seller files an evaluation by a county-certified inspector and the department authorizes the transfer, unless certified within the previous 12 months. Failed systems: corrective plan within 30 days, escrow of 1.5 times the cost, repairs within 180 days of approval.
Permit steps No one may install or replace a system without department approval (regulation Sec. 3:7). Ask the department for the remaining permit steps, fees and isolation distances.
Installers and evaluators County certifies time-of-sale inspectors (registration, fee, county training). Installer and operation-and-maintenance provider lists are on the county site (read through page titles only).
Records Evaluation reports are kept for as long as the property has a system plus 3 years and are available under FOIA.
Still to confirm with the county Fee schedule not found.
Checked 2026-10-19 Washtenaw County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Ottawa County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Ottawa County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, Holland
Governing code County of Ottawa Environmental Health Regulations (effective September 1, 2016), Article XIII.B Real Estate Evaluation
Inspection at sale Required. Unlawful to sell or transfer without a Real Estate Evaluation; seller gives the buyer the results at closing; a violation can bring a civil citation or misdemeanor ticket. Validity: the code says 12 months and the flyer says six: ask the county.
Permit steps Permit required for new and repair systems; the site must meet the code; permits expire after 24 months; the installer notifies the department for the final inspection before anything is covered and the health officer responds within two working days.
Installers and evaluators Code lets the health officer require training or certification of contractors for alternative systems only, per the county's code as we have it, so confirm with the department; we found no general installer license.
Published fees Private new sewage permit: $743 (Effective Oct 1, 2026; up to 4 site visits); Private repair permit: $486 (Same schedule); Real estate evaluation, sewage only: $347 (Sewage and water together $461); Rush evaluation: $347 (Added to the evaluation fee); Site visit for an existing system: $278 (Same schedule)
Records Evaluation processing can take 3 to 4 weeks.
Checked 2026-10-19 Ottawa County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Ingham County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Ingham County Health Department, Environmental Health, 5303 S. Cedar St, Lansing
Governing code County regulation for inspection of residential onsite water and sewage systems at property transfer, adopted April 25, 2006 (title and number not found)
Inspection at sale Required before closing for residential transfers. Conformance letter valid 12 months; the sale may close with a corrective plan and escrow of 150 percent of the bids, repairs within 180 days.
Permit steps Online well and septic application; the area sanitarian visits for soil borings; conventional permits by the sanitarian; engineered or alternative systems need engineer plans and a plan review fee (read in the county's sale brochure).
Installers and evaluators County certifies point-of-sale inspectors (list dated 09/22/2025). Installer licensing not found.
Records Ask the department how to request records for your address.
Still to confirm with the county Septic permit and point-of-sale fee amounts not found.
Checked 2026-10-19 Ingham County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Kalamazoo County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services, Environmental Health Division, 311 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo; 269-373-5210
Governing code Kalamazoo County Sanitary Code, Article II: Onsite Sewage Treatment Regulations
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. The county describes a Mortgage or Condition Evaluation as the typical inspection for real estate transactions but does not say a sale requires one.
Permit steps Permit first, then installation by a currently registered company or the owner. The private sewage permit includes four site visits.
Installers and evaluators Installers must register ($430 on the 2025 schedule) and complete at least 8 continuing education units a year.
Published fees Private sewage permit: $480 (2025 schedule; includes four site visits); Septic tank only permit: $180 (2025 schedule); Building without a permit (private sewage): $960 (2025 schedule); Mortgage or condition evaluation, well and septic: $270 (2025 schedule; the system must be opened first); Property upgrade or vacant land evaluation: $320 (2025 schedule); Installer registration: $430 (2025 schedule)
Records If you submit a pumping and maintenance record, the county keeps it in the property file.
Still to confirm with the county Whether a sale requires an evaluation, and the 2026 permit fees, are not in the pages we have. Call Kalamazoo County Environmental Health at 269-373-5210.
Checked 2026-10-19 Kalamazoo County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Livingston County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Livingston County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, 2300 E Grand River Ave, Howell
Governing code Livingston County Department of Public Health Sanitary Code, updated March 1, 2013 (Chapter III sewage, IV water supply, VIII installer licensing)
Inspection at sale The county says it has no such rule. The county says it has no point-of-sale program and does not inspect wells or septic systems when a property changes ownership (page last modified March 27, 2026).
Permit steps Approved soil evaluation first (two borings 50 feet apart, 8 feet or more deep, MISS DIG ticket), then the permit within 3 to 5 business days; inspections requested through an online scheduler; permit valid 1 year.
Installers and evaluators Installers must be licensed and bonded ($25,000 bond; $260 new license, $130 renewal). An owner may self-install a conventional system for their own single or two-family home after a license exam.
Published fees Soil evaluation, single-family: $390 (Fee page, year not stated); Permit, new construction or replacement: $520 (Same page); Tank-only permit: $260 (Same page); Alternative technology permit: $780 (Same page); Installer license, new: $260 (Renewal $130)
Records Well and septic records are searchable online (2018 to present).
Checked 2026-10-19 Livingston County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Saginaw County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Saginaw County Health Department, Environmental Health (Waste Water Management / Septic)
Governing code Saginaw County Environmental Health Code (approved Dec 4, 1974; amended 1976, 1980, 1990, 2004; last listed Nov 18, 2020)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No mandatory time-of-sale septic inspection found. The county offers a voluntary mortgage evaluation (buyer or lender) and performance evaluation (owner); it says it is not required to perform them.
Permit steps Permit from the Health Department for a build or replacement where no public sewer or water; site evaluated for soil layers, water table and drainage; permit valid two years; the department inspects before covering; variance appeal available.
Installers and evaluators Installers must register with the county ($155 initial class, $255 per 3 years). Owners may install their own system with a permit.
Published fees Residential septic permit: $585 (Effective Oct 1, 2026; double without a permit); Tank-only permit: $270 (Same schedule); Mortgage or performance evaluation, septic only: $440 (Same schedule); Land evaluation: $400 (Void after 3 years); Installer registration: $255 (Per 3 years)
Records Call the health department to ask how to get the permit file for your address.
Checked 2026-10-19 Saginaw County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Muskegon County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Public Health - Muskegon County, Environmental Health, 1903 Marquette Ave
Governing code Sanitary Regulations, Muskegon County (effective Oct 14, 1984; as amended April 26, 2005)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No time-of-sale rule in the Sanitary Regulations text or on the septic page. Evaluations are available for a fee and described as desirable for buyers. Absence in the published text, not a county statement.
Permit steps A permit is required to install, replace or add to a system; valid 2 years, not transferable. No permit if the stabilized percolation rate is slower than 45 minutes per inch.
Installers and evaluators No county installer license found in the code text searched.
Published fees Septic system permit: $175 (2026 schedule; includes site evaluation and final inspection); Septic tank permit: $115 (Same schedule); Septic evaluation: $150 (Same schedule); Installed without a permit: $230 or $350 (Tank or system)
Records Septic records are kept by the Environmental Health program.
Checked 2026-10-19 Muskegon County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What St. Clair County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems St. Clair County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, 220 Fort Street, Port Huron
Governing code Not found
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No mandatory time-of-sale rule found. The county offers evaluations at the request of an agency or individual as a consultative function.
Permit steps Sewage permit before installing or repairing; application with plot plan, tax ID, legal description and fee; then the area sanitarian does soil borings (backhoe usually needed because of clay).
Installers and evaluators No county installer license found.
Published fees New residential system: $325 (As of Oct 1, 2026); Full replacement: $325 (Same schedule); Tank-only replacement: $175 (Same schedule); Septic evaluation only: $225 (Same schedule)
Winter limits Installation between Dec 1 and Mar 1 is prohibited without prior health department approval.
Records Ask the health department how to request the permit file for your address.
Checked 2026-10-19 St. Clair County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Jackson County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Jackson County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, 1715 Lansing Ave, Jackson
Governing code Not found (a Sanitary Code Board of Appeals exists; the code text was not located)
Inspection at sale The county says it has no such rule. The county says there are no requirements from the health department for private well and onsite wastewater system assessment for residential property transfers.
Permit steps Application with a 10-digit parcel number and grid drawing; sanitarian soil evaluation (backhoe and operator on site); permit issued by the sanitarian; a licensed installer; inspection before completion; check with the township about municipal sewer first.
Installers and evaluators Systems must be installed by a licensed installer (license $80).
Published fees Residential onsite sewage permit: $410 (FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025 to Sept 30, 2026), excludes soil inspection); Residential soil evaluation: $242 (Same schedule); Installer license: $80 (Same schedule); Variance hearing: $308 (Sanitary Code Board of Appeals)
Records Well and septic records after 1972 should be on file; request by phone or email.
Still to confirm with the county Another fiscal-year schedule may apply after Oct 1, 2026.
Checked 2026-10-19 Jackson County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Monroe County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Monroe County Health Department, Environmental Health Division
Governing code Monroe County Environmental Health Sanitary Code, Chapter 5 Onsite Sewage Disposal (May 2007 edition linked)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No time-of-sale or transfer evaluation found on the county page or in Chapter 5. Ask the county whether Chapter 6 or any other part of the code adds a sale rule.
Permit steps Site assessment (soil borings), plans if soils are unsuitable (by a licensed engineer, RS or REHS), permit valid 12 months, then inspections after the gravel bed and piping, of tanks, pumps, alarms and filter, and a final after sand cover and berms.
Installers and evaluators Contractors for hire need a county installation license: written exam and performance bond (license $125 new, $62.50 renewal).
Published fees Site evaluation: $200 (Schedule effective Jan 1, 2024); New residential permit: $250 (Same schedule); Replacement permit: $275 (Same schedule); Tank-only permit: $150 (Same schedule); Contractor license, new: $125 (Renewal $62.50)
Records Ask the county health department how to request the permit file for your address.
Still to confirm with the county Lines read from a two-column layout; confirm amounts with the county.
Checked 2026-10-19 Monroe County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Berrien County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Berrien County Health Department, Environmental Health, 2149 E Napier Ave., Benton Harbor; 269-927-5623
Governing code Berrien County Sewage Disposal Ordinance #17 (adopted 1967, last amended August 19, 2010)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. The ordinance text names no sale requirement. The county says staff evaluate well and septic systems before a house is sold when requested.
Permit steps A permit from the Health Officer is needed to construct, alter, extend or replace a system; none is needed to repair the pipe from the house to the tank or from the tank to the field. Permits are not transferable to a person or a place.
Installers and evaluators Anyone installing systems for a living must register with the Health Department each calendar year.
Published fees Sewage system evaluation: $160 (2026 application; confirm by phone); Water and sewage evaluation together: $325 (2026 application); Water supply evaluation only: $185 (2026 application)
Still to confirm with the county The current permit fee schedule, and whether the ordinance has been amended since 2010, are not in the pages we have. Call Berrien County Environmental Health at 269-927-5623.
Checked 2026-10-19 Berrien County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Calhoun County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Calhoun County Public Health Department, Environmental Public Health
Governing code Not found on the county's published pages
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No rule found on the county's published page. The page lists on-site water supply evaluations but does not describe a sale rule.
Permit steps Well and septic permits through the county online portal.
Records The permit file for your address is a question for the health department; call before you list.
Still to confirm with the county Main line on the page: 269-781-0700.
Checked 2026-10-19 Calhoun County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Allegan County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Allegan County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, 3255 122nd Avenue, Suite 200, Allegan; (269) 673-5415
Governing code Allegan County Water and Sewage Regulations (effective November 20, 1997)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. The regulations text names no sale requirement. The department takes applications to evaluate an existing system at a transfer of ownership.
Permit steps A construction permit comes first. It expires after one year, can be extended one year if requested before it expires, and is not transferable to a person or place.
Installers and evaluators Only a licensed pumper may remove sewage from a system.
Published fees Evaluation, well and septic with water sample: $275 (Form dated 2018; ask for the current fee); Evaluation, septic only: $225 (Same form); Evaluation, well only with water sample: $225 (Same form)
Records Evaluation applications must be processed within a goal of 14 business days.
Still to confirm with the county The current fee schedule, and whether the regulations have changed since 1997, are not in the pages we have. Call Allegan County Environmental Health at (269) 673-5415.
Checked 2026-10-19 Allegan County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Eaton County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Environmental Health
Governing code Barry-Eaton Sanitary Code (no adoption date shown on the page read)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No time-of-transfer rule found in the county's published pages. The fee schedule lists a change-of-use review and a septic and water review form but no transfer evaluation line.
Permit steps Online portal for applications, complaints and records requests; site evaluation considers distances to wells, surface water and county drains and the availability of public sewer; a pump card form is posted.
Installers and evaluators Certified installers required only for low-pressure dose mounds over slowly permeable soils, lagoons and alternative pretreatment systems ($207); conventional systems do not need one.
Published fees New-construction sewage permit: $469 (FY2027 schedule); Replacement system, including site evaluation: $523 (Same schedule); Tank-only permit: $260 (Same schedule); Low-pressure dose mound: $1,135 (Same schedule); Alternative system, new construction: $1,333 (Same schedule)
Winter limits No winter restriction on the page read.
Still to confirm with the county Typical pumping advice on the page: every 2 to 3 years (advice, not a mandate).
Checked 2026-10-19 Eaton County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Bay County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Bay County Health Department, Environmental Health Division
Governing code Sanitary Code of Bay County and a Well and Septic Code (ask the department for the text)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No sale rule found in the county's published pages. Lenders often ask for a loan evaluation, which requires a septage hauler on site to pump the tank.
Permit steps Application processed within 21 calendar days; permits do not transfer to new owners; appeals to the Health Officer within 10 days of issuance; a public online septic map exists.
Installers and evaluators Contractors must register before installing: written proctored exam, 70 percent to pass, three-year registration expiring Dec 31.
Published fees New septic permit: $333 (2026 schedule, revised Jan 7, 2026); Replacement permit: $333 (Same schedule); Vacant-land evaluation: $251 (Same schedule); Tank-only replacement: $251 (Same schedule); Loan evaluation, sewage only: $251 (Sewage and well $397)
Winter limits No installation ban; on frozen soil the applicant must dig a 5-foot trench for the evaluation.
Records Public online septic system map.
Still to confirm with the county No mandatory pumping interval or sewer connection rule found in the county's published pages.
Checked 2026-10-19 Bay County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Lenawee County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Lenawee County Health Department
Governing code Not found (the page names no sanitary code)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No time-of-sale rule found in the sewage, environmental health, wells or FAQ pages read.
Permit steps Site evaluation of isolation from water supplies, soil permeability, seasonal high water table and land area; permit; online payment portal.
Installers and evaluators Installers are licensed by the county ($50 exam, $80 annual license expiring May 31); pump-and-haul operators register annually ($50).
Published fees Construction permit, single or two-family: $205 (Schedule printed as updated Feb 24, 2026; $355 with multiple inspections); Onsite evaluation, up to 3 holes: $205 (Same schedule); Tank-only evaluation and permit: $355 (Same schedule); Installer license: $80 (Per year; exam $50)
Records Records request process not found.
Checked 2026-10-19 Lenawee County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Grand Traverse County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Grand Traverse County Health Department, Environmental Health
Governing code Grand Traverse County Regulation for the Evaluation of On-Site Water and Sewage Disposal Systems at the Time of Property Transfer (adopted May 21, 2025; effective Jan 1, 2026)
Inspection at sale Required for premises with an onsite sewage or water system and a dwelling within 300 feet of surface water. Evaluated and approved before sale unless certified within the preceding 36 months; corrective plan within 30 days, escrow of 1.5 times the cost, work within 180 days of approval unless weather prohibits.
Permit steps Online permit portal (EPIC GT); a tax parcel map viewer helps check the 300-foot rule.
Installers and evaluators Time-of-transfer evaluators must be registered and certified by the county. Installer or hauler licensing not addressed on the pages read.
Published fees New residential septic permit: $545 (2026 schedule); Replacement permit: $360 (Same schedule); Tank-only permit: $160 (Same schedule); Site evaluation, up to 3 hand auger holes: $330 (Same schedule); Transfer evaluation review, septic only: $200 (Well and septic $300; the evaluator charges separately); Records search and copies: $20 (Per parcel)
Records Records search and copies $20 per parcel; archived well and septic records portal.
Still to confirm with the county The On-Site Septic page says nothing about winter rules, pumping intervals or setbacks.
Checked 2026-10-19 Grand Traverse County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Lapeer County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Lapeer County Health Department, 1800 Imlay City Rd, Lapeer
Governing code Not found
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No rule found in the sewage, environmental health or drinking water pages read. The forms list a construction or change-of-use evaluation and a site evaluation for vacant land only.
Permit steps Downloadable PDF forms: vacant-land site evaluation, permit application, plan review, construction or change-of-use evaluation. No online portal.
Installers and evaluators Not found: any county license or registration for installers.
Records Environmental Health Records Request Form (PDF).
Still to confirm with the county No fee schedule found.
Checked 2026-10-19 Lapeer County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Midland County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Midland County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services Division
Governing code Midland County Environmental Health Code (effective Nov 7, 1994; amended March 6, 2018)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No mandatory time-of-sale rule found in the code text. A mortgage evaluation for sales and refinancing is offered and not mandatory; an existing-system evaluation is mandatory only when replacing a structure.
Permit steps Septic permit applications are not available online; online payment, a records and FOIA request form and a GIS map exist; a township inspector list is posted.
Installers and evaluators Anyone installing systems for a business must register with the department (code 302.1); homeowners may install their own with a permit.
Published fees Residential septic permit: $250 (2026 schedule); Repair up to 2,000 gal/day: $400 (Same schedule); Tank only: $100 (Same schedule); Raw land evaluation: $135 (No credit toward the permit); Mortgage evaluation, not mandatory: $160 (Same schedule)
Records Records and FOIA request form; GIS map.
Checked 2026-10-19 Midland County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Clinton County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Mid-Michigan District Health Department (Clinton, Gratiot, Montcalm), Clinton branch office, St. Johns
Governing code Mid-Michigan District Health Department Environmental Health Regulations (effective March 2019)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. A mortgage evaluation is offered by application and appears to be a loan service.
Permit steps Vacant land evaluation first ($215), then the sewage permit; applications by mail, in person or email (no online portal); a Letter of Transfer form moves a permit to a new owner.
Installers and evaluators Anyone installing a sewage system in Clinton, Gratiot or Montcalm counties must register with the district department; owners may install their own with a permit (not alternative systems).
Published fees New sewage permit: $250 (Schedule for Oct 1, 2026 to Sept 30, 2027); Vacant land evaluation: $215 (Required first); Replacement sewage system: $280 (Same schedule); Mortgage septic evaluation: $220 (Septic and water $370)
Records FOIA records request form.
Still to confirm with the county Winter limits and a pumping interval were not found; the isolation table's layout could not be confirmed.
Checked 2026-10-19 Clinton County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Van Buren County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Van Buren/Cass District Health Department, Van Buren office
Governing code Van Buren/Cass District Public Health Department Environmental Health Code (effective Feb 1, 1997; posted file labeled 2025 with later amendments)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No time-of-sale rule found in the code text read. Home loan inspections are offered as a service.
Permit steps Online application and payment for septic permits and inspections; work under a permit by a registered installer or the resident owner.
Installers and evaluators Sewage work must be done by a registered installer (registered with the district department) or by the resident owner. Pumpers must meet Part 117.
Published fees Single-family sanitation permit: $300 (Schedule effective Jan 1, 2026); Renewal within 6 months: $150 (Same schedule); Home loan inspection, sewage only: $175 (Both well and sewage $250)
Records Ask the health department how permit files are released for your address.
Still to confirm with the county Connection to an available public sewer is required within 18 months of written notice.
Checked 2026-10-19 Van Buren County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Shiawassee County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Shiawassee County Health Department, Environmental Health Division
Governing code A Sanitary Code (ask the department for the text) and the county ordinance Regulations for the Inspection of On-Site Water and Sewage Disposal Systems at the Time of Property Transfer (adopted June 28, 2001)
Inspection at sale Required. No sale, transfer or conveyance until the seller files an evaluation by a county-certified inspector and septage hauler and the department authorizes the transfer. Valid if certification was done within 12 months; the tank must be serviced if not pumped within two years. Failed systems: corrective plan within 30 days, work within 180 days, escrow of 1.5 times the cost.
Permit steps Point of Sale page offers buyer and seller information, a request form, an inspector application and the list of certified inspectors; online fee payment.
Installers and evaluators Point-of-sale inspectors must be registered ($195 certification, $300 training, insurance). Installers register ($195).
Published fees New septic permit, conventional: $362 (2026 schedule); Repair or replacement, existing development: $243 (Same schedule); Tank replacement only: $118 (Same schedule); Point-of-sale evaluation by the department, sewage only: $502 (Well and septic $747; plus a processing fee)
Records Evaluation reports are public under FOIA and kept for as long as the property has a system plus 3 years.
Still to confirm with the county The ordinance text is the 2001 version; later amendments were not checked.
Checked 2026-10-19 Shiawassee County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Ionia County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Ionia County Health Department
Governing code Not found
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. No rule found on the county's published pages. A loan evaluation is offered for real estate transactions or refinancing of private residences only.
Permit steps Permits for all onsite sewage systems including repairs; soil and site evaluation after application and fee payment; phone and on-site consultations.
Records Ask the health department how to request the permit file for your address.
Still to confirm with the county Fee schedule, sanitary code and installer rules not found.
Checked 2026-10-19 Ionia County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Montcalm County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Mid-Michigan District Health Department (Clinton, Gratiot, Montcalm), Montcalm office
Governing code Mid-Michigan District Health Department Environmental Health Regulations (effective March 2019)
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code. Mortgage and real estate evaluations are offered by application; the tank must be pumped and a pump card received before the report is released.
Permit steps Vacant land evaluation first ($215), then the sewage permit; Letter of Transfer form; public records request form.
Installers and evaluators Anyone installing a sewage system in the district must register; a registered installer list and a septage hauler directory are posted.
Published fees New sewage permit: $250 (Schedule for Oct 1, 2026 to Sept 30, 2027); Vacant land evaluation: $215 (Required first); Replacement sewage system: $280 (Same schedule); Septic system evaluation: $220 (Septic and water $370)
Records Public records request form; no online lookup found.
Still to confirm with the county No winter rule or mandatory pumping interval found.
Checked 2026-10-19 Montcalm County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
What Marquette County publishes Each line carries its source, and the county page shows the date checked. Rules and fees change every year, so confirm with the health department before you rely on a line.
Who permits septic systems Marquette County Health Department, Environmental Health
Governing code Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code of Marquette County (effective Jan 1, 2022; Technical Manual revised 8-24-23); ask the department for the text
Inspection at sale No rule found in the county's published code.
Permit steps Applications may be emailed to the Environmental Health administrator; credit card payments online.
Installers and evaluators A sewage system installer license ($75) and a Licensed Installers list are on the county site.
Published fees Onsite sewage permit, single or two-family: $368 (2026 fee list); Septic tank permit only: $184 (Same list); Site evaluation: $277 (Same list); Existing-system evaluation with records: $184 (Without records $277); Installer license: $75 (Same list)
Records Free online Well and Septic Property Records Search by tax ID, name, road or address.
Checked 2026-10-19 Marquette County page
Septic inspection Does Michigan require a septic inspection when you sell a house? County by county
We have not researched this county Your county or district health department sets septic permits and sale rules under its own sanitary code, or under EGLE's Michigan Criteria, whichever is more stringent. Ask it three things: who permits systems at your address, whether an evaluation is required at sale, and where your permit file and as-built drawing are, which EPA says the local permitting authority usually holds. EGLE says pumpers need EGLE septage waste servicing and vehicle licenses everywhere in the state.
Septic inspection Michigan has no statewide septic code: what exists and what Senate Bill 771 would change