Septic permits and fees in Kent County, Michigan
A septic system permit in Kent County costs $250. The county sets that fee in its own schedule. State rules fix the tank floor at 1,500 gallons. A property line needs 10 feet of clearance. Kent County Health Department — Application for Residential Septic/Well Project · checked 2026-09-23
$250
Septic system permit
checked 2026-09-23
1,500 gallons
Tank floor, state rule
checked 2026-09-23
10 feet
From a property line
checked 2026-09-23
Which septic permit applies in Kent County?
The septic system permit, and it starts with the site evaluation. The county evaluates the soil and the site before it issues a permit. A percolation test is one accepted method. The county may instead use soil borings, direct observation, or a review of USDA soil maps. The permit follows a passing evaluation. The building permit follows the septic permit.
Kent County Health Department — Sewage Disposal Regulations for Kent County, Michigan, § 601.8.3 · checked 2026-09-23
What are the current septic fees in Kent County?
$250 for a septic system permit, on the county's own fee schedule.
Applies to a new septic system, the base tier of five permit and evaluation fees.
| Septic Tank Only | $150 | any system |
|---|---|---|
| Septic (New) | $250 | any system |
| Pressurized Mound System | $400 | a system the source lists as pressurized mound system; the source's own word is 'Mound', which is not one of the fixed system_type values, so it is left unstructured rather than mapped to alternative/aerobic/etc |
The county charges a different fee for a site evaluation, a tank-only permit, and a repair permit. A pressurized mound system permit costs even more. The Kent County Board of Health sets and revises these fees.
Kent County Health Department — Application for Residential Septic/Well Project · checked 2026-09-23
What state law fixes for every Michigan system
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1,500 gallons minimum septic tank capacity
Applies to a single or two-family home of three bedrooms or fewer.
A four-bedroom home needs a larger tank. Each bedroom after that adds more capacity. Michigan sets no statewide minimum tank size. This is Kent County's own rule.
Kent County Health Department — Sewage Disposal Regulations for Kent County, Michigan, Table VI-B (§ 603.4.1) · checked 2026-09-23
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10 feet from any property line
This is the distance from a septic tank, dosing tank, drainfield, or seepage pit to any property line. Michigan sets no statewide property line setback.
Kent County Health Department — Sewage Disposal Regulations for Kent County, Michigan, Table VI-A (§ 601.4) · checked 2026-09-23
Where do you file the application with the county environmental health office?
The county environmental health office, 616-632-6900.
Kent County, MI — Septic & Well · checked 2026-09-23
The steps, in the county's order
- Fill out the residential well and septic application. Include a site plan, and for new construction a survey and house plans.
- Call MISS Dig to mark underground utilities before the site visit. An unmarked lot may delay your service.
- Pay the fee for the service you request. The county requires payment before it performs the work.
- A specialist evaluates the site and the soil. The county may use a percolation test or another accepted method.
- The Health Officer issues the permit when the site and design meet the county's rules. The permit stays valid for two years and cannot transfer to a new owner or site.
- Call for a final inspection before you cover any part of the system. The county tries to respond within two working days.
Kent County Health Department — Application for Residential Septic/Well Project · checked 2026-09-23
How do you get a copy of your septic permit record in Kent County?
Ask the county environmental health office for the permit record for the property. Call 616-632-6900 or start at its website.
Kent County, MI — Staff Directory, Environmental Health Division · checked 2026-09-23
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Kent County, MI — Staff Directory, Environmental Health Division
- Kent County, MI — Septic & Well
- Kent County Health Department — Application for Residential Septic/Well Project
- Kent County Health Department — Sewage Disposal Regulations for Kent County, Michigan, § 601.8.3
- USDA NRCS Soil Data Access (SSURGO)
- Kent County Health Department — Application for Sanitary Facility/Real Estate Evaluation
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here before you spend money on it. Call the county environmental health office, on 616-632-6900.