Septic permit rules and requirements in Michigan
In Michigan, the state sets the rule. The septic permit comes from your local health department. Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, § 333.2413 · checked 2026-09-12
Your local health department
Issues the permit
checked 2026-09-12
Who decides a septic permit in Michigan
Your local health department issues the permit. The state sets the floor.
State law requires every county to run a county health department. Counties may join together to form a district health department instead.
Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, § 333.2413 · checked 2026-09-12
Whether Michigan counts what it permits
Yes. Michigan publishes septic permit counts by state.
The unit publishes a yearly report from what the 44 local health departments submit. It gives one statewide permit total, not a county breakdown.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — 2023 Statewide Failed Sewage System Evaluation Summary Report · checked 2026-09-12
Counties with rules of their own
The state writes the code. Each county below adds rules of its own. Open the county to read them with their sources.
| County | Sets itself |
|---|---|
| Kent County | tank size · property-line setback · permit fee |
| Livingston County | tank size · property-line setback · owner installer exam · drywell ban · required install inspections |
| Oakland County | permit fee · tank size · residential lot size |
Sources
State records only. Each figure above has a government source and a checked-on date. County figures live on the county pages.
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here with your local health department before you spend money on it.