Central Michigan District Health Department - Sewage Permits

Central Michigan District Health Department

Septic Permit Application and Process

1. Application: Apply for a permit. Click here to download a permit application.
2. Contact: A Health Department representative may contact you to schedule the appointment or follow up with your application. The assigned Sanitarian may also contact you prior to the site visit. 
3. Site preparation: If capable, the homeowner should prepare a 4’ deep hole where they would like to see the new drain field. (Usually completed with post hole diggers.) This hole shall be flagged. If unable, the homeowner shall request MISS DIG come to make the utilities and contact the Sanitarian when they have been to the site. 
4. Site Evaluation: A sanitarian will evaluate the proposed site to determine if the site is suitable for an on-site septic system based on the requirements of the sanitary code. Some of the specific items that are examined during the evaluation are:

• Soil type and permeability 
• Depth to seasonal high water table 
• Slope 
• Horizontal separation distance from wells, surface waters, property lines. 
• Amount of suitable area available 
• Area hydrogeology 
• Runoff patterns 
• Proposed land use 
• Easements, right-of-ways, & building setbacks 
• Location of buried utilities and other site improvements 
• Existing development on adjacent lots 

1. Permit approval: The Sanitarian will issue your permit. It will be sent via email or mail, based on your application information. 

New build sites differ in the following ways from general application process: A septic permit is required from the health department prior to obtaining a building permit. Prior to the site visit, a vacant property must be marked/flagged so the Sanitarian can identify the location. Any construction prior to permit issuance is a violation of the sanitary code. A Reserve area for future replacement of the drainfield is required. No variations or deviations are allowed. Any applicable local codes must also be followed (I.e. subdivisions.)

*Info obtained from Central Michigan District Health Department website on May 30, 2024. Please click the button below to view the information directly on their website.*