Kent County, Michigan septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Kent County Health Department — Environmental Health Division / Septic & Well Program

Kent County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, 700 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; 616-632-6900 for Environmental Health services; general Health Department 616-632-7100.

Michigan onsite-wastewater framework

Michigan EGLE states that onsite wastewater management is a required local-health-department service under the Michigan Public Health Code. EGLE provides oversight and technical support, while local health departments review and approve ordinary residential onsite systems. Larger or specialized systems can involve additional state review.

Confirm sewer availability and project scope first

These county programs apply to onsite sewage disposal. Municipal sewer availability, wastewater flow, commercial use, additions or bedroom increases, alternative treatment, and large-capacity systems can change the required approval path. Confirm current local and state requirements before excavation or construction.

Kent County Health Department administers septic review

Kent County Health Department Environmental Health Division publishes the residential septic/well project application and the county septic-and-well permitting/evaluation program.

Site approval is not permission to install

Kent County explicitly states on its residential application that approval of a site evaluation does not constitute a permit to install a well or septic system. The applicable permit must be applied for and issued before construction begins.

County distinguishes new, repair, tank-only, and mound work

Kent County provides separate application categories for a new septic system, repair/replacement septic system, septic-tank-only work, and pressurized mound systems. A site evaluation may be required depending on the proposed project.

Permits and site evaluations have a stated validity period

Kent County states that permits and site evaluations are valid for two years and are non-transferable. Owners should confirm validity before relying on an older approval for construction or a property transfer.

Utility marking is required before county site visits

Kent County states that all services require MISS DIG marking for underground utilities before the site visit. An unmarked property can delay or postpone the county service.

Official sources

SepticScope summarizes public-agency information for planning purposes. The permitting agency's current instructions control if they differ from this guide.