Oakland County, Michigan septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Oakland County Health Division — Environmental Health / Onsite Sewage Disposal System Program

Oakland County Health Division; North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Building 34 East, Pontiac, MI 48341; 248-858-1280. Septic-program questions are handled by Environmental Health.

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.

County Health Division is the local permitting authority

Michigan EGLE identifies onsite wastewater as a required local-health-department service. Oakland County Health Division publishes the county permit, soil-evaluation, inspection, installer-licensing, and appeal process for onsite sewage disposal systems.

New, replacement, alteration, and repair work use county permits

Oakland County distinguishes new onsite sewage disposal permits from repair permits. The county states that replacement, alteration, or repair of an existing residential onsite system requires a Repair Onsite Sewage Disposal System Permit Application; new residential systems use the new-system permit process.

A county-observed soil evaluation precedes approval

For the county perc/soil evaluation, an applicant submits the septic permit application and fee and arranges excavation of test holes. An Oakland County sanitarian must be present. The county evaluates soils, water table, available space, and other site conditions before issuing a permit.

Installation requires inspection before covering

Oakland County states that inspections required for a project are noted on the permit. When no special inspection is listed, a final inspection before the system is covered is required.

Installers must be licensed by Oakland County

Oakland County Sanitary Code requires a person installing, constructing, altering, or repairing an onsite sewage disposal system to hold an Oakland County Health Division installer license. The county describes required training/testing and annual licensing.

Official sources

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