Ottawa County, Michigan septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Ottawa County Department of Public Health — Environmental Public Health / Well & Septic Program

Ottawa County Department of Public Health, Environmental Public Health; Holland office, 12251 James St., Holland, MI 49424; Environmental Health phone 616-393-5645; [email protected].

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 Public Health administers private septic permitting

Ottawa County Department of Public Health states that permits are required for installation of all new and repair sewage-disposal/septic systems. Environmental Public Health provides the application and inspection services.

Site evaluation is required before permit issuance

Ottawa County states that, before a septic permit is issued, the site must be evaluated for compliance with the Ottawa County Environmental Health Code. The county also offers a vacant-land evaluation to preliminarily assess suitability for development using onsite wells and septic.

New and repair systems have separate permit categories

The county fee schedule separately identifies private new sewage permits, repair sewage permits, semi-public permits, and elevated pressurized mound/alternative-system design permits. Applicants should use the project-specific category and verify current fees before filing.

Real-estate transfer evaluation is a county program

Ottawa County operates a Real Estate Transfer Evaluation Program and states that a septic system and/or water supply system evaluation must be completed before transfer of ownership. Property transactions should follow the county program rather than relying only on a private home inspection.

Alternative and semi-public projects can require additional review

Ottawa County separately identifies alternative-system design permits and semi-public sewage permits, so projects beyond a conventional private residential system may require a different application and review path.

Official sources

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