Septic System Ordinances
AKA: Point of Sale (POS), Time of Sale/Transfer (TOST), Mandatory septic inspection or pumping
Michigan is the only state without a statewide sanitary code…meaning it is left up to counties or townships to set standards. In Michigan, the public health code charges local health departments with developing and implementing codes regarding water wells and septic systems. Local communities around the state are beginning to pass Time of Sale/Transfer (TOST) septic ordinances (also called Point of Sale, or POS). Time of Sale/Transfer ordinances which require local inspection of well and septic systems prior to the sale of a property.
These are designed to identify well and septic systems that are no longer functioning as designed (or were installed without regard to the code) and then require corrective action if necessary. Older systems, which may not meet current codes, are typically grandfathered in as long as they are still functioning. However, if a system is determined to be failing then repair or replacement is required. There are other policy options that can be considered as well such as a mandatory inspection or a mandatory pumping ordinance.
Additional References
Organization | County | Resource Description | Resource Link |
---|---|---|---|
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council | Charlevoix County | Article: "The Septic Question" | Click here |
Additional Ordinance Examples
Municipality | County | Resource Description | Resource Link |
---|---|---|---|
Milton Township | Antrim County | Septic Inspection and Property Transfer Ordinance | Click here |
Barry County | Barry County | Sanitary Code | Click here |
Benzie County | Benzie County | Sewage and Well Evaluation Form | Click here |
Eaton County | Eaton County | Sanitary Code | Click here |
Long Lake Township | Grand Traverse County | Ordinance 107: Inspection of on Site Sewage Disposal Systems | Click here |
Kalkaska County | Kalkaska County | Sanitary Code Chapter 5: Wastewater and Sewage Disposal | Click here |
Village of Empire | Leelanau County | Ordinance 135: Septic Inspection at Time of Sale | Click here |
Manistee County | Manistee | Sanitary Code Chapter 5: Wastewater and Sewage Disposal | Click here |
Springfield Township | Oakland County | Section 40-639 (b): Lots abutting waterbodies- septic tank minimum setback regulation | Click here |
Shiawassee County | Shiawassee County | Click here | |
Washenaw County | Washtenaw County | Time of Sale Inspection Requirements Program | Click here |