Septic Permits & Evaluations

The Environmental Health program maintains records for on-site sewage disposal systems in Muskegon County. Individuals with questions about their system, or who are trying to locate their system should call 231-724-6208.

Muskegon County has had minimum installation standards in place for on-site sewage disposal systems since 1956. Improperly located and/or sized systems are known to cause disease outbreaks and contamination to drinking water supplies and surface water.

Permit Required

A permit is required for the following:

  • Installation of a new on-site sewage disposal system.
  • Replacement of an existing sewage disposal system.
  • Addition to an existing sewage disposal system.

Resources

Regulations

Forms

Existing Septic System Evaluations

Existing system evaluations are available for a fee. The evaluation is desirable for property buyers utilizing on-site sewage disposal systems to ensure the system is in good working order. An existing system evaluation includes a written description of the system, and judgment on whether the system construction is adequate. 

Tank integrity, the presence of a baffle and overall size and depth of the system are taken into consideration. The absorption field is probed to determine if solids are beginning to limit capacity. When the system operation is questionable, the sanitarian will drill bore holes into the drainfield to determine if it is under pressure, or if a biomat is restricting infiltration.

Forms

Additional Information

Contact Information

For more information, call 231-724-6208.